River Class Frigate

[tater]

I'd not get pedantic about the ship classes in SH4 at that level. There are Type=0 through Type=4 that will behave as escorts. The principal use of the types in this case is to use random types if you desire in a campaign, but perhaps broken down by operational function.

(I'll use IJN types cause I know them well)
Ie: 0 (patrol craft) for brown water duty, 4 are fleet escorts, while type=3 might be reserved for Old DDs pressed into escort duty (Minekaze, Momi, et al. for the IJN). That leaves 1 and 2 for other roles. 2 might be purpose built IJN escort craft, like Kaibokan Coast Defense ships, and Matsu DDs (technically called DDs by the IJN, they were used as DEs). 1 then for subchasers and other smaller or ersatz ASW assets. Then a given random convoy might have 2xtype3 @50%, 2xType2@75% chance, and 6xtype1 @80% chance.

It's also possible to imagine mixing (via "BP-cloned" ships (new cfgs point at existing models, no dat changes), perhaps) ships up a little so that a given "type" is more of an operational role rather than the particular semantics of a given navy.

Note that you can easily add types in Names.cfg, and they work, but only the extant types 0-4 will function as ASW assets. Ie: you can put DCs on a Yamato BB, and she won't drop them, regardless of what sensors you give her. Change her to type 0-4 and she will. (Mushashi had DC racks installed on the fantail, BTW).

tater

[Mush Martin]

Originally Posted by tater

I'd not get pedantic about the ship classes in SH4 at that level. There are Type=0 through Type=4 that will behave as escorts. The principal use of the types in this case is to use random types if you desire in a campaign, but perhaps broken down by operational function.

(I'll use IJN types cause I know them well)
Ie: 0 (patrol craft) for brown water duty, 4 are fleet escorts, while type=3 might be reserved for Old DDs pressed into escort duty (Minekaze, Momi, et al. for the IJN). That leaves 1 and 2 for other roles. 2 might be purpose built IJN escort craft, like Kaibokan Coast Defense ships, and Matsu DDs (technically called DDs by the IJN, they were used as DEs). 1 then for subchasers and other smaller or ersatz ASW assets. Then a given random convoy might have 2xtype3 @50%, 2xType2@75% chance, and 6xtype1 @80% chance.

It's also possible to imagine mixing (via "BP-cloned" ships (new cfgs point at existing models, no dat changes), perhaps) ships up a little so that a given "type" is more of an operational role rather than the particular semantics of a given navy.

Note that you can easily add types in Names.cfg, and they work, but only the extant types 0-4 will function as ASW assets. Ie: you can put DCs on a Yamato BB, and she won't drop them, regardless of what sensors you give her. Change her to type 0-4 and she will. (Mushashi had DC racks installed on the fantail, BTW).

tater

so did a few brit escort carriers and the IJN retained them as light cruiser
armament long after they fell into disuse most other places.

M

[Ducimus]

I'd not get pedantic about the ship classes in SH4 at that level. There are Type=0 through Type=4 that will behave as escorts. The principal use of the types in this case is to use random types if you desire in a campaign, but perhaps broken down by operational function.

Thats my thoughts on it. Besides, what type you assign a ship (corvette, frigate, DD, DE, etc) makes no difference at all to the game. Contrary to most modder sentimate on it, im acutally in favor of "generic" entries in MIS layers because it makes the layer reuseable, and easier to apply mass changes in a txt editor if needed. Particuarlly now that ubi's created "super BB's and "elite transports". Now you can use generic entires such as "genric battleship" or "generic troop transport" and not have to worry aobut umpteen yamato's or ocean liners spawning.

WIth some creative uses of corvette, frigate, or DE ship types, you can also make some unique units that only appear in select locations and still be able to use generic entries of other escort types elsewhere. I love how ive made an super uber Destroyer of submarines that appears in only one location for fun, and not have to worry about him entering convoys. (not so fun)