n00b needs tutorial help

Kai Lae · 12-16-10, 12:53 AM

Having some trouble with the convoy tutorial, mainly I seem to get detected always before making an attack. The convoy is moving to the NE while I'm to the SE. Based on what I know of how things work on previous sims for sub tactics, usually what you'd do is an end around run to get ahead of them into a optimal firing position, however I can't seem to do it right. Could someone provide some advice? Just trying to sort out the basics here.

RodBorza · 12-16-10, 12:58 AM

Look in this thread:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=146795

It's very nice. Look out for Rockin Robbin's Instructional Videos. They sure help a lot.
Also the other stickys have a lot of info that you may find very useful.

And,

Welcome Aboard!

I'm goin' down · 12-16-10, 01:42 AM

Close attack:

Assuming your boat is ahead of the convoy, at a range of 5,000 yds from its lead destroyer, submerge to just below the thermal layer. Before doing it, make sure you have plotted the convoy course and its speed. Then, with silent running engaged, head towards the location where you want to launch the attack. During this time, set torpedoes, etc. You can open the torpedo doors when you return to periscope depth, as they won't open below a depth of approximately 100 ft. Watch the sonar lines on the Map screen or Attack Map screen and observe when the lead destroyer is close to passing or has passed your bow. If it has not spotted your boat, come to periscope depth, using the S key to blow ballast and surface quickly. Scan for targets, as they will be bearing down on your boat if they are on course. If successful, your boat should have penetrated the convoy perimeter and it will be able to fire a salvo before being attacked by any of dds/escorts. This technique can get you close the convoy's course, but not much time to set up manual targeting, so I would use the point and shoot methed which is well explained in the Dick O'Kane tutorial, or use gutted's Solution Solver program.

Armistead has another technique, which I cannot explain because my boat is always spotted. I must be doing something wrong.

Long range attack (my idea of long range is > 2,000 yds.)

Alternatively, stand back a couple of thousand yards from the convoy's course and use RocknShoals constant bearing technique for firing at long range. It is more accurate with high speed torpedoes. Alternatively, use gutted's Solution Solver program. Using his program requires you to pause the game, but it is a terrific program, and you can fire accurately at any angle. Alternatively, use the John Cromwell techique.

As above, I refer you to Rockin Robbins Skipper's Bag of Tricks sticky.

Dogfish40 · 12-16-10, 12:55 PM

Welcome aboard!
By the discussion, I'm going to assume you're playing the stock/convoy intercept tutorial in the training missions. Along with what 'I'm goin down' was saying, as you can try that as it's a great way to learn early. The tutorial gives you several things against you (It's kind of a tough one for being a stock W' no mods) one, you're in fair weather in broad daylight. Two, it's a bit later in the war when the IJN DD's were getting better at intercepting subs. So, I started taking some advice I was reading in these posts with some adjustments considering the situation.
First, on my first approach at roughly 4 to 5000 yrds,slow and silent, (in these conditions) I let off a torpedo at one of the closest DD's, then dive, flank speed and get to my 90 degree position to get at one of the merchants, using the attack map. Hopefully, the DD's will come running to my old position, leaving a hole in the formation. The other thing that usually happens is the convoy will somewhat slow and change direction, so be ready to adjust for the directional change. Half the time, in that tutorial, I wound up sinking a DD and miss the Merchants (have to be honest) but if I can get to the second set up in time, I can get two or so fish in one of the merchants. Then get the heck outta' there.
I don't think they give you too many torpedoes on that one so you half to be careful not to run out of forward torps. Hope this helps.
Good Hunting
D40

WernherVonTrapp · 12-16-10, 02:53 PM

Welcome abroad.

Just keep at it mate. As a tip, the convoy attack (practice mission) starts you off at a pretty good intercept angle. Not much else needs to be done other than to adjust your speed to avoid being detected. You will need to turn in to the convoy at the last minute so, just watch out for that. When I first started, I played that mission over and over again until I not only sank all the merchants, but all the DDs too. Well, actually, one merchant got away badly damaged because I ran out of ammo.

Only then did I decide that I was ready to start a career. But, that was me and everybody is different. All the advice you've already been given should light the underwater path for you. Now, go get 'em tiger.

I'm goin' down · 12-16-10, 03:56 PM

As you can see, there are several techniques. None fits every scenario. Convoys can be tough, and TFs, because they may be moving at a blistering pace and are almost always well protected, are tougher.

Skippers who are playing at full or 90 percent realism and who claim to sink everything in sight are probably exaggerating, and if they are to be believed, they are out of my league.

12-16-10, 12:53 AM	#1
Kai Lae Swabbie Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 7 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	n00b needs tutorial help Having some trouble with the convoy tutorial, mainly I seem to get detected always before making an attack. The convoy is moving to the NE while I'm to the SE. Based on what I know of how things work on previous sims for sub tactics, usually what you'd do is an end around run to get ahead of them into a optimal firing position, however I can't seem to do it right. Could someone provide some advice? Just trying to sort out the basics here.

12-16-10, 12:58 AM	#2
RodBorza Electrician's Mate Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Brazil, Brasilia (Capital city) Posts: 140 Downloads: 19 Uploads: 0	Look in this thread: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=146795 It's very nice. Look out for Rockin Robbin's Instructional Videos. They sure help a lot. Also the other stickys have a lot of info that you may find very useful. And, Welcome Aboard! __________________ I won't say nothing until SHVI comes out... good thing subskippers are known for their patience... "On the ship sinking business since 1996"

12-16-10, 01:42 AM	#3
I'm goin' down Ocean Warrior Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Notify command we have entered the Grass Sea Posts: 2,822 Downloads: 813 Uploads: 0	try this Close attack: Assuming your boat is ahead of the convoy, at a range of 5,000 yds from its lead destroyer, submerge to just below the thermal layer. Before doing it, make sure you have plotted the convoy course and its speed. Then, with silent running engaged, head towards the location where you want to launch the attack. During this time, set torpedoes, etc. You can open the torpedo doors when you return to periscope depth, as they won't open below a depth of approximately 100 ft. Watch the sonar lines on the Map screen or Attack Map screen and observe when the lead destroyer is close to passing or has passed your bow. If it has not spotted your boat, come to periscope depth, using the S key to blow ballast and surface quickly. Scan for targets, as they will be bearing down on your boat if they are on course. If successful, your boat should have penetrated the convoy perimeter and it will be able to fire a salvo before being attacked by any of dds/escorts. This technique can get you close the convoy's course, but not much time to set up manual targeting, so I would use the point and shoot methed which is well explained in the Dick O'Kane tutorial, or use gutted's Solution Solver program. Armistead has another technique, which I cannot explain because my boat is always spotted. I must be doing something wrong. Long range attack (my idea of long range is > 2,000 yds.) Alternatively, stand back a couple of thousand yards from the convoy's course and use RocknShoals constant bearing technique for firing at long range. It is more accurate with high speed torpedoes. Alternatively, use gutted's Solution Solver program. Using his program requires you to pause the game, but it is a terrific program, and you can fire accurately at any angle. Alternatively, use the John Cromwell techique. As above, I refer you to Rockin Robbins Skipper's Bag of Tricks sticky. Last edited by I'm goin' down; 12-16-10 at 02:02 AM.

12-16-10, 12:55 PM	#4
Dogfish40 Ace of the Deep Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: LA Area, Central coast, California Posts: 1,023 Downloads: 827 Uploads: 0	Welcome aboard! By the discussion, I'm going to assume you're playing the stock/convoy intercept tutorial in the training missions. Along with what 'I'm goin down' was saying, as you can try that as it's a great way to learn early. The tutorial gives you several things against you (It's kind of a tough one for being a stock W' no mods) one, you're in fair weather in broad daylight. Two, it's a bit later in the war when the IJN DD's were getting better at intercepting subs. So, I started taking some advice I was reading in these posts with some adjustments considering the situation. First, on my first approach at roughly 4 to 5000 yrds,slow and silent, (in these conditions) I let off a torpedo at one of the closest DD's, then dive, flank speed and get to my 90 degree position to get at one of the merchants, using the attack map. Hopefully, the DD's will come running to my old position, leaving a hole in the formation. The other thing that usually happens is the convoy will somewhat slow and change direction, so be ready to adjust for the directional change. Half the time, in that tutorial, I wound up sinking a DD and miss the Merchants (have to be honest) but if I can get to the second set up in time, I can get two or so fish in one of the merchants. Then get the heck outta' there. I don't think they give you too many torpedoes on that one so you half to be careful not to run out of forward torps. Hope this helps. Good Hunting D40 __________________ *Dogfish40* Last edited by Dogfish40; 12-16-10 at 04:56 PM.

12-16-10, 02:53 PM	#5
WernherVonTrapp Admiral Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Now, alot farther from NYC. Posts: 2,228 Downloads: 105 Uploads: 0	Welcome abroad. Just keep at it mate. As a tip, the convoy attack (practice mission) starts you off at a pretty good intercept angle. Not much else needs to be done other than to adjust your speed to avoid being detected. You will need to turn in to the convoy at the last minute so, just watch out for that. When I first started, I played that mission over and over again until I not only sank all the merchants, but all the DDs too. Well, actually, one merchant got away badly damaged because I ran out of ammo. Only then did I decide that I was ready to start a career. But, that was me and everybody is different. All the advice you've already been given should light the underwater path for you. Now, go get 'em tiger. __________________ "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Miyamoto Musashi ------------------------------------------------------- "What is truth?" -Pontius Pilate Last edited by WernherVonTrapp; 12-16-10 at 04:46 PM.

12-16-10, 03:56 PM	#6
I'm goin' down Ocean Warrior Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Notify command we have entered the Grass Sea Posts: 2,822 Downloads: 813 Uploads: 0	There is no golden rule As you can see, there are several techniques. None fits every scenario. Convoys can be tough, and TFs, because they may be moving at a blistering pace and are almost always well protected, are tougher. Skippers who are playing at full or 90 percent realism and who claim to sink everything in sight are probably exaggerating, and if they are to be believed, they are out of my league.