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Thread: Lone B-17 Raid (first use of the new bomber)

  1. #1

    Default Lone B-17 Raid (first use of the new bomber)

    The other night we got a game in with my new B-17 just to see how she handles.
    I took control of the B-17.

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    Flying a bombing run on a Japanese military base that was on an island just off the coast. The targets: a military complex and any ships that may be at anchor in the harbour. (ship courtesy of Topside Mini's free promotional unit I got this past week, a very nice piece I might add)

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    The defenders (one Zero each flown by a friend for a total of three) took off the airbase when the alarm was given.

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    They attacked the B-17 in full force and dealt considerable damage.

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    The defenders had however taken off rather slowly, combined with the fact that mistakes were made and the B-17 momentarily gained freedom from the teeth of the assailants.

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    This time it was my turn to make a mistake as I misjudged the first bomb load on the complex, with only two left I'll have to make them count. At least I had time to turn and score a hit on the minelayer in the harbour. This dealt enough damage to make her take on water and begin sinking.

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    I then made the long, tedious attempt to turn the bird around and see about making another pass. One pestering Zero got within short range of my guns and went down in flames (22 points), but not before knocking out my dorsal turret gunner who would be sorely missed in the next few phases.

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    Still turning, the other two Zero's attack together and knock out my waist gunner, creating a rather large blindspot on my now severely wounded aircraft.

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    A rudder damage further prevents my plane from turning properly, at this point I should turn tail for home with lots of damage done to my bird, but I've come this far. Maybe I can reach my last target... maybe.

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    Alas, it is not to be! At 46 damage taken, and just about every "C" chit drawn I finally pull the explosion from a long range shot.

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    I quite enjoyed the use of the B-17, though I fear another one or two will be in order soon, or at least a few escort aircraft. The victory will have to go to the Japanese, while they lost a ship and one aircraft their Complex (the primary target) remained undamaged. I should have flown off to the side first and then began my approach lengthwise on the targets to take them out in one bombing run but lesson learned for next time. Overall a pretty fun scenario to play and I look forward to using the bomber again!

  2. #2

    Thumbs up

    Well done for a first flight.

    Takes some time to get used to how the big bombers handle.

    Look forward to more missions with more bombers & perhaps a Mustang escort!

  3. #3

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    Thanks Barry! It certainly does take some time. I was also surprised by the speed of the bomber. Those Zero's could barely keep up at one point.

  4. #4

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    great aar!!!! turning around to take another pass facing 3 zeros!!! thats a bold move my friend! from all the aars and my own encounter trying to shoot down b17s im really getting the feel that they really got the speed and durability right on it! way to go ares!!!!! the speed may seem surprising but remember when the model 299 (boeings b17 prototype) debuted it was faster then any currently in service fighter in the world!!!!!

  5. #5

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    A very nice thought out scenario for trialing your new bomber Wes.
    Getting it right the first time generally makes the difference between success and failure with ythese birds weather first or second WW.
    Your comments about attacking along the line of a target rather than at right angles to it is very true. Even a diagonal approach presents more area to hit than crossing the short side, as long as you line up straight.
    Very useful for the noob bomber pilots.
    Thanks for posting.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  6. #6

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    Nice AAR, Wes.

    The second run doomed the brave bomber.

    For the next run I recommend the optional "extended crew damage" for the B17. Try it and you will see what happens when a cannon salvo cuts through a 10 crew bomber.
    Voilŕ le soleil d'Austerlitz!

  7. #7

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    Thanks for the comments everyone. I'll certainly give your suggestions a run on the next battle.

  8. #8

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    Nice one.
    We have been doing the odd Korean scenario using 1:300 Mig15's and F86 Sabres but last week Doug trotted out a B29 for a trial run. He had devised a points system to apportion damage to various areas of the airframe with the total damage limit of 80 points. He and Tony had 4 Sabres as escort and we had 4 Migs against them.
    The Russian plan worked very well with my 2 Migs going for the Escort while Rob just went strait for the B29. The trouble with jets is if you go past head to head it takes a long time to get back into combat. Rob therefore got a fairly clean run against the Bomber while I took out 1 of the sabres on my first pass for very little return damage. Vicious little buggers these Migs. The B29 didn't last long as Rob managed to shoot off a wing (at this point Doug decided that he would have to revise his points system) and the sortie was ended. Also I had managed to shoot down another Sabre.
    Discussion followed on the merits of partial damage or full on 80 point damage. I quite like the apportionment system as I think this adds realism to the occasion. We will see what variations Doug will come up with for future sorties.
    Cheers Rebel
    PS There are some photos of this sortie on my club's Facebook page. Search ELMS or East Leeds Militaria Society

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by Rebel View Post

    PS There are some photos of this sortie on my club's Facebook page. Search ELMS or East Leeds Militaria Society.
    Cheers Rebel
    Sounds like a great sortie Reg.
    A different era is always exciting.
    Unfortunately I don't do Facebook.
    Any chance of putting some up on the Drome?
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  10. #10

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    Looks like fun to me! Good job!

  11. #11

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    No, I don't do Facebook either since my Facebook account was hacked 3 years ago; however you do not have to sign in to Facebook to see these pictures. Can't post them here as I do not have access to the originals.
    Cheers Rebel

  12. #12

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    Great pictures and AAR...
    As well as super Zero collections sir....

    Did I mention the scale map... Very nice...
    Chris

  13. #13

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    Very nice AAR! Tough lesson learned the hard way. You can see those B-17s don't turn as nicely as the fighters. You have to have your bombing run planned out long before you get to the target. Great job!

    Thomas

  14. #14

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    Further to my earlier post with my AAR on our B29 Korean sortie and F.O Kyte's request for photos.
    Here is the link to find some:-
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/East-...121785?fref=nf

    And you do NOT have to sign in to Facebook to see them.

  15. #15

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    Thanks very much Reg.
    Well worth the wait to see those beauties in action.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  16. #16

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    Those are some nice looking models Reg.



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