Stories with Tag Submarine

• Hunt for Red October 1990 (2016)

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  Posted: 2025-04-10 07:11:37

  Verbose tl;dr

  The 1990 film "The Hunt for Red October" features several notable model ship inaccuracies. While the Typhoon-class Red October model is generally well-executed, its dive planes are oversized and incorrectly positioned. The USS Dallas model also has some issues, including an inaccurate sail shape and incorrect placement of various details. The Alfa-class submarine model, while decent, suffers from oversized propellers. Despite these flaws, the film's model work remains impressive for its time, effectively conveying the tension and scale of the underwater cat-and-mouse chase.

  In a meticulously detailed blog post from 2016, titled "Hunt for Red October 1990," hosted on the website "Model Ships in the Cinema," the author embarks on an exhaustive examination of the miniature ship models employed in the filming of the 1990 submarine thriller, "The Hunt for Red October." The author's primary focus is the accuracy and effectiveness of these models in representing their real-life counterparts, particularly the titular Soviet Typhoon-class submarine, the Red October, and the American Los Angeles-class submarine, the USS Dallas.

  The post commences with an acknowledgement of the film's enduring popularity and its impact on popular culture's perception of submarine warfare. It then delves into the practicalities of filmmaking, highlighting the challenges and expense of utilizing actual submarines for extensive shooting. This naturally leads to a discussion of the crucial role played by miniature models in achieving realistic depictions of underwater action sequences.

  The author then meticulously dissects the construction and appearance of the various models, offering copious photographic evidence from the film alongside images of the real submarines for comparison. Specific details like the placement of hatches, the configuration of the conning towers, and the accuracy of the propulsion systems are scrutinized. The author expresses particular admiration for the level of detail achieved in recreating the Red October's unique caterpillar drive system, a crucial plot point in the film.

  Beyond the primary vessels, the author also examines the models used to depict other ships appearing in the film, including surface vessels like the USS Reuben James. The effectiveness of the special effects employed to simulate underwater movement, such as the use of bubbles and lighting, is also discussed.

  The author concludes by praising the model makers for their craftsmanship and dedication to verisimilitude, arguing that their work significantly contributed to the film's overall success. The post implicitly suggests that the use of practical models, as opposed to purely computer-generated imagery, lends a tangible realism and weight to the on-screen action that enhances the viewer's immersion in the narrative. The meticulous attention to detail in the models, the post argues, underscores the film's commitment to authenticity, further bolstering its credibility and impact. This commitment to realistic portrayal, even in miniature, arguably contributes to the film's enduring appeal and its continued status as a classic of the submarine thriller genre.

  • Hunt for Red October
  • movie
  • Film
  • 1990
  • Submarine
  • Model Ships
  • Cinema
  • Cold War
  • Thriller
  • Tom Clancy
  • Naval Warfare
  • Scale Models
  • Miniatures

  Summary of Comments ( 55 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43641469

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users discuss the accuracy of the Hunt for Red October movie's depiction of submarine technology and procedures, with several pointing out inaccuracies but acknowledging the film's entertainment value. One commenter with apparent submarine experience details how the movie's portrayal of sonar, silent running, and caterpillar drive is unrealistic. Others highlight the political context of the film's release near the end of the Cold War and its impact on perceptions of submarine warfare. The discussion also touches on the book's origins, Clancy's writing style, and comparisons to other submarine films like Das Boot and Crimson Tide. A few comments praise the film's sound design and score.

  The Hacker News post titled "Hunt for Red October 1990 (2016)" links to a blog post about the model submarine used in the film "The Hunt for Red October." The discussion on Hacker News is brief, containing only a handful of comments, and doesn't delve deeply into the subject.

  One commenter expresses surprise at the size of the model, noting it was much larger than expected, measuring 50 feet in length. Another comment mentions the effectiveness of the model work in the film, especially considering the limitations of special effects technology at the time. This commenter goes on to say that the practical effects hold up better today than many CGI effects from that era. There's a brief exchange where one user corrects another about the definition of a "miniature," clarifying that the term doesn't necessarily imply a small size. A final comment laments the decline of practical effects in modern filmmaking, expressing a preference for the tangible quality of models and miniatures.

  Overall, the comments are short and focused on the impressive nature of the model submarine and the quality of practical effects. They don't offer extensive analysis or debate, but provide brief observations related to the linked article.

• Show HN: A submarine combat game in the browser

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  Posted: 2025-01-21 18:24:10

  Verbose tl;dr

  Bearings Only is a browser-based submarine combat game focusing on sonar and deduction. Players listen for enemy submarines using a hydrophone, plotting their movements on a grid based on bearing and changes in sound. The game emphasizes strategic thinking and careful analysis over fast-paced action, challenging players to outwit their opponents through cunning and calculated positioning rather than direct confrontation. It features minimalist graphics and a focus on immersive audio.

  A newly developed browser-based game, titled "Bearings Only," offers players a unique and challenging submarine combat experience. This simulation eschews elaborate 3D graphics in favor of a minimalist, top-down 2D interface reminiscent of classic submarine warfare simulations. Players are placed in command of a submarine and tasked with navigating the ocean depths, detecting, tracking, and engaging enemy vessels. Information is limited, forcing players to rely primarily on sonar bearings to deduce the location, speed, and heading of their adversaries. This reliance on indirect information introduces a layer of strategic complexity, demanding careful interpretation of auditory cues and shrewd tactical maneuvering. The game emphasizes strategic thinking over twitch reflexes, requiring players to anticipate enemy movements and plan their attacks meticulously. Success hinges on effective sonar management, accurate target localization, and skillful deployment of torpedo weaponry. The stripped-down visual presentation, while simple, effectively conveys the tension and uncertainty inherent in submarine warfare, focusing the player's attention on the crucial auditory information provided by the sonar system. The game offers a compelling blend of simulation and strategy, providing a cerebral and engaging experience directly within a web browser, without the need for downloads or installations.

  • HTML5
  • Web Game
  • Browser Game
  • Submarine
  • Combat
  • Simulation
  • Naval
  • Warfare
  • javascript
  • Game Development
  • 2D
  • Multiplayer
  • Indie Game
  • Show HN

  Summary of Comments ( 3 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42783545

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally praised the game's simple yet engaging gameplay, clean UI, and overall polish. Several appreciated the strategic depth despite the minimalist presentation, with one noting it felt like a more accessible version of Cold Waters. Others suggested potential improvements, such as adding sound effects, varying submarine types, and incorporating a tutorial or clearer instructions. Some discussed the realism of certain mechanics, like the sonar detection model, while others simply enjoyed the nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic browser games. A few users also encountered minor bugs, including difficulty selecting targets on certain browsers.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: A submarine combat game in the browser" linking to bearingsonly.net generated several comments, mostly positive and intrigued by the game's concept and execution.

  Several commenters praised the game's simplicity and elegant design, appreciating the minimalist graphics and focus on the core gameplay mechanics. One user specifically lauded the "clean UI" and the intuitive nature of the controls. Another enjoyed the "old-school vector graphics," drawing a comparison to classic arcade games. The accessibility of the game being browser-based and not requiring any downloads or installations was also highlighted as a positive aspect.

  The gameplay itself sparked discussion, with users sharing their initial experiences and strategies. Some found the learning curve to be a bit steep, requiring a grasp of the mechanics of sonar and underwater combat. One commenter mentioned the challenge of managing noise levels and avoiding detection, while another described the thrill of successfully targeting and destroying an enemy submarine. The strategic depth of the game, despite its simple presentation, was a recurring theme.

  A few technical comments emerged as well. One user inquired about the technology used to develop the game, specifically mentioning WebAssembly. Another discussed the potential for adding features like multiplayer functionality or different game modes. The creator of the game, active in the comments section, responded to these inquiries and acknowledged the suggestions, expressing openness to future development and improvements.

  Beyond the gameplay itself, some comments delved into the real-world parallels of submarine warfare, discussing the complexities and challenges involved in such operations. This added a layer of appreciation for the game's attempt to capture, albeit in a simplified form, the essence of submarine combat.

  Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the game, with users praising its simplicity, strategic depth, and technical execution. The discussion also highlighted the potential for future development and the broader interest in the topic of submarine warfare.