Realism Newbie Tips

[ExiledFish]

Hello,

I've been lurking round this Forum for a while now, but have only just decided to register properly.... I hope it's okay to start a new post like this, and I apologise if it's not

SH3 and SH4 were the first submarine sims I've ever played, but up until now I've always kept some of the Unrealism settings (57% realism, to be precise) firmly ticked - mainly because of my lack of knowledge of the basics. Unlimited Fuel and Automatic Targeting being the main two (though I do have Dud Torps, Realistic loading and Limited batteries, if that helps give me a tiny bit of credit *cue laughter* ).

After finding this Forum and reading a lot of members posts, I think I'd like to steadily up the realism - perhaps not all the way to 100 (I like the Free Camera y'see) but I especially want to conquer limted fuel and Manual targeting, and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips?

I've seen plenty of helpful threads about Targeting, so perhaps I'll specifically ask about the fuel for now- are there any rules of thumb or yardsticks regarding the fuel consumption vs speed? I assume all the cruising will have to be done at 1/3 engines - but how much leeway does that give you if, say, you wish to do an end around on a Fast/Medium convoy and have to go up to Flank speed? What about maximum ranges and the like?

Might it better to learn through the Single Missions rather than start a new Campaign? I'm using the 1.2 patch and the Flavored to Taste mod.

This post's a bit longer than I'd intended but anyway, Hello, I hope to learn lots from you knowledgable folk.

Cheers,

[ReallyDedPoet]

WelcomeExiledFish

There is some stuff on this here, see below

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...el+consumption

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...el+consumption


RDP

[Strangelove]

If you're going to be using fuel consumption, I highly recommend download the Trigger Maru mod, since it gives you a bit more leeway in terms of range (as well as all sorts of other goodness). For long distance cruises I generally go at 2/3 speed, raising speed as appropriate for interceptions. I usually only go to 1/3 when I want to run silent.

[MaxT.dk]

Welcome aboard, matey! Ahoooooy

[Bane]

Welcome ExiledFish!

If you're not against using mods I would suggest taking a look at the Keyboard Function Mod 1.2 by CCIP. It's for SH4 and adds some additional funtions that are useful for managing fuel, most notably Shift+G which will tell you your maximum range at your current speed.

This is also available in SH3 by clicking on your Nav Officer, Reports and then Max Range at Current Speed.

Basically, the Maximum Range at Current Speed report is essential when playing with limited fuel in my opinion.

[AVGWarhawk]

Welcome aboard! For your fuel issue, unmodded, cruise at manually set 10 kts. When I leave PH I go to Midway at flank for a refuel. From there to the Japanese coast I manually set 10 kts. This will give over 3/4 of a tank when you arrive to start patrolling. Plenty to run the coast of Japan and make it home.

[ExiledFish]

Thankyou everyone for the advice and links, I've just found the Search function, so will employ that more in future

Just tried a single mission at 88% (just the camera turned on), and managed to complete the mission and sink a destroyer that was being a bit of a nuisance. Huzzah! My first manual kill, I must paint a little Rising Sun flag on my computer to celebrate!

And now I'll stop cheering, because sinking things with manual targeting seems to be common currency here

[sunvalleyslim]

ExiledFish,
Welcome Aboard Mate,
As you stated once I also lurked about the site, but I began to realize that the skippers here would always have an answer for me, so I ventured forth. You are always welcome and remember there are no wrong questions, we're here to help.........