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I'm playing a PBEM (DBB-C) game. I've played DBB-C before. We are in mid-January 42 and I am seeing some of my subs switching to Computer Control and heading off elsewhere. Very annoying. Has anyone else experienced this...is there something we could have overlooked in setting up the game? I believe my opponent has similar experience...
Any advice would be appreciated.

RR

I believe whether subs are human or computer controlled in a PBEM is locked down from the at start settings. If the scenario was started with it on, you're stuck with it. Against the AI it can be changed. However, if neither you nor your opponent had them set to computer control at the start it could be a program quirk that has been reported to happen from time to time. Of course, submarine TFs can switch to computer control when low on fuel but I'm assuming that you're aware of that already.

Thanks for this. I don't think they were left at computer controlled before game start...they aren't set that way when I look. I seem to be having the most number of instances...about 4 or 5 per turn. I'll just have to pay really close attention to subs...in particular fuel point you note

ReadyR wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2024 2:35 pm I'll just have to pay really close attention to subs...in particular fuel point you note

Gets tougher to do as more subs come off the ways.
I've always been grateful for the "Bingo Fuel" feature where a sub reverts to computer control to return to base before it runs outta diesel.

Platoonist wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2024 4:11 pm

ReadyR wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2024 2:35 pm I'll just have to pay really close attention to subs...in particular fuel point you note

Gets tougher to do as more subs come off the ways.
I've always been grateful for the "Bingo Fuel" feature where a sub reverts to computer control to return to base before it runs outta diesel.

I have had submarines run out of fuel a few hexes from home . . .

There was a US submarine that ran out of fuel before WWII and actually raised sails to sail back to Pearl Harbor, I think they sailed close to 120 miles.

Every couple of turns I pull up the TF list to look for sub TFs running low on fuel, giving orders to RTB to those who have less endurance remaining than their patrol zone requires. This has mostly eliminated the situation where subs run out of fuel before reaching their home port (mostly, it still happens about 2-3 times a year). Relying on the program to get them home safely left a much higher number of drifting subs out there.

The good news is that the game does not let any vessel just 'drift'- it can always move one hex along its intended path if threat tolerance settings allow (use Direct/Absolute).
And subs are tough vessels. I have seen them move 30+ hexes without significant flooding or engineering damage. System damage is usually around 50 by then.

But if the sub starts out with flooding or engineering damage that can be exacerbated and the sub will not last as long. And surprisingly, the I-boats that can take a lot of depth charge damage do not do as well against drifting as the RO boats that can't take much pounding by DCs. Another game quirk.

I used the term "drift" to describe the 1 hex/turn movement. My own quirk...

bradfordkay wrote: Sat Dec 07, 2024 6:06 pm Every couple of turns I pull up the TF list to look for sub TFs running low on fuel, giving orders to RTB to those who have less endurance remaining than their patrol zone requires. This has mostly eliminated the situation where subs run out of fuel before reaching their home port (mostly, it still happens about 2-3 times a year). Relying on the program to get them home safely left a much higher number of drifting subs out there.

Yes its always good to check if a TF fuel needs from the list, I do it every turn, if it's red then they need to return. Of course some may already be returning, some (Cargo etc) maybe on an outward bound course and refuel at destination but you soon get a feel for it.

Platoonist wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2024 4:07 am ... Of course, submarine TFs can switch to computer control when low on fuel but I'm assuming that you're aware of that already.

Or low on ammo, either torps and/or deck cannon. Captain aggro impacts this based upon my empirical experience, leadership/Naval may also be involved, but not sure. Basically, better captains will stay out longer, poorer captains look for an excuse to RTB.