Quote:
Originally Posted by TorpX
I think eyeballing (calling AOB) and plot methods should be considered complementry; that is one assists the other. If you mean by plot methods, using map contact updates, I agree this is much easier. I know O'Kane used both his observations and info from the plot for his attacks. The plot could not eliminate the need for visual estimates of AOB, because the target was usually following a zig-zag course, and it was necessary to know the base course and be able to anticipate the next zig. If one had to rely only on stadimeter ranging and plot (without knowing AOB), a course change or zig would only become evident well after the target was into the new course. By the same token, using visual estimates alone, would leave one without a good overall view, masking errors in observation and making an effective approach or "end-around" much more difficult. In short, using both techniques together, minimizes the weaknesses of each.
If the periscope method for obtaining AOB you refer to, is what I think you mean, some have posted that there was a periscope device designed to give an AOB reading, comparable to the stadimeter. I don't know the details, but it would require knowing the length of the ship in question. Of course, it is not represented in the game. Cap'nScurvy is/ was working on something that would accomplish this type of task. Perhaps this is what you refer to? In any case, it is a handy skill to have in this game. I always found it to be fairly difficult to make a decent AOB estimate, though one improves with practice, I suppose. 
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Sorry mate, took me ages to check on that one. Yes I meant using the plot to the point right before you raise scope. Then after raising scope, use the eye only and the previous data gathered to formulate a solution. Although I suspect it would be easier in our case to use the eye (since they zig only if you're sighted, not if you're well invisible under favourable conditions).
About the periscope thingy, you partially got it right (if you're referring to the height/length ratio method). But this requires a mod and memorizing the ships indexes.
I care more about speed since if speed and range are somewhat close but off, the corner stone to the equation is the aob afterall, which I'd like to guess and train my eye on guessing it. I've made a note of ruler markings over cms increments for mercs lengths (for example when I see a conte verde, I would remember length was 173 more or less ((fractions dont matter as far as I would go since I aim for realism and they did not have split second tickers back in the days, so a rough value is in order))), --< because I see the notepaper on the wall with 17 cm line on the scale readout))
In the end alot of torpedoes either dud or active but deep runners, had these skippers to the nose, and why should we not taste the bitter sweet and agony they felt too?