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Thread: Should we choose a certain combination of planes for scenario play?

  1. #1

    Default Should we choose a certain combination of planes for scenario play?

    I would like to have a well rounded collection (for the sake of game play that is).

    We are learning and so far prefer scenario play.

    Do you find it different choosing plans for scenario play than it is for plane vs. plane dog fights?

    For example: We figure its better to use slow planes to attack balloons because you spend more time at one ruler away for shooting distance.
    I am sure this is just the start of how this affects plane selection.

    Could anyone give us an idea of how to choose wisely?
    Last edited by bmwrider; 10-07-2014 at 22:28.

  2. #2

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    In short no. Trying scenarios using different planes is part of the fun to see how they get on but you're right in that you will find some aircraft are better suited to certain scenarios. eg Fokker Dr1 are good for defending a point but next to useless chasing anything but the slowest types

    "He is wise who watches"

  3. #3

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    In short no. Trying scenarios using different planes is part of the fun to see how they get on but you're right in that you will find some aircraft are better suited to certain scenarios. eg Fokker Dr1 are good for defending a point but next to useless chasing anything but the slowest types
    Oh!
    Of course the discovery of using different planes is going to be fun!
    I didn't think of that, good point, thanks.

  4. #4

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    One thing I'd like to suggest: pick up a book about WWI aviation - anything by Peter Hart is great, especially if you like the RFC / RAF - and learn about the historical match-ups between planes.

    Air superiority was traded back and forth a number of times between the Entente and Central Powers. Sometimes the matchups were really tough, and you can simulate this - if you want - via WGF. Or you can choose balanced but still historically plausible matchups. The great thing about WGF is you can have it both ways - the game's designers have taken care to reasonably represent each plane's capabilities.

    Scenarios are a good way to go, as often the scenario author(s) will have taken these things into account. Or you can use the points system proposed (and stickied at the top of this forum) to help pick balanced matchups.

    Mainly, it's good to remember that WGF is not only a fun game in and of itself, but opens a doorway to learning a great deal more about the history of this conflict. How far you choose to go is totally up to you, but there's a great deal of satisfaction to be had from diving in. Enjoy!

  5. #5

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    We play scenarios linked together in a campaign, the aircraft available for each mission are dictated by whats available on the roster, primarily driven by the historic dates of the aircraft, this means that each side has the advantage at different stages of the campaign....but its fun to work out which aircraft types work best in each mission type. Also having pilots build 'history' adds to the flavour.... Lots of information on here to help you.

    24 missions in, and we have made it to July 1917.... Not long until I get my Fokkers!

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by Air Cooled View Post
    We play scenarios linked together in a campaign, the aircraft available for each mission are dictated by whats available on the roster, primarily driven by the historic dates of the aircraft, this means that each side has the advantage at different stages of the campaign....but its fun to work out which aircraft types work best in each mission type. Also having pilots build 'history' adds to the flavour.... Lots of information on here to help you.

    24 missions in, and we have made it to July 1917.... Not long until I get my Fokkers!
    So your working your way through the historic timline?
    That sounds great!
    Where can I find the info for doing this?

  7. #7

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    Oddly enough, this is what we do also. We're up to late summer/autumn of 1916, and are flying Halberstadt D.IIIs with the Albatros D.II just coming into service, while the RFC is flying Sopwith Strutters and Nieuport 17s. Our last mission looked like a walkover for the Germans, until it dawned that the Halberstadts were escorting a number of brand new Albatri straight from the factor, which were to be armed on arrival at the aerodrome. The Albatri got away, but the Halberstadts were badly knocked about.

  8. #8

    Lightbulb

    Quote Originally Posted by bmwrider View Post
    So your working your way through the historic timline?
    That sounds great!
    Where can I find the info for doing this?
    G'day Todd!
    May I suggest you check out the posts by "flash" down in the WW1 Campaign section re the Over the Trenches Early Doors Solo Campaign.
    flash has given a timeline for the introduction of the early war aircraft & you will also find in another thread a number of scenarios that you might like.

  9. #9

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    I don't know the acronyms yet, just so I understand, WGF, RFC, and RAF stand for what?

  10. #10

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    WGF= Wings of Glory First (World War)

    RFC = Royal Flying Corps. (Until 1918 Britains aerial forces weren't a service in their own right, the RFC flew the Army's machines the RNAS (Royal Naval Air Service) the Navy's) it wasn't until almost the end of hostilities that the Royal Air Force was formed.

  11. #11

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    IMHO more aircraft = more variety. If however your budget only runs to a few minis I'd go for Camels (which with 4 Cooper bombs can go fighterbomber with ease), and Albatrii DVa to hunt them with, then look for a double of Recce birds, a Rumpler and an RE8 (though why Ares never made the far more versatile Fe2b a higher priority I'll never know). Then try for triplanes (German ones - the Ares Sopwiths are just wrong).
    If you still have some cash left then go SPAD 7 vs Pfalz D3 (Alb DIII being rare as rocking horse poo).
    Last edited by AlgyLacey; 10-17-2014 at 10:19.

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by AlgyLacey View Post
    it wasn't until almost the end of hostilities that the Royal Air Force was formed.
    April 1st 1918

  13. #13

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    and before that RAF stood for Royal Aircraft Factory. (Confusing isn't it!)
    See you on the Dark Side......

  14. #14

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    Quote Originally Posted by bmwrider View Post
    I don't know the acronyms yet, just so I understand, WGF, RFC, and RAF stand for what?


    Useful initials and abbreviations:

    R.A.F. until April 1, 1918 RAF stood for the Royal Aircraft Factory hence 'RAF 1a' as an engine type, etc. After April 1 1918 it became used for the Royal Air Force. The former Royal Aircraft Factory became the R.A.E. or Royal Aircraft Establishment. The RAE still exists today and is the test and development side of Government aviation in Britain.

    R.F.C. until April 1, 1918 the RFC was the British Army's air arm whose pilots and ground crew wore army uniforms and used army ranks, insignia and army medals.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Flying_Corps

    R.N.A.S. until April 1, 1918, the RNAS was the Royal Navy's air arm whose pilots and ground crew wore darker naval uniforms and used naval ranks, insignia and naval medals.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Air_Service

    Both the RFC and the RNAS were merged into the RAF on April 1 but the uniforms of both branches continued to be worn for up to a year afterwards so post-April 1, 1918, crew photographs can show both light (Army) and dark (Navy) uniforms in the same shot. The new official RAF uniform was a blue/grey and was allegedly chosen as there were thousands of yards of unused cloth still in stock from a cancelled order from the pre-Russian Revolution Tsar's army, which had ordered this colour with the intent that the uniforms be manufactured in Britain.

    Naval flying was re-founded as a separate branch in 1924 with the establishment of the Fleet Air Arm as part of the new RAF, but critics said that the RAF did not give naval flying enough priority. The Fleet Air Arm did not return to full Royal Navy control until May 24, 1939 - just in time for WW2. As a result of RAF under-investment in naval flying in the 1930s the FAA started WW2 'one generation' behind other carrier nations and was still using biplanes such as the Swordfish and Gladiator.

    A.E.F. American Expeditionary Forces. US forces sent to Europe in WW1. Official US squadrons flew under the title AEF.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americ...tionary_Forces

    S.P.A.D. Societe Pour L'Aviation et see Derives. French aircraft company originally set up as a subsidiary of Deperdussin and with SPAD having a different meaning. Re-founded without the Deperdussin connection but with the same initials in 1913.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociét...et_ses_Dérivés
    Last edited by 'Warspite'; 10-18-2014 at 04:55.

  15. #15

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    Well that was easy, gonna be a while before I remember it all but now I have a reference, thanks folks.

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by bmwrider View Post
    Well that was easy, gonna be a while before I remember it all but now I have a reference, thanks folks.

    You are welcome!

  17. #17

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    BTW:

    I have expanded the list and put it here:

    http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sho...de-for-newbies

    Other readers are welcome to add to the list.

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by 'Warspite' View Post
    Useful initials and abbreviations:

    R.A.F. until April 1, 1918 RAF stood for the Royal Aircraft Factory hence 'RAF 1a' as an engine type, etc. After April 1 1918 it became used for the Royal Air Force. The former Royal Aircraft Factory became the R.A.E. or Royal Aircraft Establishment. The RAE still exists today and is the test and development side of Government aviation in Britain.

    R.F.C. until April 1, 1918 the RFC was the British Army's air arm whose pilots and ground crew wore army uniforms and used army ranks, insignia and army medals.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Flying_Corps

    R.N.A.S. until April 1, 1918, the RNAS was the Royal Navy's air arm whose pilots and ground crew wore darker naval uniforms and used naval ranks, insignia and naval medals.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Air_Service

    Both the RFC and the RNAS were merged into the RAF on April 1 but the uniforms of both branches continued to be worn for up to a year afterwards so post-April 1, 1918, crew photographs can show both light (Army) and dark (Navy) uniforms in the same shot. The new official RAF uniform was a blue/grey and was allegedly chosen as there were thousands of yards of unused cloth still in stock from a cancelled order from the pre-Russian Revolution Tsar's army, which had ordered this colour with the intent that the uniforms be manufactured in Britain.

    Naval flying was re-founded as a separate branch in 1924 with the establishment of the Fleet Air Arm as part of the new RAF, but critics said that the RAF did not give naval flying enough priority. The Fleet Air Arm did not return to full Royal Navy control until May 24, 1939 - just in time for WW2. As a result of RAF under-investment in naval flying in the 1930s the FAA started WW2 'one generation' behind other carrier nations and was still using biplanes such as the Swordfish and Gladiator.

    A.E.F. American Expeditionary Forces. US forces sent to Europe in WW1. Official US squadrons flew under the title AEF.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americ...tionary_Forces

    S.P.A.D. Societe Pour L'Aviation et see Derives. French aircraft company originally set up as a subsidiary of Deperdussin and with SPAD having a different meaning. Re-founded without the Deperdussin connection but with the same initials in 1913.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociét...et_ses_Dérivés
    thank you for full acronym break down, this will be my reference till I learn them.

  19. #19

    Default

    Update:
    This is where my collection is so far, tell me what you think of my scenario pics so far?
    Of course I will buy more, Is there anything else I should consider for my needs? like perhaps some of the slower B firing planes for balance?

    Fokker dr.I
    Fokker D VII Stark
    Siemens-Schuckert D.III (Lange)
    Abatross D. Va Udit

    Sopwith camel Barker
    Sopwith triplane (Collishaw)
    Spad XIII Rickenbaker

    Airco DH 4
    Gotha G.V (Von Korff)
    Last edited by bmwrider; 10-19-2014 at 06:35.

  20. #20

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 'Warspite' View Post
    Useful initials and abbreviations:

    R.A.F. until April 1, 1918 RAF stood for the Royal Aircraft Factory hence 'RAF 1a' as an engine type, etc. After April 1 1918 it became used for the Royal Air Force. The former Royal Aircraft Factory became the R.A.E. or Royal Aircraft Establishment. The RAE still exists today and is the test and development side of Government aviation in Britain.

    R.F.C. until April 1, 1918 the RFC was the British Army's air arm whose pilots and ground crew wore army uniforms and used army ranks, insignia and army medals.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Flying_Corps

    R.N.A.S. until April 1, 1918, the RNAS was the Royal Navy's air arm whose pilots and ground crew wore darker naval uniforms and used naval ranks, insignia and naval medals.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Naval_Air_Service

    Both the RFC and the RNAS were merged into the RAF on April 1 but the uniforms of both branches continued to be worn for up to a year afterwards so post-April 1, 1918, crew photographs can show both light (Army) and dark (Navy) uniforms in the same shot. The new official RAF uniform was a blue/grey and was allegedly chosen as there were thousands of yards of unused cloth still in stock from a cancelled order from the pre-Russian Revolution Tsar's army, which had ordered this colour with the intent that the uniforms be manufactured in Britain.

    Naval flying was re-founded as a separate branch in 1924 with the establishment of the Fleet Air Arm as part of the new RAF, but critics said that the RAF did not give naval flying enough priority. The Fleet Air Arm did not return to full Royal Navy control until May 24, 1939 - just in time for WW2. As a result of RAF under-investment in naval flying in the 1930s the FAA started WW2 'one generation' behind other carrier nations and was still using biplanes such as the Swordfish and Gladiator.

    A.E.F. American Expeditionary Forces. US forces sent to Europe in WW1. Official US squadrons flew under the title AEF.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americ...tionary_Forces

    S.P.A.D. Societe Pour L'Aviation et see Derives. French aircraft company originally set up as a subsidiary of Deperdussin and with SPAD having a different meaning. Re-founded without the Deperdussin connection but with the same initials in 1913.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sociét...et_ses_Dérivés
    The reason why April 1st is also called "April Fools Day"!!

  21. #21

    Default

    Todd,
    I was having similar issues with putting together scenarios and deciding what planes I "needed" next. So, to make slightly more informed decisions, this was put together:
    General Overview of WWI Miniatures - Timeline and Theaters

    Hope it helps you, too.
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by OldGuy59 View Post
    Todd,
    I was having similar issues with putting together scenarios and deciding what planes I "needed" next. So, to make slightly more informed decisions, this was put together:
    General Overview of WWI Miniatures - Timeline and Theaters

    Hope it helps you, too.
    That is helpful.
    So I figure the later planes will have an advantage over the early models, so this will also help with balance as well.

  23. #23

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by bmwrider View Post
    That is helpful.
    So I figure the later planes will have an advantage over the early models, so this will also help with balance as well.
    Balance in a scenario is tricky. Sometimes, impossible odds are part of the challenge. Also, for example, the Black Flight of 10 RNAS racked up quite a tally flying sinlge-gunned Sopwith Triplanes against dual-gunned German planes. And Bloody April happened because of an inbalance in aircraft. British pilots didn't stop flying even with the losses piling up.

    If you need a reference to generate balanced dogfights, try this link: Point System for Wings of Glory
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59



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