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Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 7:54 pm
by spence
I haven't found a picture yet of any sort of Japanese MTB that shows where the reloads are kept but the in-game data base shows them of having a reload for their two torpedo tubes. During a recent replay animation I thought I saw one actual launch this second load torpedo (which is why I looked at the data base). Having been aboard a USCG 82 ftr in a moderate seaway I find it hard to imagine wrestling an 1800 odd lb torpedo into a torpedo tube but I would be interested in seeing a diagram or photo that shows where it is kept (presumably very near to the launch location).
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:10 pm
by geofflambert
Here's a couple of models, I have no idea if they're accurate.

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 9:11 pm
by geofflambert
.

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 10:50 pm
by spence
The second of the two pictures above could possibly be an early model of Japanese MTB although it shows no re-loads at all unless the extra torpedoes are stowed below deck. It also bears some resemblance to the grainy picture I found of some Japanese MTBs (probably a little snippet of a recon photo blown up 100 times or some such). Since there are no cranes or other lifting devices on deck it seems that only the very strongest Japanese sailors would be assigned to MTB duty[8|].
The first of the two pictures above bears no resemblance whatsoever to any of the Japanese MTBs in the game's data base. (None of them had 4 torpedo tubes and I find it doubtful that they carried a radar of any sort)
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 10:59 pm
by btd64
I believe that the 1 reload that you're seeing is the only one on board. 1 rate of fire....GP
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:35 pm
by geofflambert
Here's what you get if you google Type 11 torpedo boat.
8 torpedoes? 113 crew? Big mfer

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:37 pm
by geofflambert
The Chidori class Wiki says 4 TTs.
The Otori class is listed with 3 tubes and 3 torpedoes.
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:41 pm
by geofflambert
Here's an Otori

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:49 pm
by geofflambert
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2019 11:55 pm
by spence
Sure looks like the ammo is 2 indicating a reload.

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 12:09 am
by spence
The MTBs that attacked my ships were PT boat sized; definitely nothing that had a significant gun such as an Otori. One of them appeared to fire torpedoes twice during the same combat (no hits anyways). Japanese DDs show 2 under the AMMO column whereas US DDs show 1 in the AMMO column (regardless of whatever they show in the MOUNT column [what is this anyways?].
BTW the PT Boat Museum is co-located with the BB USS Massachusetts, a late war DD, a fleet sub from WW2, and a KOMAR missile boat from the now defunct East Germany in Battleship Cove, Fall River, MA. It's a great museum for the ships there. (Since I went there at least 10 yrs ago it might have more ships).
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 1:04 am
by Alfred
ORIGINAL: spence
Sure looks like the ammo is 2 indicating a reload.
That does not say there is a reload.
There are 2 tubes in the mount. Because the mount has 2 torpedoes, each tube has a torpedo.
Alfred
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 1:29 am
by spence
That does not say there is a reload.
There are 2 tubes in the mount. Because the mount has 2 torpedoes, each tube has a torpedo.
Alfred
Very often your responses clear things up but in this case I find a problem.
The DD HIJMS Kagero has 8 tubes, 4 mounts and 2 for ammo in its initial configuration (1941) but in its last configuration (some time in 1944) it has 8 tubes, 4 mounts and 1 for ammo. (I would imagine the increase in AAA came at the cost of the space for torpedo reloads).
What do # MOUNTS and AMMO # mean?
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 6:24 am
by Buckrock
The number under "Mount" (which is (4) for Kagero) tells you how the particular devices listed (8 torpedoes in this case) are grouped. So the Kagero has 8 Type 93 torpedoes and they are grouped by fours or in other words, in quadruple mounts. And as I understand it, "Ammo" usage is always assumed to involve total weapons listed (on a line) "firing" each time, ie it does not track ammo by individual mounts.
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 11:48 am
by spence
The number under "Mount" (which is (4) for Kagero) tells you how the particular devices listed (8 torpedoes in this case) are grouped.
This agrees with my understanding of the number under MOUNT, and the in-game data base with the apparent exception of Japanese MTBs. Kagero's have 4 torpedoes/mount. USN PTs have 4 torpedoes in single mounts.
The number 2 under ammo clearly implies that these tiny ships have a reload for thir torpedoes which:
a)does not agree with any of the photos of Japanese MTB that I have found on the web (mostly but not exclusively waterline shots which do not show the deck arrangement)
b) is clearly impossible for a relatively small crew with nt mechanical help (also nothing apparent in any photo) to accomplish on such a small ship

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 2:23 pm
by jagsdomain
Did IJN have PT boats? I know at the end they had anything that would float but was not a were of boats like this...
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 2:27 pm
by jagsdomain
The inside of the Mass has a lot great modles as well in it. It is a great place the town...well the towns modle is "well try" that qute a thing to say.
Dont forget to see the Luzzy Bordens house. Its a B and B now.
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 2:30 pm
by Big B
ORIGINAL: spence
Sure looks like the ammo is 2 indicating a reload.
This clearly shows this vessel has torpedo reloads - which is inaccurate. Japanese MTB's carried no reloads.
The field Ammo shows 2, that means reloads.... it will fire twice.
This is why Japanese cruisers and destroyers carry a torpedo ammo factor of 2, while their allied counterparts do not - their ammo load is 1.
To quote directly from the Editor Manual below:

RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 6:59 pm
by inqistor
ORIGINAL: spence
The first of the two pictures above bears no resemblance whatsoever to any of the Japanese MTBs in the game's data base. (None of them had 4 torpedo tubes and I find it doubtful that they carried a radar of any sort)
As war progressed, Everybody and their uncle carried radar. According to post-war report about Japanese electronics warfare, radars were frequently installed by initiative of repair crew, during vessel maintenance. Most of it was actually some local modification using wire, and some wooden filling, including chair.
RE: Japanese MTBs
Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:03 pm
by John 3rd
Thank You Brian. I was about to comment and say that but you got in ahead of me. Clearly a reload for the Torps.