Scapa Flow: Easier than its meant to be?

Kaptlt.Endrass · 04-22-14, 12:47 AM

I started a new campaign recently in 1939 as captain of the U-47. It was getting close to October 14th and I decided to sneak into Scapa. I took the same route that was historically taken by Prien. Aside from the few blockships and patrols inside and outside of the harbor, I met no problems at all. I sunk the Royal Oak and took the same route out, having only one destroyer on me that made two or three passes causing no damage. My question is, is Scapa Flow as hard as GWX intends it to be?

banryu79 · 04-22-14, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaptlt.Endrass

I started a new campaign recently in 1939 as captain of the U-47. It was getting close to October 14th and I decided to sneak into Scapa. I took the same route that was historically taken by Prien. Aside from the few blockships and patrols inside and outside of the harbor, I met no problems at all. I sunk the Royal Oak and took the same route out, having only one destroyer on me that made two or three passes causing no damage. My question is, is Scapa Flow as hard as GWX intends it to be?

My bet? The available torpedoes in the game are far, far more relaible than the ones Prien had

Oh, this and the fact that we are playing a game, I think.

Jimbuna · 04-22-14, 05:37 AM

Historically as accurate as possible...Prien got in, sank the BB and got out.

RConch · 04-22-14, 07:15 AM

He didn't suffer any problems other than the crappy torps.
Sounds pretty historical to me.
You had good hunting and so did he.

banryu79 · 04-22-14, 07:29 AM

Well, remember that Prien or maybe his NO had to fight with the strong currents (consider this aspect coupled with the blockships)... the game doesn't model that AFAIK nor the possibilities to be spotted by people on the land near the passages (it looks like Prien run this risk too).
And have I already said to consider the crap crap torpedoes he got to work with?

Remember: you are only playing a game after all

Sailor Steve · 04-22-14, 10:48 AM

Scapa is about right for that one mission at that one time. Shortly after that they blocked that channel completely. Any other naval base was close to impossible. In the game places like Portsmouth and Loch Ewe, and Scapa Flow after 1939, are far too easy.

Kaptlt.Endrass · 04-24-14, 11:57 PM

Well, I have duds enabled and the first volley did miss. Only three from the second hit, but I was lucky and hit the engine room and the second gun battery ammunition storage. Could it have to do with conditions? It was dark and a moonless night, around 0134 hours, with a very slight chop on the surface.

As a note to all, the Gulf of Wales in early 1940 is extremely good for large cargo ships with ammo, especially approaching Merthyr and Bristol. There aren't too many air patrols, and Merthyr only had a lone ASW trawler protecting a large cargo, small tanker, and small merchant. Happy hunting!

maillemaker · 04-25-14, 10:37 AM

I've only been out and about on a sortie once when the date was right, and when I tried the attack, I got detected and sunk! So it wasn't easy for me!

Steve

04-22-14, 12:47 AM	#1
Kaptlt.Endrass Sonar Guy Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: No Longer On A Big Grey Floaty Thing Posts: 395 Downloads: 116 Uploads: 0	Scapa Flow: Easier than its meant to be? I started a new campaign recently in 1939 as captain of the U-47. It was getting close to October 14th and I decided to sneak into Scapa. I took the same route that was historically taken by Prien. Aside from the few blockships and patrols inside and outside of the harbor, I met no problems at all. I sunk the Royal Oak and took the same route out, having only one destroyer on me that made two or three passes causing no damage. My question is, is Scapa Flow as hard as GWX intends it to be? __________________ "That flag and I are twins, born in the same hour from the same womb of destiny. We cannot be parted in life or in death; so long as we float, we shall float together." As much as I dislike it sometimes, I'm a tin can sailor, through and through.

04-22-14, 05:37 AM	#3
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,481 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Historically as accurate as possible...Prien got in, sank the BB and got out. __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

04-22-14, 07:15 AM	#4
RConch Captain Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: No. Virginia Posts: 619 Downloads: 518 Uploads: 0	He didn't suffer any problems other than the crappy torps. Sounds pretty historical to me. You had good hunting and so did he. __________________ "Noch und Noch" Prowling the Nord Atlantik with GWX 3.0.

04-22-14, 10:48 AM	#6
Sailor Steve Eternal Patrol Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: High in the mountains of Utah Posts: 50,369 Downloads: 745 Uploads: 249	Scapa is about right for that one mission at that one time. Shortly after that they blocked that channel completely. Any other naval base was close to impossible. In the game places like Portsmouth and Loch Ewe, and Scapa Flow after 1939, are far too easy. __________________ “Never do anything you can't take back.” —Rocky Russo

04-24-14, 11:57 PM	#7
Kaptlt.Endrass Sonar Guy Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: No Longer On A Big Grey Floaty Thing Posts: 395 Downloads: 116 Uploads: 0	Well, I have duds enabled and the first volley did miss. Only three from the second hit, but I was lucky and hit the engine room and the second gun battery ammunition storage. Could it have to do with conditions? It was dark and a moonless night, around 0134 hours, with a very slight chop on the surface. As a note to all, the Gulf of Wales in early 1940 is extremely good for large cargo ships with ammo, especially approaching Merthyr and Bristol. There aren't too many air patrols, and Merthyr only had a lone ASW trawler protecting a large cargo, small tanker, and small merchant. Happy hunting! __________________ "That flag and I are twins, born in the same hour from the same womb of destiny. We cannot be parted in life or in death; so long as we float, we shall float together." As much as I dislike it sometimes, I'm a tin can sailor, through and through.

04-22-14, 07:29 AM	#5
banryu79 Samurai Navy Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Italy Posts: 554 Downloads: 82 Uploads: 2	Well, remember that Prien or maybe his NO had to fight with the strong currents (consider this aspect coupled with the blockships)... the game doesn't model that AFAIK nor the possibilities to be spotted by people on the land near the passages (it looks like Prien run this risk too). And have I already said to consider the crap crap torpedoes he got to work with? Remember: you are only playing a game after all

04-25-14, 10:37 AM	#8
maillemaker Sea Lord Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,639 Downloads: 75 Uploads: 0	I've only been out and about on a sortie once when the date was right, and when I tried the attack, I got detected and sunk! So it wasn't easy for me! Steve