RFB 2.0 first experience

[Threadfin]

And as far as mod recommendations, I love maps. What would you say is your favorite map/chart mod compatible with RFB?

[merc4ulfate]

Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
RFB_2.0
RFB_2.0_Patch_23April2010
RSRDC_RFB_V575
RSRDC_V5xx_Patch1
Improved Ship Physics_1.1
Real Subs
EAXsoundsim_without_WebstersManeuver_STOCK_GFO_OM

[Threadfin]

Thanks. I installed the Nav Map Makeover 2.1 which appears to be the same map that's in TMO? Sorted there, but still open to suggestions if anyone prefers a different one.

Had to do the Address Array fix because I started getting CTDs when attempting to end the patrol, and sometimes when going to the bridge, and that fixed the issue.

In my second patrol I was assigned Makassar Strait as I mentioned, and developed but one contact, what I imagined was the invasion force for Java or Timor or Makassar City. Huge convoy, probably 20 or so ships with maybe 10 escorts. No way to accurately count them.

Slipped inside the starboard screen in very rough water and let go all tubes at overlapping freighters and got 5 hits I believe. Went deep to evade and thought I had come up empty, but over the next hour 4 ships went to the bottom. I really like the sinking mechanics, and the uncertainty that it fosters.

I was using the Improved Ship Physics, but wasn't sure if it would be compatible with RFB, but I see from the post above it is, so I will install that.

[Pooch]

I just installed this, also. I like the fact that Japanese destroyers aren't spotting me from Tokyo Bay anymore, when I'm still near Hawaii.
One thing I don't like, though. And it's enough to, possibly, make me uninstall. The bobbing from side to side seems excessive.
Now, I could be wrong. I've gone and watched some old WW2 sub footage, though. Scenes from movies and documentaries. I just don't see them heeling over so much. It's almost as though the boat is going to capsize. I realize that they weren't as sea worth as a battleship, but its like being on a cork.
Anyone else feel that way? Haven't seen any other posts mention it, so maybe its just me.
Is there a way to take it out and leave everything else in?

[Threadfin]

Ya know, in my first RFB patrol I saw the same thing. The destroyers especially were heeling over 30 degrees even in calm seas, but for whatever reason it stopped. I know, makes no sense (or I just don't understand) but there ya are. Try a second patrol and see if it stops.

I've now done about 10 patrols. Bagged a Furataka cruiser and a Fuso battleship in a single two-ended salvo on the western approach to Truk. I had been south of Truk hoping to pick up contacts on the Truk-Solomons route in fall of '42 while Guadalcanal raged. I use RSRDC so got a Fox that the IJN was shifting naval units to Truk from home waters and the date on which they should arrive. Shifted over to the western approach and made contact. By sheer luck I was positioned perfectly. Just had to submerge and wait.

I play at 100% with no external cameras and it was night so I never got a feel for the entire composition, but there were cruisers, battleships and destroyers, saw no carriers, probably 12-15 ships in all. I got to a point between the oncoming columns and planned to fire all 10 tubes (Gato class) at two targets. I tracked the task force at 14 knots (nomographs are genius) and positioned my sub 800 yards off the column in front and 1500 off the column aft.

It reminded me of the attacks by Darter and Dace in Palawan passage in the prelude to Leyte Gulf when one of skippers said, and I paraphrase, 'we will let these go by, they're only heavy cruisers'. Two cruisers passed ahead and another two behind. In the faint light though, I could see the 3rd ship in the forward column had the distinctive pagoda superstructure of a Japanese battleship. I would fire all 6 forward tubes at this ship and the four stern tubes at whichever ship was abreast in the aft column, which turned out to be the Furataka CA. Because the CA was further from my position, the stern tubes would be fired first, with the aim of having all torpedos arrive at the about same time.

I was a very tense wait as I expected to be detected at any moment, but the ships plowed on. I use a 'steady wire' firing technique, where I predict the point of firing, usually a 080 track (or 170 for stern) depending on the speed of the ships. That is, I place the wire steady, check the gyros, and wait for the ship to sail through the sight picture. For points of aim I will usually use the forward mast, stack and after mast, but every ship is different. This spreads the torpedos across the length of the ship, and in the case of speed or range errors, will usually result in 2 of the 3 fish finding the target. Of course here we would be shooting all torpedos.

So when the Furataka crossed the wire I began firing the stern tubes. Once all 4 were away I quickly spun the scope back to the Fuso, reversed the AoB, and reset the range. One thing I do not like about RFB is when clicking on the range dial it 'resets'. I cannot just move it a little like I could in TMO or stock. Are there keyboard shortcuts to adjust range? Adjusting range in RFB is rather cumbersome for some reason, or I am clicking on the dial in the wrong place. But got it sorted just in time and let go all forward tubes at the BB.

Then I started down. At least one hit in the cruiser, and several on the battleship, but quite frankly I don't know how many. And a few duds as well, as it's RFB afterall! The Fuso sank within 15 minutes, but the cruiser did not. Eventaully the escorts found us at 315 feet and dropped a few strings, rocking the boat but doing no damage. After a hour or so the DDs left and we returned to periscope depth expecting to find empty sea, but instead found the cruiser dead in the water. It took another 6 torpedos to send Furataka to the bottom because of duds, but eventually one exploded near the forward turret and we cleared the area post haste.

As for RFB 2.0 I am really enjoying it, but I am finding range and endurance an issue. I would always have endurance for minimum 60 days at sea, usually quite a bit longer, but in RFB i can just make 5 weeks out of SubPac. It's fine out of Brisbane or Fremantle, but from SubPac bases it isn't enough as I'm burning 35% enroute to say the South China Sea, and 35% back, leaving only 30% for patrol.

[Threadfin]

Another thing, as I can't be the only one.... Once each on the last two patrols I was cruising on the surface, no shallow water, no enemy near, and I suddenly get a message that stern tubes are damaged (and they are). They get fixed one by one, but only at the next radio message. Anyone seen this?

Using RSRDC, ISP and a map and environment mod.

[TorpX]

Originally Posted by Threadfin

Another thing, as I can't be the only one.... Once each on the last two patrols I was cruising on the surface, no shallow water, no enemy near, and I suddenly get a message that stern tubes are damaged (and they are). They get fixed one by one, but only at the next radio message. Anyone seen this?

Never heard of this.

Were you going at higher TC?

[Sledgehammer427]

As for RFB 2.0 I am really enjoying it, but I am finding range and endurance an issue. I would always have endurance for minimum 60 days at sea, usually quite a bit longer, but in RFB i can just make 5 weeks out of SubPac. It's fine out of Brisbane or Fremantle, but from SubPac bases it isn't enough as I'm burning 35% enroute to say the South China Sea, and 35% back, leaving only 30% for patrol.

IRL the fleet boats would stop for a refuel at midway if they were heading for the home islands.

[Threadfin]

Yes of course, and this is out of Midway. Endurance/range in RFB is far less than TMO or stock in my experience. And that's why I wrote SubPac bases, meaning Pearl and Midway.

As for RFB 2.0 I am really enjoying it, but I am finding range and endurance an issue. I would always have endurance for minimum 60 days at sea, usually quite a bit longer, but in RFB i can just make 5 weeks out of SubPac. It's fine out of Brisbane or Fremantle, but from SubPac bases it isn't enough as I'm burning 35% enroute to say the South China Sea, and 35% back, leaving only 30% for patrol.

[TorpX]

Originally Posted by Threadfin

As for RFB 2.0 I am really enjoying it, but I am finding range and endurance an issue. I would always have endurance for minimum 60 days at sea, usually quite a bit longer, but in RFB i can just make 5 weeks out of SubPac. It's fine out of Brisbane or Fremantle, but from SubPac bases it isn't enough as I'm burning 35% enroute to say the South China Sea, and 35% back, leaving only 30% for patrol.

I think I can clarify the issue here.

With ISP, I adjusted the range to realistic levels based on 'normal tankage'. Duci based TMO values on 'maximum tankage' (e.g. fuel in FBT tanks). The use of FBT's was not without it's issues, and just assuming every boat to have the extra fuel is, imo, too much of a giveaway. The ranges may not be what you are used to, but they are realistic.

The bottom line is that you really shouldn't have unlimited range to criss-cross the Pacific. If you are heading out on a long patrol, you need to be circumspect about your route and fuel. A full 60 day patrol, cruising all the while (with detours to play hunches), may not always be possible.

[Threadfin]

Thanks fellas, and that makes perfect sense if TMO is modeling fuel in the ballast tanks.