Solved the fuel consumption problem

[pocatellodave]

After much thought and soul searching,I have resolved the fuel problem.I removed the checkmark from the limited fuel box.I try to be as realistic as I can,but not having enough fuel to get back to base,is simply not going to be a problem for me anymore.I have tried every speed setting,and no matter what I do,the fuel I have by the time I reach my assigned patrol area,is less than half a tank,and I ain't going to make it back.
The reality is that I have never heard of a ww2 submarine running out of fuel.The officer in charge of such things aways knew about how many miles of fuel they had left,and running out wasn't an option.
In no way am I complaining about the mods,and I guess some of you skippers have found a way to get there and back,more power to you!I can't let one aspect of the game ruin my fun,so I did what I had to do.
Pocatellodave

[John Channing]

The game is meant to be fun, not frustrating.

Play it anyway that you want.

JCC

[sqk7744]

See post 182
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...119064&page=10

Wise words as JC said, "it's all about having fun!"

*Are you using patch v1.3 with the TM and LBO mods?

Storms/headwinds are a good way to burn fuel dramatically

[pocatellodave]

Thanks for replies.I'm using TM 1.4 with the 1.3 patch.I don't know what the other mod u mentioned is.I was doing ok with fuel with the vanilla 1.3 patch.When I installed TM 1.4,that's when my fuel problems began.I like TM 1.4,Ducimus has done a great service to SH4,but I can't figure out how to get to mission area and back to home port.
Pocatellodave

[sqk7744]

Gotcha,

LBO = Living Breathing Ocean adds drag and real sea states.

? Have you modified/tweaked your subs' speeds or horsepower/rpm via mini tweaker?

[chopped50ford]

Originally Posted by pocatellodave

The reality is that I have never heard of a ww2 submarine running out of fuel.The officer in charge of such things aways knew about how many miles of fuel they had left,and running out wasn't an option.
In no way am I complaining about the mods,and I guess some of you skippers have found a way to get there and back,more power to you!I can't let one aspect of the game ruin my fun,so I did what I had to do.
Pocatellodave

Skippers had to know how far thier limitations were and thier average fuel consumptions for miles driven [or loose thier commands revisiting the XO status due to incompetance.] So that's what has to be applied while at seas. From my experience in the game, using 10knts as an normal running speed, you can go alot further.

If you need more fuel, pull into close ports to refuel and refit to get more distance.

[tater]

The only times I've ever had fuel problems are losing it from damage (seems to be very all or nothing in that regard), or if I do soemthing stupid like put TC on at Full speed.

With a top off at midway, I get to empire waters with 3/4 of a tank, and I RTB when I'm a little below 50%.

[pocatellodave]

I tried again,and I had installed strict range mod,and realistic battery life.Ran at ahead standard as reccomended by mod maker,and had a lot more hours underwater.Result...got to Hokkaido,less than 1/2 a tank .I've tried ten knots and no go for me.Obviously I'm missing something.
Pocatellodave

[Ducimus]

:hmm: Maybe ill post a guide when i get home from work. I wasn't the self proclaimed "long range patrol affecienado" for nothing.

[pocatellodave]

Thank you very much!
Pocatellodave

[-Pv-]

I've never run out of fuel. Longest patrol distance so far was Hawaii to East China Sea. Topped off at Midway on the way there and ran 2/3 when weather permitted and 1/3 when it was rough but was not forced under. When winds get above 8 m/sec I drop to pariscope depth and run at 2 knots until batt is low (to keep crew from getting hi fatigue rates) then surface run at 1/3 (which provides minimum batt charge time.) Once I got to ECS and dropped off the agent, I shot up some cargo ships and got an extended mission to continue down into the Philippine Sea. I was still able to make it back to Midway with a small amount of fuel to spare, topped off and full speed ahead back to Midway.

Although time compression gets you into the action faster, the trade off is you zoof through storms on the surface at high speed thereby reducing both your miliage and your crew efficiency for keeping your engines in top condition. You also risk damaging your sub in a storm causing increased fuel rates and reduced submerged depth.

Even if the 10 or 11 knots 2/3 speed isn't giving you the range you need after taking great care, further reduction in speed to 1/3 will increase your range even further. Run at that speed for a day or two until you are sure you can make it back at 2/3, then go ahead and increase your speed. You can even return home at 1 knot if you have to. It might take 4 months to get home, but you will arrive with plenty of fuel to spare.

In short, there is no "magic" speed. You are always trading off the mission distance, what you are willing to expend chasing targets, ALWAYS keeping an eye on the return distance and breaking off (no matter your personal tonnage target or mission occomplished) to return home. I'm convinced keeping all this in mind, there is nowhere you can't go in the Pacific from any port and be able to make it back home. At worst, your tonnage might be low on the longer missions. You might even fail to accomplish the mission (which has never happened to me) but there is no reason you cannot get to mission and return home if you manage your resources, keep and eye on the fuel level, and above all, remember it's a game of patience not of speed.

-Pv-

[EAF274 Johan]

A book I've been reading about US submarines in WW2 (The Last Patrol by Harry Holmes) often mentions how submarines "topped off" their tanks at Midway on the way to their patrol area. I suppose Asiatic Fleet boats would use Darwin or another allied port.

[chopped50ford]

I think I saw a mod to put a Sub Tender in Darwin...does anyone know if this works?

[PepsiCan]

Originally Posted by pocatellodave

I tried again,and I had installed strict range mod,and realistic battery life.Ran at ahead standard as reccomended by mod maker,and had a lot more hours underwater.Result...got to Hokkaido,less than 1/2 a tank .I've tried ten knots and no go for me.Obviously I'm missing something.
Pocatellodave

So, where are you starting from and with what kind of boat?

And why are you running submerged?!? Stay surfaced! Uses up less fuel.

[Von Tonner]

Originally Posted by chopped50ford

I think I saw a mod to put a Sub Tender in Darwin...does anyone know if this works?

NOW you are talking!! That has always been one of my pet gripes as I am sure iRL subs would have refuelled there. I had to abandon a Baloa with a damn fine crew in Darwin - it still hurts to think about it.