Palawan Passage...October 1944

[c13Garrison]

A very nice penetration! May I ask what speed you closed at? When I'm approaching an escorted TF I'm afraid to exceed 1/3.

Also, whoever built the keel for that cruiser deserves a medal- look at it stand tall without breaking off! That must have been the 2nd one that got your bow hits, correct?

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by c13Garrison

A very nice penetration! May I ask what speed you closed at? When I'm approaching an escorted TF I'm afraid to exceed 1/3.

Also, whoever built the keel for that cruiser deserves a medal- look at it stand tall without breaking off! That must have been the 2nd one that got your bow hits, correct?

I closed at 1/3 on silent running. If need to go faster I go to 100 feet or 200 feet, wouldnt chance going above 2/3 though.Sea state plays a role, seas were pretty calm so i was cautious, i just put myself close to their projected track and took the opening when i saw the lead flank escort went for a jog in left field.Track a convoy long enough, will notice the flank escorts will run off sometimes for a good 5-10 minutes checking to see if anyone is following, that is when i slip in, usually for night surface attacks.I would have a difficult time getting a good shot, esp with stern tubes if escort had not left its station, so it worked out. After 5 hours of tracking, I had a good idea of their course, speed etc.

Also, try out the SH AI Fix from the downloads, it makes approaching escort targets more realistic.In the sim without the AI fix, escorts are always pinging(even if you cant hear it) so its why when you get close where they shouldnt be able to hear you that detect you, start hearing the ping. AI fix makes them listen only and only start pinging when target is detected, stops when contact is lost.This is more realistic, makes it a little easier (but realistic) to slip inside an escort screen.

Yes, the cruiser in the photo is the second one.Well they were pretty strong ships, tough to split them in two.Ive seen a cruiser split in two in the game a few times, just have to hit them just right.

[Kaleun]

Hi,

AI Fix??? are you refering to "easier escorts for TMO" or is there another mod i'm unaware of?

Thanks

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Kaleun

Hi,

AI Fix??? are you refering to "easier escorts for TMO" or is there another mod i'm unaware of?

Thanks

Nope, referring to this gem right here.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/down...o=file&id=1936

[Kaleun]

Thanks, i'll have to give it a go! - i found RFB escorts too easy and TMO one too hard, so this might make be "middle ground" i'm looking for!

[Bubblehead1980]

Originally Posted by Kaleun

Thanks, i'll have to give it a go! - i found RFB escorts too easy and TMO one too hard, so this might make be "middle ground" i'm looking for!

Well, they are still tough but this just makes their ability to first detect you more realistic, less supernatural. Basically, it makes getting inside a escort screen submerged more on level with how it was, but once they go "active" they are as vicious as ever.

I started a career in July 1943 with a Porpoise class, wanting to use the older less capable boats later in war(got the USS Pollack, which there is a book by one of her crew who served on her from 1943 until late 44, Captain C Kenneth Ruiz,book is called "The Luck of The Draw") I did fine with counter attacks until last patrol in January 1944.After a night surface attack on January 19, sank two ships out of a two ship convoy, escort never found me as night was dark. Next morning ran into a convoy heading for Tokyo with 5 ships and 3 escorts, evaded the screen, sank two ships, went to 250 feet, test depth.First few attacks evaded but then a couple accurate patterns just tore my boat up, flooding, tubes destroyed etc, they my boat in shambles, after 6 hours, they gave use, thinking I was dead.I limped home, four ships destroyed but boat was a wreck.

I might try the easier AI patch to see if they are still tough but little more realistic. I agree, its something that pushed me away from RFB was how easy the escorts were.Guess its all about balance.