Jump to content


Photo

Armed Merchantman


  • Please log in to reply
5 replies to this topic

#1 Richard Cornwell

Richard Cornwell

    Private

  • Members
  • 19 posts

Posted 09 June 2017 - 03:48 AM

Hi there,

I've been doing some fights with armed merchantmen.

Just wondering about their damage charts.

The German raiders usually underwent modifications before being sent out. Extra internal bulkheads, damage resistant cargo to improve their ability to absorb shells. How should this be reflected (if at all)?

Of course the Komet exploded after about 10 minutes of combat, although there is debate as to whether that was torpedoes or destroyer gunfire.

Richard

#2 Cpt M

Cpt M

    Colonel

  • ODGW Retired Staff
  • 939 posts

Posted 09 June 2017 - 08:43 PM

My understanding is that most of the changes would not materially (in game terms) improved the raiders resistance.  They still had the same hulls, engines and structure of any other merchant.  So any special rules would not be warranted.



#3 Phil Callcott

Phil Callcott

    Corporal

  • Members
  • 74 posts

Posted 13 June 2017 - 01:05 PM

Hi,

 

There were some decided differences between British & German AMC in WW 2.

 

British AMC, typically were ex liners with six to eight WW 1 vintage 6" guns mounted in plain sight for convoy escort duty or early in the war for the interception of enemy merchantmen attempting to return to Germany.

Circa 15,000 tons, 15 knots. No central fire control.

 

German AMC, were converted freighters with about the same number of 6" guns as their British counterparts, BUT the guns were either hidden behind drop down bulwarks or disguised as derricks so as to be able to close to within short range of a victim before revealing their true purpose. They carried odds and sods to be able to change their appearance, false funnel, etc.

They flew false colours until just before going into action.

Some had central fire control with their holds filled with empty sealed oil drums to aid flotation in the event of damage and perhaps a floatplane (but not catapult launched). Torpedoes were also carried

Circa 8,000 to 16,000 tons, up to 18 knots.

 

Rules should reflect that until 1943 when identification procedures were perfected and enforced the Germans should be able to fire first and more accurately against their British AMC counterparts.

Add a couple of hull boxes to German AMC to reflect their better bulkheads and flotation.

 

Regards, Phil



#4 Cpt M

Cpt M

    Colonel

  • ODGW Retired Staff
  • 939 posts

Posted 13 June 2017 - 08:56 PM

Actually, there are rules for raiders in GQ3.3 (see section 4.11). This covers closing with merchants and warships, evasion and combat.  

 

As for the better bulkheads of German AMCs:  The evidence is not compelling that these modifications were that effective (at least in game terms). 



#5 Angus Konstam

Angus Konstam

    Private

  • Members
  • 5 posts

Posted 28 September 2018 - 08:57 AM

Has anyone concocted ship logs for German raiders?

 

GHQ produce a lovely Pinguin model...



#6 Cpt M

Cpt M

    Colonel

  • ODGW Retired Staff
  • 939 posts

Posted 28 September 2018 - 09:50 PM

The Deluxe Ship Logs include raiders and auxiliary merchant cruisers for the various navys. 


  • Angus Konstam likes this




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users