Where are the ships?

Schryer · 07-22-08, 02:29 PM

I've had a problem for ages in SH IV; there dont seem to be enemy ships in this game.

My current mods are Environmental Mod, RFB and RSRD, all the newest versions. My current ship is a Tambor class, operating out of Pearl, and it's the start of the war. The mission I continually get is to patrol the open seas S of Japan and E of Okinawa. Realism options are all on except for the external camera and realistic sensor range (I turn this on and off to try to solve the problem, doesnt seem to change anything).

I've looked up the shipping maps, spent about 3-4 weeks on each patrol looking for ships on the (small) section of my designated area that crosses a shipping lane, and this doesn't work. So I changed tactics, mapping a series of 5000 y radius circles, maintaining 4 hours of hydrophone listening while submerged at each marked area. I patroled this way for 3 weeks, and finally found a small 2400 ton tanker. It was totally destroyed by my bored torpedo men. This was the only ship I've seen in this game. Lotsa planes, though.

Is this game possible until radar is invented with the RSRD campaign? Nothing seems to work on getting reports on ships, either through my inept staff or through HQ. Sonar doesnt work, my crew on deck is near-sighted. (When they spotted the lone merchant, it was at 3000 yards in broad daylight, normal weather). I got bored and strayed E of my designated position towards Okinawa, and sunk some Sampans. They dont even weigh in at 100 tons, so this wont really help my cause.

Additionally, HQ insists that I remain in this area, despite the lack of ships. This is my fourth attempt in the area, each lasting about 4 weeks, and I've only managed to find one ship. Why dont they move me to a different area, already?

Are there any new ways to approach finding ships, or is one of the mods I've installed causing this problem?

Egon01 · 07-22-08, 02:54 PM

If you use RSRD you should check this map of enemy ship routes:

http://webpages.charter.net/joecorra...ping_Lanes.gif

In RSRD is harder to find ships than in stock game.

Schryer · 07-22-08, 03:14 PM

That's the map I have been using. It seems that the best way to approach this would be to leave the area I am assigned to patrol, and sink ships on a heavier route. Hopefully this will count towards fulfilling my mission objectives; if not, there is little I can do aside from giving up on the Pearl missions and hoping south Pacific command isn't quite as stubborn in assigning dead patrols and expecting tonnage.

I tried heading closer to the Luzon straight south of Formosa, and seem to be getting much more sucess, especially combing the area in pockets and listening to sonar. This has already worked in discovering a large oil tanker within striking range, and 2 others not worth persuing but still no word on convoys.

In regards to convoys, however, it is my understanding that the IJN didn't really start implementing proper convoys in it's shipping operations until later into the war, far later than in the ATO. Even then they stuck with smaller convoys and lighter defense. So RSRD is probably taking this into account in comparison with the stock game.

Orion2012 · 07-22-08, 03:49 PM

I agree on the thought of convoys not being that prevelent early in the war although I've personally had better luck finding convyos earlier in the war if I was based out of Fremantle (cant remember where it was earlier...lol). In fact the largest convoy I ever found was in early 42 in the java sea...I lost count at 18 ships...although there are more in this picture...

SurfnSea · 07-23-08, 12:19 AM

I'm running the same mods as listed above and understand what your saying. It's early war and I expect fewer ships and so far my expectations have been met. Then just as I was frustrated with finding nothing I refuled headed toward Luzon and got a contact of many DDs, possibly a carrier, and a few BBs (or big cruisers?)! However, I could not get into a good firing position and they've slipped away for the time being.

Fortunately I have a doctor aboard and he applied a very big bandage to my forehead; the damage control team repaired the dent to the bulkhead.

DanFraser · 07-23-08, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion2012

I agree on the thought of convoys not being that prevelent early in the war although I've personally had better luck finding convyos earlier in the war if I was based out of Fremantle (cant remember where it was earlier...lol). In fact the largest convoy I ever found was in early 42 in the java sea...I lost count at 18 ships...although there are more in this picture...

I counted 31 ships of all types in that convoy there. I had no idea they could get that big

Mihajlo · 07-23-08, 04:29 PM

I'm way too terrified to attack convoys in my games, anyone got tips?

DanFraser · 07-23-08, 04:44 PM

Plot the convoy's path on the map and get in front of it, well in front, you want to be able to set yourself up running silent if needs be, so a good starting point is crucial.

With the convoy heading towards you position yourself to one side of it, directly in front of the escort on that side, but pointing your boat inwards towards the center-line' of the convoys route, and deep, very deep. Once the lead escort has passed to the side, move your boat to the center-line and come up to torpedo depth as quickly but as quietly as possible.

You are now either in the mix, or if the convoy is slow enough, in the perfect position to start firing at the furthest ship you want to take down, working your way towards yourself in the targets. You can get some nice screenshots of two or more ships being hit at the same time if you get this part right

Fire those torpedoes, then dive like nuts, and head out of the back of the convoy, wiggling at 5-10 degree (ruder angle) turns.

Go out to the side, track the convoy, go as fast as possible to get another setup position and repeat.

kylesplanet · 07-23-08, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schryer

That's the map I have been using. It seems that the best way to approach this would be to leave the area I am assigned to patrol, and sink ships on a heavier route. Hopefully this will count towards fulfilling my mission objectives; if not, there is little I can do aside from giving up on the Pearl missions and hoping south Pacific command isn't quite as stubborn in assigning dead patrols and expecting tonnage.

I tried heading closer to the Luzon straight south of Formosa, and seem to be getting much more sucess, especially combing the area in pockets and listening to sonar. This has already worked in discovering a large oil tanker within striking range, and 2 others not worth persuing but still no word on convoys.

In regards to convoys, however, it is my understanding that the IJN didn't really start implementing proper convoys in it's shipping operations until later into the war, far later than in the ATO. Even then they stuck with smaller convoys and lighter defense. So RSRD is probably taking this into account in comparison with the stock game.

A copy of Silent Victory will help a bunch.

raymond6751 · 07-23-08, 06:33 PM

I thought I was not only alone on the water, but alone in not finding targets.

I am on my THIRD patrol, second campaign, and nothing, NOTHING to shoot.

I just printed out that map mentioned above and realize that, for this patrol, they sent me smack in the middle of the area where no shipping lanes pass.

Now, to avoid running out of fuel, I have to turn back. I hope to find something near the Mariannas Islands.

The crew smirk and whisper when I pass by. I heard them laughing when they thought I was gone.

Mihajlo · 07-23-08, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanFraser

Plot the convoy's path on the map and get in front of it, well in front, you want to be able to set yourself up running silent if needs be, so a good starting point is crucial.

With the convoy heading towards you position yourself to one side of it, directly in front of the escort on that side, but pointing your boat inwards towards the center-line' of the convoys route, and deep, very deep. Once the lead escort has passed to the side, move your boat to the center-line and come up to torpedo depth as quickly but as quietly as possible.

You are now either in the mix, or if the convoy is slow enough, in the perfect position to start firing at the furthest ship you want to take down, working your way towards yourself in the targets. You can get some nice screenshots of two or more ships being hit at the same time if you get this part right

Fire those torpedoes, then dive like nuts, and head out of the back of the convoy, wiggling at 5-10 degree (ruder angle) turns.

Go out to the side, track the convoy, go as fast as possible to get another setup position and repeat.

Thanks for the tips, i'll have to work up the courage to do all this now haha.

07-22-08, 02:29 PM	#1
Schryer Nub Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Where are the ships? I've had a problem for ages in SH IV; there dont seem to be enemy ships in this game. My current mods are Environmental Mod, RFB and RSRD, all the newest versions. My current ship is a Tambor class, operating out of Pearl, and it's the start of the war. The mission I continually get is to patrol the open seas S of Japan and E of Okinawa. Realism options are all on except for the external camera and realistic sensor range (I turn this on and off to try to solve the problem, doesnt seem to change anything). I've looked up the shipping maps, spent about 3-4 weeks on each patrol looking for ships on the (small) section of my designated area that crosses a shipping lane, and this doesn't work. So I changed tactics, mapping a series of 5000 y radius circles, maintaining 4 hours of hydrophone listening while submerged at each marked area. I patroled this way for 3 weeks, and finally found a small 2400 ton tanker. It was totally destroyed by my bored torpedo men. This was the only ship I've seen in this game. Lotsa planes, though. Is this game possible until radar is invented with the RSRD campaign? Nothing seems to work on getting reports on ships, either through my inept staff or through HQ. Sonar doesnt work, my crew on deck is near-sighted. (When they spotted the lone merchant, it was at 3000 yards in broad daylight, normal weather). I got bored and strayed E of my designated position towards Okinawa, and sunk some Sampans. They dont even weigh in at 100 tons, so this wont really help my cause. Additionally, HQ insists that I remain in this area, despite the lack of ships. This is my fourth attempt in the area, each lasting about 4 weeks, and I've only managed to find one ship. Why dont they move me to a different area, already? Are there any new ways to approach finding ships, or is one of the mods I've installed causing this problem?

07-23-08, 06:33 PM	#10
raymond6751 Admirable Mike Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 1,338 Downloads: 421 Uploads: 0	Good to hear I thought I was not only alone on the water, but alone in not finding targets. I am on my THIRD patrol, second campaign, and nothing, NOTHING to shoot. I just printed out that map mentioned above and realize that, for this patrol, they sent me smack in the middle of the area where no shipping lanes pass. Now, to avoid running out of fuel, I have to turn back. I hope to find something near the Mariannas Islands. The crew smirk and whisper when I pass by. I heard them laughing when they thought I was gone. __________________ Game Designer: Close The Atlantic - World War Three https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/...orld-war-three

07-22-08, 02:54 PM	#2
Egon01 Helmsman Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 101 Downloads: 14 Uploads: 0	If you use RSRD you should check this map of enemy ship routes: http://webpages.charter.net/joecorra...ping_Lanes.gif In RSRD is harder to find ships than in stock game.

07-22-08, 03:14 PM	#3
Schryer Nub Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 2 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	That's the map I have been using. It seems that the best way to approach this would be to leave the area I am assigned to patrol, and sink ships on a heavier route. Hopefully this will count towards fulfilling my mission objectives; if not, there is little I can do aside from giving up on the Pearl missions and hoping south Pacific command isn't quite as stubborn in assigning dead patrols and expecting tonnage. I tried heading closer to the Luzon straight south of Formosa, and seem to be getting much more sucess, especially combing the area in pockets and listening to sonar. This has already worked in discovering a large oil tanker within striking range, and 2 others not worth persuing but still no word on convoys. In regards to convoys, however, it is my understanding that the IJN didn't really start implementing proper convoys in it's shipping operations until later into the war, far later than in the ATO. Even then they stuck with smaller convoys and lighter defense. So RSRD is probably taking this into account in comparison with the stock game.

07-22-08, 03:49 PM	#4
Orion2012 Commodore Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 611 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I agree on the thought of convoys not being that prevelent early in the war although I've personally had better luck finding convyos earlier in the war if I was based out of Fremantle (cant remember where it was earlier...lol). In fact the largest convoy I ever found was in early 42 in the java sea...I lost count at 18 ships...although there are more in this picture...

07-23-08, 12:19 AM	#5
SurfnSea Electrician's Mate Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 137 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	I'm running the same mods as listed above and understand what your saying. It's early war and I expect fewer ships and so far my expectations have been met. Then just as I was frustrated with finding nothing I refuled headed toward Luzon and got a contact of many DDs, possibly a carrier, and a few BBs (or big cruisers?)! However, I could not get into a good firing position and they've slipped away for the time being. Fortunately I have a doctor aboard and he applied a very big bandage to my forehead; the damage control team repaired the dent to the bulkhead.

07-23-08, 04:29 PM	#7
Mihajlo Watch Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 15 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I'm way too terrified to attack convoys in my games, anyone got tips?

07-23-08, 04:44 PM	#8
DanFraser Bosun Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 62 Downloads: 15 Uploads: 0	Plot the convoy's path on the map and get in front of it, well in front, you want to be able to set yourself up running silent if needs be, so a good starting point is crucial. With the convoy heading towards you position yourself to one side of it, directly in front of the escort on that side, but pointing your boat inwards towards the center-line' of the convoys route, and deep, very deep. Once the lead escort has passed to the side, move your boat to the center-line and come up to torpedo depth as quickly but as quietly as possible. You are now either in the mix, or if the convoy is slow enough, in the perfect position to start firing at the furthest ship you want to take down, working your way towards yourself in the targets. You can get some nice screenshots of two or more ships being hit at the same time if you get this part right Fire those torpedoes, then dive like nuts, and head out of the back of the convoy, wiggling at 5-10 degree (ruder angle) turns. Go out to the side, track the convoy, go as fast as possible to get another setup position and repeat.