IXB vs. IXC

[danoh]

Hello, I've belonged to SubSim for a couple years, but have recently returned to playing SHIII - this time with the superb GWX mod.

I chose the Wilhelmshaven fleet and ran a VIIB for the first few patrols. After being transfered to Lorient I then took the IXB. On the very next mission the IXC became available. But after comparing the stats it appears except for improved range and an extra torpedo (?) the IXB has most the advantages, such as a slightly faster dive time. Is there any advantage of the IXC I am missing?

I understand based on what I've read on these boards and know from history that things will get increasingly dangerous as the war progresses (currently it is January, 1941). My plan is to run a Type IX boat through the summer of 1942 so I can have my Paukenschlag tanker party off the U.S. coast. After then I imagine switching back to some kind of advanced VIIC model that can manuever better.

Does anyone know about what time I can expect the VIIC/42 to show up as an option for the Lorient fleet? Is it correct this model has a lot of upgrade options and gives the best chance of survival when things get really bad after 1942?

Thanks for any tips you can share.

[Tessa]

Originally Posted by danoh

Hello, I've belonged to SubSim for a couple years, but have recently returned to playing SHIII - this time with the superb GWX mod.

I chose the Wilhelmshaven fleet and ran a VIIB for the first few patrols. After being transfered to Lorient I then took the IXB. On the very next mission the IXC became available. But after comparing the stats it appears except for improved range and an extra torpedo (?) the IXB has most the advantages, such as a slightly faster dive time. Is there any advantage of the IXC I am missing?

I understand based on what I've read on these boards and know from history that things will get increasingly dangerous as the war progresses (currently it is January, 1941). My plan is to run a Type IX boat through the summer of 1942 so I can have my Paukenschlag tanker party off the U.S. coast. After then I imagine switching back to some kind of advanced VIIC model that can manuever better.

Does anyone know about what time I can expect the VIIC/42 to show up as an option for the Lorient fleet? Is it correct this model has a lot of upgrade options and gives the best chance of survival when things get really bad after 1942?

Thanks for any tips you can share.

The extra range you get with the IXC is worth the trade off in dive time. All the IX series have painfully slow dive times (especially the IXD2), just something you have to get used to. Be sure to get good flak guns as they become available and actually invest in getting a decent crew to man the flak guns. Once planes start attacking its best to shoot them down and then dive asap once they've been 86'd. Once a plane has spotted your boat you can expect more planes to come in increasing numbers. From late 42-44 is hell until you get a snorkel, the airplanes become a major hinderance and require you to waste a lot of time dodging them or shaking them off your trail.

The VIIC/41 becomes available in October of 43, though you'll have to change flottille's as the 10th only has type IX's. The VIIC/42 becomes available in January of 44. Though depending on your style of play that particular boat was never completed, no VIIC/42's ever got anything more than a keel laid so isn't really a historically accurate sub (in terms that it never made it into service).

[Jimbuna]

Been a IX man for some time now. I keep the B until the D2 becomes available (presuming of course I survive that long)

[melnibonian]

I'm a big fan of the C-Type so I do get the IXC as soon as I can. It's slightly faster and with larger range. Furthermore it can take far more upgrades than the B-Type. Other than that it's just a matter of preference really

[Skubber]

I'm sticking with the IXB only so I can get a D2. Surprisingly, I'm doing better with this boat in terms of survival. Maybe because I'm being more careful, running with decks awash, etc?

[von hally]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

Been a IX man for some time now. I keep the B until the D2 becomes available (presuming of course I survive that long)

traded the vII for IXb and never looked back
whens th d2 available jimbuna? and what flotilla should i transfer to to get it?

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by von hally

traded the vII for IXb and never looked back
whens th d2 available jimbuna? and what flotilla should i transfer to to get it?

I generally go for 10th Flotilla, Lorient, Jan 43

[mr chris]

The 2nd at Lorient
The 10th at Lorient
The 12th at Bordeaux

The above mentioned foltilias all the the type IXD2 in Jan of 1943.
To get the most out of the boat i would join the 10th. As you get the chance to join group Monsoon and make the trip to the far east and operate from the Axis bases at Penang Then Jakarta.

For more information on each foltlia check out the GWX manual page 158 too 174

Edit: Jim you beat me to it.

[von hally]

Jimbuna- Mr Chris

thanx guys. the tenth flotilla it is.

just a few months away!!!

[Flashmax09]

Good stuff,

I have to remember this so I can upgrade my sub later on (if I survive). Right now its only December 1939 and I have a VIIB Boat. I like the look of this boat better then the bigger ships with the nose slightly raised.

Currently in the 2nd Flotilla stationend in Willhelmshaven.

[mr chris]

My plan if i survive of course is to join the 10th and get myself a type IXD2 and join group Monsoon. But im only in Nov of 1940 In my little type VIIB and part of the 7th foltlia based in St Nazaire.
So i think i might look at joining the 2nd in July of 1941 so i can get myself a type IXC and gain some experince with a bigger boat and take part in Operation Dumbeat. Before letting myself lose with a big type IXD2.
But we all know i will be dead as a door nail by that time.:rotfl:

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by mr chris

The 2nd at Lorient
The 10th at Lorient
The 12th at Bordeaux

The above mentioned foltilias all the the type IXD2 in Jan of 1943.
To get the most out of the boat i would join the 10th. As you get the chance to join group Monsoon and make the trip to the far east and operate from the Axis bases at Penang Then Jakarta.

For more information on each foltlia check out the GWX manual page 158 too 174

Edit: Jim you beat me to it.

LOL

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by Flashmax09

Good stuff,

I have to remember this so I can upgrade my sub later on (if I survive). Right now its only December 1939 and I have a VIIB Boat. I like the look of this boat better then the bigger ships with the nose slightly raised.

Currently in the 2nd Flotilla stationend in Willhelmshaven.

That would be the Type IX your referring to

[STEED]

Originally Posted by von hally

Jimbuna- Mr Chris

thanx guys. the tenth flotilla it is.

just a few months away!!!

Are you must be planning to move to Penang in 1944 better weather, warmer that is. And less airplanes buzzing around you.


I like all the IX Boats as they pull the ladies know what I mean.

[danoh]

Thanks for the tips, especially on the IXD2 upgrade for the Monsoon missions. As I am in Lorient already I think I'll stick with the IXB and try to survive until I get the chance to upgrade to the IXD2 and join the Monsoon group.

Will I need to be in a IXC to get a Paukenschlag mission?