Real Diving Mod

[Troutish]

Has anyone here shown any interest in making a mod that would allow for realistic diving, trim and depth control? I know - the "Captain" that we play as would just give orders for setting depth and the crew would do the rest, but since we have a "real navigation" mod (which is lots of fun btw), why not think about allowing greater control, for those who want it, over diving?

If you have read anything about uboats you would know that it can be very challenging to control boat depth and trim under different conditions. My question is, could that be abstracted and simplified in a way that would make the game more fun?

In Herbert Werner's "Iron Coffins" he talks about a Chief who could simply not get the hang of depth control, and how he and others had to step in for the safety of the boat. There were also times when changes in temperature, salinity, or bomb and depth charge pressure caused to boat to fall or rise out of control. I think there is PLENTY of opportunity here to introduce greater challenge to the sim.

Im thinking we could have a UI similar looking to the TDC, which would abstract some of the basic depth control functions: filling and blowing various balast and trim tanks, using compressed air or electric pumps for different functions, a number of gauges and meters to monitor things.

BTW, these choices when submerged could all effect the sound signature of the boat when trying to run quiet. They could also be damageable.

anyhow- it would be quite a modding challenge but with high rewards. I think one of the goals would be to make the game fun and playable WITHOUT combat (similar to microsoft flight sim)

So if you doubt the fun factor here, think about all the flight sim wonks who love doing full ramp starts of their aircraft; clicking buttons, throwing switches; controlling EVERY part of the aircraft. Would a Uboat be any different?

Trout