OLC Supermod + GWX + night surface attack

Steeltrap · 08-31-08, 11:12 PM

Hi all

Running latest GWX + OLC mod (not the GUI part, however).

Reading the player guide, I noticed something in the comment on conducting night surface attacks (I like the reduced lighting - more realistic).

There is a comment to the effect that your best means of escape after firing was to dive deep and creep away. I have a few questions about that:

Surely that's indicative of the fact that all is not right? One reason for the crushing effectiveness of u-boat attacks early in the war was the fact that they remained surfaced when leaving, thus maintaining mobility and defeating the only technologically based means the Allies had of detecting them i.e. ASDIC. So an accurate sim would have you firing then fleeing on the surface.

As I've said before, I used NYGM before trying GWX. I had no perception that either was 'better', merely different (and I've not changed that view). When it came to surface attacks, however, NYGM did allow you to approach on the surface, lie stationary in wait around 1km off your targets' tracks, fire, then flee on the surface. Yes, there was a risk from starshells and searchlights. Putting your rudder hard over after firing so as to turn your stern towards likely threats before torps hit, however, then running like hell was usually effective.

At the risk of getting killed for asking it, does anyone know why it is that OLC + GWX should say diving is the better option when history, plus my experiences in NYGM, suggest otherwise? Let me stress I am not trying to start a 'this is better than that' flame war - I am simply trying to understand the difference.

It's also entirely possible I have misunderstood the operation of night sensors in OLC. My impression is that:
- aspect makes a large difference (as it should)
- warships are more likely to spot you than merchants (as they should)
- crew experience of opponents affects their ability to spot you (as it should)
- heavy weather makes you harder to spot (as it should)
- moving at higher speed makes you easier to spot (as it should, but only up to a point/depending on weather)
- I'm not sure what effect the moon state has: is it cosmetic in providing more light, or does that in fact make a difference (as it should)?
With all of this, it's the 'dive after firing' part I am trying to understand, as that seems contrary to my reading on the historical realities of the situation.

Any guidance/comments most welcome. Again, at the risk of belabouring the point, I am asking to gain greater understanding, NOT to suggest this is poor/crap whatever (the achievements of the modders frequently leave me amazed!).

Cheers all!

08-31-08, 11:12 PM	#1
Steeltrap Grey Wolf Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 818 Downloads: 3 Uploads: 0	OLC Supermod + GWX + night surface attack Hi all Running latest GWX + OLC mod (not the GUI part, however). Reading the player guide, I noticed something in the comment on conducting night surface attacks (I like the reduced lighting - more realistic). There is a comment to the effect that your best means of escape after firing was to dive deep and creep away. I have a few questions about that: Surely that's indicative of the fact that all is not right? One reason for the crushing effectiveness of u-boat attacks early in the war was the fact that they remained surfaced when leaving, thus maintaining mobility and defeating the only technologically based means the Allies had of detecting them i.e. ASDIC. So an accurate sim would have you firing then fleeing on the surface. As I've said before, I used NYGM before trying GWX. I had no perception that either was 'better', merely different (and I've not changed that view). When it came to surface attacks, however, NYGM did allow you to approach on the surface, lie stationary in wait around 1km off your targets' tracks, fire, then flee on the surface. Yes, there was a risk from starshells and searchlights. Putting your rudder hard over after firing so as to turn your stern towards likely threats before torps hit, however, then running like hell was usually effective. At the risk of getting killed for asking it, does anyone know why it is that OLC + GWX should say diving is the better option when history, plus my experiences in NYGM, suggest otherwise? Let me stress I am not trying to start a 'this is better than that' flame war - I am simply trying to understand the difference. It's also entirely possible I have misunderstood the operation of night sensors in OLC. My impression is that: - aspect makes a large difference (as it should) - warships are more likely to spot you than merchants (as they should) - crew experience of opponents affects their ability to spot you (as it should) - heavy weather makes you harder to spot (as it should) - moving at higher speed makes you easier to spot (as it should, but only up to a point/depending on weather) - I'm not sure what effect the moon state has: is it cosmetic in providing more light, or does that in fact make a difference (as it should)? With all of this, it's the 'dive after firing' part I am trying to understand, as that seems contrary to my reading on the historical realities of the situation. Any guidance/comments most welcome. Again, at the risk of belabouring the point, I am asking to gain greater understanding, NOT to suggest this is poor/crap whatever (the achievements of the modders frequently leave me amazed!). Cheers all!