I'm a pensioner, how can I get hands-on SH5

[THEBERBSTER]

A Warm Welcome ZL2BMH To My SH5 tutorials that can be found in my signature.

I have a hard copy plus a Steam copy, I use the Steam copy.

You have made the wrong choice here.
You need to use your dvd copy.
The reason being that STEAM does not support the SH5 essential application TDW's Generic File Patcher (GFP).
Without this application your game will always be bugged and unplayable.

With the dvd version installed you can then use the TWOS mega mod which has full instructions and is very easy to install.
TWOS cannot be used with Steam because it uses the GFP.

This is TWOS and can be played at any difficulty level.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=210703

My tutorials all have step by step instructions including pictorials covering a large range of subjects.

For additional help send me a PM and I will give you one to one help for as long as it takes.
Peter