Shadowing a convoy is a lot of work. This one was running at 4 knots, which is why it worked out so well. You have to do quite a bit of calculating to end up at the right intersection point to begin with after you get the report of a convoy or otherwise spot them. They slow down quite a bit when zig zagging after you first strike.
I often try to bait patrols that are too agressive to ignoe so that they end up in the right firing posistion. I also have lots of close calls with depth charges. I've learned a few tricks with the IXB that I couldn't do in the VII. That extra little bit of power comes in handy.
If you run just out of visual range (before radar) and dip under every so often and take a manual listen on the hydrophones you can stalk them until your fuel runs out. Be sure to watch for the lateral patrols as they often swing out quickly to see if anyone is there. They're really sneaky sometimes. Early in the war most navy crews are in experienced and lousy gunners.
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