I just finished U-33's first patrol and have uploaded it to the google doc. We all should give gap a virtual round of applause (if not a standing ovation) for his incredible work on this generator. It is very straighforward and user-friendly, but the data it magically generates is anything but simple. I'm actually astounded by how easy it is to use.
Before we open the floodgates and start the project for real, I think it would be best if each person does a single patrol--consider it a shakedown cruise. Then we can discuss any problems and offer suggestions for further refinement. If all goes well, I will start a new thread that will contain a concise summary of the project, step-by-step instructions for data collection, and U-boat assignments for each volunteer. I will update the assigments regularly so that you only need to glance at the first post to be reminded where to begin.
For now, let's each look at a single patrol:
- Sartoris: U-34, 1st patrol (19/8/39-26/9/39)
- V13dweller: U-34, 2nd patrol (17/10/39-12/11/39)
- volodya61: U-34, 3rd patrol (1/1/40-6/2/40)
- Targor Avelany: U-34, 4th patrol (11/3/40-30/3/40)
- keysersoze: U-34, 5th & 6th patrols (3/4/40-30/4/40, 22/6/40-18/7/40)
- gap: U-34, 7th patrol (23/7/40-3/8/40)
Is this okay with everyone? I think I included all those who expressed interest in helping, but let me know if I have excluded anybody. In the future, we will assign U-boat ranges, rather than single patrols.
Please post any suggestions or difficulties so we can create the most efficient process possible. This is exciting stuff guys! It will be a long process, but this could take SH5 to another level of dynamism, immersion, and fun.
EDIT: @gap - One suggestion I forgot to mention was perhaps allowing us to tag whether a ship was sunk by gunfire. uboat.net has a list of every merchant vessel sunk, so it is generally quite easy to determine whether it was a torpedo attack or deck gun attack. This could be very important for determining torpedo loadout for certain patrols. For example, on U-33's second patrol, she sank three small fishing vessels (all about 300 GRT) with her deck gun. I'm concerned that if I record three ships as sunk or damaged on this day, I will unnecessarily deprive Kplt. von Dresky of many of his eels.