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Thread: WGS-Compatible Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560: Missions Flown During 2015.

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    Thumbs up WGS-Compatible Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560: Missions Flown During 2015.

    This mission although not strictly World War 2 has to be seen to be believed ... It's a first for the skies of WGS. With a Power Howl like no other attached to it a Wings of Glory WW2 / WGS compatible Avro Vulcan B.2 from 27 Squadron RAF (XH560) was deployed on a conventional bombing mission on August 30th 2015. Although this AAR focuses on the Vulcan to prove that the concept works for WGS there was another aircraft in the air at the same time just in case the Vulcan for some reason was unable to complete the mission. On this occasion the Vulcan is being flown by Aerodrome Member Mazzle (the Wife) as Aussietonka lurks around in the background flying Avro Lancaster B Mk III LM739 HW-Z(2) from 100 Squadron RAF ...

    DATE CLASSIFIED: Operation GRIMSBY. Factory production at O'NEILLS has resumed after recent bombing activity temporarily knocked target out. Factory now operational as O'NEILLS II and an immediate stop must be put to this. Target is to be obliterated at whatever cost. Suggest deployment of brand new aircraft type now available with 27 Squadron at Boddington. Factory still believed to be manufacturing secret MELISSA weapon components :MESSAGE ENDS:

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Name:	3. Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 flown by Mazzle.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 of 27 Squadron RAF

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Name:	5. Get aircraft to any of these targets.jpg 
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    Intelligence Photo of O'Neills II with O'Reillys (see later) in foreground

    TWO DAYS LATER: Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 from 27 Squadron has just recently completed trials following it's conversion to WGS Standard. It is now assigned to a single-aircraft mission entitled Operation Grimsby which is to feature the conventional bombing of a primary target which has supposedly been causing headaches for the Allies over recent weeks. Five days ago O'Neills was dive bombed and damaged extensively only to have resumed production again as O'Neills II: It is believed to be manufacturing components of a brand new weapon codenamed Melissa by Allied Intelligence. Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 is now operational and airborne from it's base at RAF Boddington as a few miles away the reserve aircraft in the shape of Avro Lancaster B Mk III LM739 from 100 Squadron is also lumbering into the air ex-RAF Goodall Spa.

    Crew of XH560: Cockpit - Wg Cdr Coldwore and Flt Lt Victor-Valiante. Rear Three - Flt Sgts Hunter and Swift with Flt Sgt Wapiti and Lysander (Sgt) as Bomb Aimer / Observer.

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Name:	8. Tabletop with Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560.jpg 
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    Tabletop with Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560

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Name:	10. Avro Vulcan B.2 approaching O'Neills II.jpg 
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    Approaching primary target at height and at speed

    The flight to the target was uneventful with no changes in altitude as planned. Although it is able to carry twelve bombs only six will be dropped on the target: Enough in this instance to obliterate the target at minimal cost including collateral damage. The target is to also be bombed conventionally at height and at speed: The Avro Vulcan only ever bombed one target and this was carried out conventionally in April 1982. Should the Vulcan be unable to either carry out or complete this mission then the reserve aircraft will be required to bomb the assigned target conventionally. NOTE: More technologically advanced bombing methods including thermonuclear warfare are not in the rules for WGS whereas conventional bombing is ... This is what happened.

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Name:	11. Turn 3 is where the action begins.jpg 
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    Laser Pointer and D20 equipment

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Name:	12. Avro Vulcan B.2 overhead O'Neills II.jpg 
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    XH560 overhead primary target

    In preparation for the bomb run which for the Avro Vulcan B.2 began in Turn 3 a laser pointer was required for pinpoint accuracy (supplied) along with a D20. The Avro Vulcan B.2 was manoeuvered successfully at height an at speed directly overhead of the target. O'Neills II looked as if production of something was in full swing according to Sgt Lysander who was in the process of aligning the bomb sight with the target. Upon successfully releasing all six bombs simultaneously upon the target Sgt Lysander achieved a direct hit to the relief of the crew of XH560. O'Neills II vanished in a huge explosion although being a public holiday it was believed that there was little to no loss of life: However this also meant nobody was around to try and contain the damage - the chances of the entire factory being lost were maximised. As the Avro Vulcan turned for home the Power Howl noise which has made this aircraft an air show favourite was emitted because of increased air flow through the engine intakes as engine power was increased.

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Name:	14. Conventional bombing of O'Neills II by Avro Vulcan B.2!.jpg 
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    Conventional bombing of primary target by XH560

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Name:	15. Good Shot Mazzle!.jpg 
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    O'Neills II put out of action with a direct hit

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Name:	16. Avro Vulcan B.2 leaving vicinity of O'Neills II.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 turning for home: Power Howl noise emitted as engine power increased!

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Name:	19. Avro Vulcan B.2 approaching O'Reillys.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 in the vicinity of O'Reillys (see below)

    However a spot of bother awaited XH560 as the aircraft made it's way home overflying a sister factory to O'Neills / O'Neills II called O'Reillys. This site had just been kitted out with FLAK guns which were on 24 hour alert in case of air attack following the activity of five days ago. The only problem with the Avro Vulcan was the noise it makes operationally along with being a single airborne target alone. As the Vulcan overflew O'Reillys the FLAK guns opened fire scoring A Damage Tokens of 4 to the annoyance of Wg Cdr Coldwore and Flt Lt Victor-Valiante up front! However a message was sent using Morse Code from XH560 by Flt Sgt Swift to reserve aircraft LM739 which informed Flt Lt Dunkin of this adverse activity ... Would he clean up after them? To which Dunkin replied that he would: Ultimately O'Reillys suffered the same fate as O'Neills II after the reserve aircraft dropped it's bombload on this target of opportunity ...

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Name:	20. Avro Vulcan B.2 enters FLAK over O'Reillys.jpg 
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    XH560 encounters FLAK overhead O'Reillys

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Name:	22. Avro Vulcan B.2 leaving vicinity of O'Reillys.jpg 
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    Shaken but not stirred: Message sent to reserve aircraft regarding target of opportunity

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Name:	26. Tabletop Avro Vulcan B.2 approaching O'Neills II.jpg 
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    XH560 continues back to base

    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 recovered to base at RAF Boddington safely and with nothing further to report. Meanwhile back at RAF Goodall Spa reserve aircraft Avro Lancaster B Mk III LM739 was also soon recovering to base successfully. According to Allied Intelligence O'Neills II was put completely out of action as was O'Reillys: The secret Melissa weapon although confirmed as under development was never completed and to date has never appeared on the scene. A rumour that this secret weapon was supposedly a method of talking people to death was never substantiated. Also after his return to base Flt Lt Dunkin did have to explain why he was no longer in possession of his aircraft's payload but on hearing of the FLAK damage incurred by XH560 it was rapidly agreed that Dunkin had indeed taken action against a target of opportunity. Now a freshly repaired Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 awaits it's next deployment ...

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Name:	39. Avro Vulcan B.2 heading for home.jpg 
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    XH560 continues towards base

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Name:	41. Avro Vulcan XH560 recovers to base.jpg 
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    XH560 Recovers to Base

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Name:	42. Avro Vulcan B.2 flown by Mazzle final damage statistics.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 final damage statistics
    Last edited by Tonx; 02-08-2016 at 19:31. Reason: Change title of thread.

  2. #2

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    Beautiful Vulcan model Barney!
    Would give Rep but have to spread the love first!

  3. #3

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    It was fun flying the Vulcan yesterday with Barney. Unfortunately I managed to clock 4 hit points when I took it flying, whereas Barney managed to fly without damage on his sortie out with it.

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    DATE: 06SEP15 MSG READS: Vulcan crew at Boddington to get off the Aerodrome and get an early night ready for 07SEP15 Operation LAST TRAIN. The disused sweet factory on the Chesterfield Road is the mock target which the Vulcan must hit using a full complement of practice bombs. Judging by last efforts on O'Neills II live target this assignment should not be difficult but is still there to maintain a decent standard of combat readiness :MSG ENDS:

    OK so this is a Before Action Report on XH560's next sortie - anybody remember Cruel Earth also known as The Last Train? The disused sweet factory on the Chesterfield Road comes from this mini-serial which is excellent - I have it on DVD ...

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    Talking AAR - Operation LAST TRAIN September 7th 2015

    DATE: 06SEP15 MSG READS: Vulcan crew at Boddington to get off the Aerodrome and get an early night ready for 07SEP15 Operation LAST TRAIN. The disused sweet factory on the Chesterfield Road is the mock target which the Vulcan must hit using a full complement of practice bombs. Judging by last efforts on O'Neills II live target this assignment should not be difficult but is still there to maintain a decent standard of combat readiness :MSG ENDS:

    September 7th 2015: RAF Boddington in the East Midlands - home of the WGS Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 of 27 Squadron RAF. Having been told to get to bed as it is confirmed there is to be a practice raid on a disused sweet factory Wing Commander Bob Dunkin and Crew leave what they are doing including posting stuff on their favourite websites and get some shut-eye. Dunkin knows that this is vital because following the recent destruction of the factories believed to be manufacturing a brand new secret weapon codenamed Melissa the aircraft has been assigned a brand new target: Check THIS out as Dunkin has personally vowed to put a stop to this latest one ... A group named The Gloryhole are believed to be trying to turn everyone's favourite Wargame Wings of Glory into a fantasy vampire game called ... yep, you got it: Wings of Gory! This he is not prepared to stand for and has volunteered to fly the mission XH560 will be assigned to when The Gloryhole is located in order to prevent this travesty from going any further. But for now a target believed to be very similar in shape size and form has been found for the crew of XH560 to practice on: the old sweet factory from The Last Train (Cruel Earth if you are in the USA or Canada!) On the Chesterfield Road.

    Crew of XH560: Cockpit - Wg Cdr Dunkin B and Flt Lt Deckert W. Rear Three - Flt Sgts Melia and Riley with Flt Sgt Dawes and Ward (Sgt) as Bomb Aimer / Observer. There is quite a major Australian connection within this crew as they have all been hand-picked by Dunkin ready for when the time comes to score a direct one upon The Gloryhole.

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Name:	3. The mighty Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 with new stand.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 in operation with brand new stand

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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 Airbornes from RAF Boddington

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Name:	6. Rolling out some <acronym title=AA Defences on the Chesterfield Road Practice Target!.jpg  Views: 180  Size: 205.2 KB  ID: 175027" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />
    FLAK and Anti-Aircraft Gunnery defending target

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Name:	10. Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 deployed.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 in flight heading for its assigned target

    Soon XH560 is within range of its assigned target on the Chesterfield Road: This factory has not been used for over fifteen years however today it is kitted up as Intelligence is expecting The Gloryhole to be kitted up with some form of Anti-Aircraft Defence. The original plan was for XH560 to make two passes of the target and dropping six bombs every time it overflies. However as the first lot of bombs are released the FLAK guns open fire in reply below ... At which point XH560 is hit quite seriously and as observers on the ground recall seeing clearly from their vantage point a trail of white smoke appears behind the aircraft. On board Dunkin and Deckert in the cockpit receive warnings from the hydraulics system and begin to get the impression that there will be a white or light grey trail emanating from the rear of the aircraft.

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    Start of Turn 4: Attack Target

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Name:	15. Rock The Casbah time!.jpg 
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    XH560 positioned ready for the first bomb release over its assigned target

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Name:	16. But as XH560 releases bombs the <acronym title=AA Defences below reply ....jpg  Views: 180  Size: 189.4 KB  ID: 175031" class="thumbnail" style="float:CONFIG" />
    But the target bites back as the bombs are released!

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Name:	17. THIS should not happen to a Vulcan!.jpg 
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    Damage indications on board XH560

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Name:	18. Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 trailing light grey smoke.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 after being hit by Anti-Aircraft defences trailing light grey mist or smoke

    In the cockpit of XH560 Dunkin decides that the second pass of the target and bomb release of six more bombs is off: The aircraft has been damaged and must now return to base to make a successful recovery. Via the coastal bombing range at RAF Donner Brook where the remaining ordinance will be released allowing for a successful recovery to base to be made. This is cleared via HF communication and so the aircraft turns back east. It is then that the situation escalates as smoke is detected on board by the Rear Three crew who are seated in the black hole. Recovery to base now becomes a priority and Dunkin makes the decision to abandon the planned excursion to Donner Brook and recover directly back to base with practice ordinance still on board the aircraft.

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    Start of Turn 5: Recover to base!

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    Smoke is detected on board XH560 by the Rear Three crew members for the first time

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    Dunkin is under intense pressure to recover to base at Boddington with practice bombs still on board

    As emergency teams muster back at XH560s base at RAF Boddington there is a minor improvement in terms of the situation on board the aircraft. Using vented air from outside with XH560 only at 6000 feet the Rear Three crew members report that the smoke detected earlier on is in fact clearing. As soon as the aircraft is in VISUAL range of RAF Boddington a CAR or Condition of Aircraft Report is transmitted to Dunkin: The smoke trail seen as the aircraft was in the vicinity of its assigned target is no longer trailing rearwards. As a precaution with regard to the hydraulic system warnings received by Dunkin and Deckert in the cockpit they have selected to operate the aircraft on one of its three Hydraulic Redundancy systems which is what they are there for ... It has been a bit of an intensely nail-biting of a flight back to base but XH560 appears to have made it safe and sound. The aircraft recovers to base successfully with six practice bombs still on board. As a precaution Dunkin carries out a soft-field landing but the flight concludes uneventfully ... Phew!

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    Start of Turn 9: Minor on board situation improvement

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Name:	29. Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 recovering to base.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 recovers to base successfully

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Name:	30. Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 Final Damage Statistics.jpg 
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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 Final Damage Statistics

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Name:	31. Old Chesterfield Road sweet factory following practice raid.jpg 
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    The old sweet factory on Chesterfield Road Final Damage Statistics!

    Dunkin and Deckert were right in their assumption that the aircraft's hydraulics had been damaged and that what the light grey smoke-trail consisted of was Skydrol. As to why smoke entered the crew compartment where the Rear Three were located (nicknamed the black hole) the reason for this was never discovered. XH560 is currently undergoing repairs but should not be out of action for long. In the meantime Intelligence continues to search for The Gloryhole and are believed to be making significant forward progress in this matter judging by the sound of the latest telex received below:

    DATE: 07SEP15 MSG READS: Vulcan recovered successfully to base at Boddington. Next time try deploying countermeasures to avoid damage being incurred to XH560 from ground based AA or FLAK Defences! Feedback from the practice target initially indicates a coverage of 50% with six bombs released over the target. Understand Mission was an ABORT following damage incurred as successful recovery to base took priority. XH560 to be redeployed upon same target to achieve better results in very near future :MSG ENDS:

  6. #6

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    Very imaginative AAR's, Barnaby. Well done!

  7. #7

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    Could be the preamble to a full length adventure story Barney.
    Very entertaining sideshow.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Could be the preamble to a full length adventure story Barney.
    Very entertaining sideshow.
    Rob.
    My thinking too - the next instalment of XH560 will be here after Doncaster 2015.

    Around September 15th 2015 XH560 was on the ground due to attending the very excellent WGS game at RAF Cosford on September 13th followed by the Spitfire Rally held near Derby on September 15th itself. The latter is maybe better known by now as Those Magnificent Spitfires of Old Chester Green - otherwise Tuesdays are when XH560 usually gets airborne.

    Expect another exciting instalment soon ...

  9. #9

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    Perhaps some high level bombing might be in order next time Barney - something from on high, over an airfield say .... breaking away after release & let it fly towards the target runway - if it's a smart bomb you could even steer it onto target !

    "He is wise who watches"

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    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Perhaps some high level bombing might be in order next time Barney - something from on high, over an airfield say .... breaking away after release & let it fly towards the target runway - if it's a smart bomb you could even steer it onto target !
    Dave - you are not reading Vulcan 607 too by any chance are you? This book is an excellent read - bought it for the Wife.

    I've got ideas as to how a SMART bomb and it's usage could be emulated with help of a number of utensils from the WGS RAP or alternatively with a sister aircraft assisting with the drop ... However it's the WGS compatibility factor which has so far made this idea what it is as well as successfully put a Vulcan into the skies of WGS. Bombing conventionally from further up is definitely not out of the question and neither is using an airfield as a target. Whereas the SMART idea would have to stand alone - even more so than attacking dams with the Avro Lancaster Dambuster Edition does.

    Following Doncaster 2015 XH560 will be in action again hopefully on September 22nd. As F/O Kyte suggests the next flight will follow on from the other two but your idea about bombing from further up really has got me thinking vividly. Thank you very much for that

  11. #11

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    Not reading the book but have read an account of the event many years ago ! Smart bombing shouldn't be too hard. Take it the Hooligans from Hereford have painted the target, using the Fire in the Sky bombing rules (below) for level bombing at altitude as my reference point I'd suggest that instead of being only able to use the manoeuvre cards you dropped with ie straight or stall, why not allow a side slip, turn, straights and stalls as required to get on target ! May take a little practice but should work fine.
    And why just drop one load, why not two or more ?! Carpet bomb even !!

    If the plane is above altitude 1 when bombs are dropped, place one or more counters on the bomb card when it is placed on the table.
    Place one counter if the altitude is 2 or 3, two counters if it is 4–6, three counters if it is 7–10, and four counters if it is above altitude 10. 
    The bombs don’t hit the ground when they are placed on the table, and they are not removed. Instead, in each subsequent movement phase, they are moved again with the same manoeuvre card with which they were placed (stall, short straight, or long straight), and a counter is taken away each time.
    The bombs have no effect on any other card (target, airplane, or whatever) while they are in the sky.
    When you move the bombs and take away the last counter, the bombs hit the ground with the usual effects.

    "He is wise who watches"

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    Dave thank you once again for this advice - so a SMART bomb is possible in WGS?! I'd better find myself another Vulcan or if I want to use PAVEWAY a Buccaneer in 1/200 Scale to act as the laser designator aircraft. Mind you I think there was a more rudimentary system used in the 1982 Falklands Conflict where ground troops shot the laser guide-beam from the ground. Although the Vulcan 607 mission was all about conventional bombing from the air with no assistance from the ground. It's a b-y good book if anybody is thinking of reading it.

    September 22nd didn't see Vulcan 560 get into the air as planned - an outbreak of gout in my hands put an end to this. I get this as a side-effect sometimes of the medication I am taking as a mood stabilizer. XH560 will be back with us as soon as the next available opportunity comes along

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    DATE: 26SEP15 MSG READS: Vulcan crew at Boddington declared fit to fly again and maintain a decent standard of combat readiness. XH560 required in the air over next three days to celebrate brand new event at Galactic Models announcement made today. XH560 also required to complete disused sweet factory mission Operation LAST TRAIN from 07SEP15 using new set of tactics devised to avoid AAA from ground. Operation FAST TRAIN to be completed by 29SEP15. HEADS UP: Vulcan XH558 rumoured to be making two overflights of Derbyshire 10OCT15 and 11OCT15 covering Nottingham D-> East Midlands Airport -> Northern UK Circuit and Newark D-> Rolls Royce Derby -> Cosford -> Southern UK Circuit :MSG ENDS:

    I thought XH560 would be back with us before long: Here is the latest Telex asking for Operation Fast Train to be completed by September 29th 2015 now all recent aches and pains are now history ...

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    Default AAR - Operation FAST TRAIN September 28th 2015

    DATE: 28SEP15 MSG READS: Operation FAST TRAIN. Vulcan at Boddington to deploy immediately and fully armed THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Intelligence flights have both located and confirmed brand new target located at 53N 23 00 / 3W 15 00 being used in ongoing creation of vampire Wings of Glory bootleg Wings of Gory. Aircraft is to strike assigned target with conventional weapons unless recalled to Positive Control Point PCP. Obliterate target which is not located near to any built up areas but defended by AAA. THIS IS NOT A DRILL :MSG ENDS:

    Well squealin' piglets thinks Wg Cdr Dunkin ... They have found them! Let's go get them!!! Within 30 minutes XH560 is ready to go carrying six crew and it's most deadly payload yet of six GBU-28s. In the black hole the geographical coordinates 53N 23 / 3W 15 are entered into the Weapons and Navigation Tactical System as well as into a hand-held GPS unit carried for back up. It's Wales: The Gloryhole which is busy buggering up Wings of Glory and turning it into the vampire-based bootleg game Wings of Gory is on the site of an old power station near to Pembrey. For SATNAV directions try SA17 0JZ. Flight time estimated at 22 minutes to target and 23 minutes back due to relative wind. Total airtime around the fifty minute mark: Positive Control Point is BRECON VOR ...

    Crew of XH560: Cockpit - Wg Cdr Dunkin B and Flt Lt Deckert W. Rear Three - Flt Sgts Melia and Riley with Flt Sgt Dawes and Ward (Sgt) as Bomb Aimer / Observer. There is quite a major Australian connection within this crew as they have all been hand-picked by Dunkin to ensure a direct one is scored upon The Gloryhole. So much for getting another crack at Operation Last Train's practice target: An old sweet factory defended by AAA or FLAK guns on the Chesterfield Road!

    When this AAR continues tomorrow as it is getting late now & I need some rest it will be taking XH560 and crew towards the biggest bang Wings of Glory in this neck of the woods has ever seen. It also takes them to where Amelia Earhart landed at the end of her pioneering Trans-Atlantic flight ... Only that was in 1928 and she did stop!

    TO BE CONTINUED ...

  15. #15

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    What about a missile battery to contend with Barney?
    See you on the Dark Side......

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    What about a missile battery to contend with Barney?
    Fortunately the rotters in the scenario above only had AAA as was the belief all along. When I get all of this Flight Training business dealt with the above AAR will continue showing how the Vulcan was equipped with countermeasures which were useable at long range shot distance but once they are gone they are gone. But this suggestion could easily be worked with ... Same as Smart Bombs. Only a bit worried that any more modernisation of this idea is getting away from it's WGS compatible roots ...

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    Dave thank you once again for this advice - so a SMART bomb is possible in WGS?!
    Don't see why not Barney, the Germans had them as anti-ship weapons - used operationally against allied shipping in 1943, notably in the Mediterranean Sea, guided by the Funkgerät FuG 203 Kehl series of MCLOS radio guidance systems aboard the deploying aircraft:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fritz_X
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henschel_Hs_293

    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    ...Mind you I think there was a more rudimentary system used in the 1982 Falklands Conflict where ground troops shot the laser guide-beam from the ground.
    Hence the 'Hooligans from Hereford' reference - or SAS as we know and love them !

    "He is wise who watches"

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    Another massive there Dave. What I am going to do for now is collect everything including the rules you have mentioned already together and try and come up with a stand alone mission ... We really are now entering innovative but mythical territory in relation to the ethos of WGS as the XH560 idea was recently described.

    SPOILER ALERT: With Op FAST TRAIN achieving it's objective totally I'm going to need another target - but your mention of an anti-shipping weapon has already given me an idea. So has what looks like a further delay to the release of WGS Series 6 as Ares do not mention this on their Website having just updated it. Should this second point give us a laser-designator platform which could be used to initiate a strike against a ship then it's definitely Game On for this idea. This is indeed a hint that there is a second jet bomber in the pipeline too: I've a good knowledge as to how GBU-54 works so I will base whatever happens on the use of these weapons - fitted with the correct interfaces the Vulcan could have probably handled up to four.

    Now I have a break between FT stuff over the last few days and Derby World Wargames tomorrow I'll try and complete that outstanding AAR

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    Awesome footage Barnaby...

    God's speed to the crew XH560...

    We are counting on them sir...

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    Quote Originally Posted by THECCRICH View Post
    Awesome footage Barnaby...

    God's speed to the crew XH560...

    We are counting on them sir...
    Thank you very much Chris. I will hopefully get the outstanding AAR (above) completed towards the tail-end of this weekend

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    DATE: 20OCT15 MSG READS: Vulcan XH560 crew at Boddington congratulated upon success of Op FAST TRAIN. No further developments of Wings of Glory bootleg observed or reported. Being autumn and therefore the wrong time of year to be enjoying too much gardening leave it is back to work. Aircraft assigned to brand new target with crew from Op FAST TRAIN requested: Further details TBA but be advised deployment status is imminent. Upon confirmation of details and of mission validation codes XH560 crew to be briefed and aircraft armed conventionally. Bomb Aimer / Observer crew member to ensure camera on board is utilized more effectively than it was last time :MSG ENDS:

    Yes Vulcan fans ... Thunderball 560 is going to be in the air again within the next three days generating a better AAR than the one which came out after it's last mission! Also hot off the press is that XH560 will soon have a friend in the sky and no longer be alone: This will be achieved through Project HPV/K2. Upon completion of this project not only will there be an Avro Vulcan at RAF Boddington but also a suitable Refuelling Tanker positioned nearby at RAF Farham. Check these photos out of the new project's progress so far:

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    Barney I'm about this fixation with trains that you appear to have. First it is the LMS at Coventry business. Now it is all your mission titles in this thread!

    Last we ever heard of O'Neill \ M was when she started talking for BE As opposed to flying for BE Probably still circling one of the Channel Islands at the moment being told to shut up by Approach Control

    I thought you said something about XH560 bombs Montecassino in your next mission. What was Montecassino anyway - some sort of dug out?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    What was Montecassino anyway - some sort of dug out?
    Er, no. Not exactly ... Ben are you seriously telling me you have never heard of Montecassino?

    Located near Rome in Italy the Allies bombed this location from the air during February 1944. Maybe this photo may jog your memory about this one:

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    And here I was thinking it was the place our beloved Field Marshall went to play Roulette.



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    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    Ben are you seriously telling me you have never heard of Montecassino?
    Barney. I have never heard of Montecassino. But I do now know that we bombed it in February 1944 and it was obviously some kind of fortification or castle.

    Oh - and we obviously did capture this place in the end

  26. #26

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    It's a monastery. And yes we did.

    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    Barney. I have never heard of Montecassino. But I do now know that we bombed it in February 1944 and it was obviously some kind of fortification or castle.

    Oh - and we obviously did capture this place in the end
    See you on the Dark Side......

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    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    I thought you said something about XH560 bombs Montecassino in your next mission.
    My actual comment was that it would be fantastic to deploy XH560 against a genuine WW2 bombing target which proved to be very challenging such as Montecassino: However since I made that comment a couple of Italian Members have taken an interest in XH560 and her missions ending my thoughts about a Montecassino-themed or based deployment.

    One of XH560's brand new Italian fans recently mentioned the James Bond film Thunderball in a posting on here or if the aircraft could fly another Bondie-based mission. I replied with how XH560 uses the callsign Thunderball 560 anyway in recognition of this film which features an Avro Vulcan along with it's payload of fictional nuclear weapons being stolen by Spectre. The problem with Thunderball as a mission is that the stolen aircraft is crashed off the Bahamas in order to conceal it which of course for XH560 would spell Game Over ...

    Then an idea based on the film For Your Eyes Only entered my mind: Like Montecassino the target location is a monastery in a uniquely positioned high location. But as a target for XH560 this presents a challenge of a far more one shot nature requiring extreme pinpoint accuracy. It is also not located in what I feel would be a controversially sensitive location ... In fact now I come to think about it where on earth is this target's location? The only definite clue appears right at the end of the film where the helicopter in use is a Russian built Mi-7 Hoplite which carries a Greek SX- Registration.

    I have also promised Ben (BuddyBen) that XH560's next mission title will not feature the word train in it! This could easily prove to be Thunderball 560's most significant challenge yet with a location to firstly find. Then a target to represent with either an appropriate card or a specially hand-drawn representation c/o myself. Then finally an ordinance-drop required which is so precise it's going to be like shooting the gonads off a gnat using a telescopic rifle! As all based on a Bondie which features what has been officially voted as 007's funniest car chase sequence of all time: Remember the chase with the small yellow Citroen 2CV in it - it's that one!

  28. #28

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    In retrospect, it was realized that bombing Montecassino was a mistake because the rubble made it easier for the German paratroops, who were defending the position.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    Then an idea based on the film For Your Eyes Only entered my mind: Like Montecassino the target location is a monastery in a uniquely positioned high location.
    Barney I think you may be looking for this:

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    It's the Agios Triadas at Meteora on mainland Greece.

    ATAC to St Cyrils ... ATAC to St Cyrils!

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    I'm revving up my Mosquitoes even as we speak.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  31. #31

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    Nope, even James Bond couldn't land a Vulcan on that....trifle short in the runway and the trees might get in the way. Or is it a land locked version of Tracey Island? Trees lie down and the vulcan disappears down a hole?


    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    Barney I think you may be looking for this:

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    It's the Agios Triadas at Meteora on mainland Greece.

    ATAC to St Cyrils ... ATAC to St Cyrils!
    See you on the Dark Side......

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    Quote Originally Posted by Skafloc View Post
    Nope, even James Bond couldn't land a Vulcan on that....trifle short in the runway and the trees might get in the way. Or is it a land locked version of Tracey Island? Trees lie down and the vulcan disappears down a hole?
    Thunderball 560 will not be landing on this location but bombing it instead with pinpoint accuracy. It's Barney's suggested alternative to a deployment against Monte Cassino near Rome as the aircraft now has three Italian Aerodrome members as fans. According to Barney the same sentiment is behind XH560 not being deployed against any targets in Germany either: He mentioned an Aerodrome member named Sven who he thinks very highly of and therefore wants to avoid upsetting at all cost.

    This Mission to Meteora going to be like shooting the gonads off a gnat using a telescopic rifle! I do admire some of the things Barney comes out with at times

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    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    This Mission to Meteora going to be like shooting the gonads off a gnat using a telescopic rifle! I do admire some of the things Barney comes out with at times
    Says the same person who tells me that O'Neill is Probably still circling one of the Channel Islands at the moment being told to shut up by Approach Control yesterday (posted above somewhere) and then putting

    Thing is what happens when the fuel runs out - switch the plane over to Rabbit mode? As in Rabbit ... Rabbit ... Rabbit ... Rabbit ... Because they will have a lifetimes' supply of that wherever they are

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    O'Neill is Probably still circling one of the Channel Islands at the moment being told to shut up by Approach Control

    Rabbit ... Rabbit ... Rabbit ... Rabbit ...
    Barney is bombing a moving target possible? It's maybe a little bit on the sick side but I think I have just come up with a fantastic idea ...

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    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    It's maybe a little bit on the sick side but I think I have just come up with a fantastic idea ...
    Where am I looking Matey because all I can see there is a vast expanse of Jack Sh ...

    Unless the target has moved by now of course: I'll make an allowance for that one

    But in general Ben it is possible to destroy a moving target / bomb a moving target at ground level such as a ship or a train - Train Busting!!! Ground armour can be destroyed too however remember the further up you are height-wise the more your accuracy is compromised if using a fixed bombsight. What is known as a Norden bombsight greatly assists in overcoming much of that compromise. Alternatively there is dive bombing as a method of destruction which with the specially designed aircraft and sufficient knowledge and skill can be carried out in the game.

    Torpedoes are not officially available in WGS as a means of destruction: However look on here when you have a moment to find out where Members have produced their own solutions to this omission and the games which have been played as a result.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    Where am I looking Matey because all I can see there is a vast expanse of Jack Sh ...

    Unless the target has moved by now of course: I'll make an allowance for that one
    Barney ... Are you ready for this:

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! W]-}

    The moving target for XH560 I am referring to is currently flying (and talking) it's way through the air somewhere near to one of the Channel Islands ...

    On the other hand thank you for the Learners' Guide above as to what other moving targets may be hit in this game and how. Officially and unofficially which I will look at over the weekend

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    Quote Originally Posted by Buddyben View Post
    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! W]-}

    The moving target for XH560 I am referring to is currently flying (and talking) it's way through the air somewhere near to one of the Channel Islands ...
    ... I think you are getting the picture by now - especially about the highly entertaining and amusing way that W ]-} appears at the end!!!

    Oh my days ... There's only one thing on (above?) the face of this planet that fits that description. Which if above 750 to 1,500 feet MSL in that area will show up on Flight Radar 24 to the tune of Yakety Sax

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    Quote Originally Posted by Aussietonka View Post
    There's only one thing on (above?) the face of this planet that fits that description. Which if above 750 to 1,500 feet MSL in that area will show up on Flight Radar 24 to the tune of Yakety Sax
    Well then Barney ... What you will be looking at is indeed the moving target for XH560 to which I refer What you will be listening to makes hitting that target even more imperative ... Because that tune drives me bonkers

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    DATE: 23OCT15 MSG READS: Vulcan XH560 and crew at Boddington stood down and message received 20OCT15 superseded by this brand new mission advisory. Scanning and listening for traffic procedures have commenced. Two areas of special interest have been established and these focus on the following grid references: Area 1 radiates for 30 NM around N49 26.08 / W002 36.12 and Area 2 radiates for 30 NM around N49 12.48 / W002 11.73. Aircraft to be assigned with crew from Op FAST TRAIN requested: Target TBC as mobile and possibly airborne in terms of nature. Upon confirmation of details and of mission validation codes XH560 crew to be briefed and aircraft armed conventionally. Bomb Aimer / Observer crew member to ensure camera on board is utilized more effectively than it was last time. Deployment status best advised as imminent and target is to be obliterated at all costs :MSG ENDS:

    Well Folks. That's the cancellation order received for the bombing of any monastery targets by Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560. As the aircraft and crew await confirmation of what they are being reassigned to next all that we know is that the target is mobile and that it may even be airborne when Thunderball 560 is deployed against it. It's definitely not an idea that has been borrowed from a Bondie this time! With the target believed to be currently in the vicinity of one of the UK Channel Islands search areas which cover around a 30 nautical mile radius from both have now been opened. The first attempts to locate the target will be made by 9 Squadron RAF using airborne surveillance radar. Should this shed no further light on this target then 5 Squadron RAF will take over enabling the usage of a more powerful surface detection radar in the hunt for this brand new target ...

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    DATE: 02NOV15 MSG READS: Vulcan XH560 and crew at Boddington stood down and message received 23OCT15 superseded by this brand new mission advisory. Scanning and listening for traffic procedures established two areas of special interest based on the following grid references: Area 1 radiated for 30 NM around N49 26.08 / W002 36.12 and Area 2 radiated for 30 NM around N49 12.48 / W002 11.73. Confirmed NTR from both areas: No Intruders Found. Aircraft and crew are to await further orders regarding future deployments :MSG ENDS:

    So Thunderball 560 is currently stood down at RAF Boddington awaiting further orders. Watch this space for further information as XH560 will be back in the air soon but not on any madcap missions like the suggestion above almost lead to! Meanwhile there has been progress made with Project HPV/K2 at RAF Farham where just one airframe will emerge as a K.2 refuelling tanker for XH560. Other rumoured to be under consideration as a SR.2 strategic reconnaissance variant of Handley Page Victor. Colour schemes may have to change completely too from originally intended RAF Hemp / Light Grey especially should SR.2 build go ahead as this variant never carried those colours ...

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__lyfoOy3X4

    Special version of the Wings of Glory Theme Tune video featuring XH560 just before her latest mission: November 14th 2015 ...

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    Default Operation (Bi)Polar Express! November 14th 2015.

    DATE: 14NOV15 MSG READS: Vulcan crew at Boddington to ready for immediate deployment on Operation Polar Express 14NOV15. Once again the disused sweet factory on the Chesterfield Road is the mock target which the Vulcan must hit using a full complement of practice bombs. This assignment should not be difficult as target is known to us but there is still the need to maintain a decent standard of combat readiness :MSG ENDS:

    November 14th 2015: RAF Boddington in the East Midlands - home of the WGS Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 of 27 Squadron RAF. It is confirmed that there is to be a practice raid on the disused sweet factory which is previously known to Wing Commander Bob Dunkin and Crew. Dunkin knows that this is vital because following various events and circumstances plus a spot of ill-health Thunderball 560 has not seen action for just over one month! On the Chesterfield Road the disused sweet factory from September 7th's Operation Last Train is still fitted out as an MoD Practice Target ... Which includes the Anti-Aircraft Defences still. Dunkin aims to take Thunderball 560 on a two-pass attack run during which ECM countermeasures will be activated to jam anti-aircraft radar in use to guide the defences at this site. A total of twelve conventional bombs will be dropped: Six on each pass with the aim being to obliterate the northern and southern ends of the target completely. The big question is can this still be done after a month spent idle for XH560 and crew? In this exercise it cannot be close enough for government work but direct hits upon the target instead.

    Crew of XH560: Cockpit - Wg Cdr Dunkin B and Flt Lt Deckert W. Rear Three - Flt Sgts Melia and Riley with Flt Sgt Dawes and Ward (Sgt) as Bomb Aimer / Observer. There is still quite a major Australian connection within this crew as they have all been hand-picked by Dunkin after their scoring of a direct one upon The Gloryhole. (Operation Fast Train - never properly documented.)

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    At 13:30 Hours on September 14th 2015 Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 airbornes successfully from Boddington. It is estimated that should all go to plan the mission will take 20 Turns to complete BASE D-> TARGET D-> TARGET D-> BASE. The aircraft is using it's Thunderball 560 callsign which Dunkin selected in recognition of the James Bond film Thunderball - It's the Bondie with the Vulcan in it for those who didn't know.

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    Thunderball 560's first attack run on the target commences. Once within long-range shot distance of one Anti-Aircraft Installation only can ECM Countermeasures be deployed in order to disable such hazards. On this target there are two separate Installations but the second one will be out of firing range (untouched by the aircraft's custom stand base.) These Installations both fire A Damage Tokens ... But the radar guidance system which the first of them depends on to locate the aircraft and fire accurately at it upon approach is successfully disabled.

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    This mission consisted of two passes being made by Thunderball 560 overhead of the target dropping a total of twelve conventional iron bombs: Six on each pass. The second pass has to be made over the other end of the target from what has already been hit where one Anti-Aircraft Installation remains to be disabled as part of the attack run. In order to do this the same procedure is followed as detailed before. Once dispensed with the second and final attack run was able to be carried out unimpeded.

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    Approaching Turn 17 it is time to recover to base at Boddington after the successful accomplishment of Operation Polar Express. Thunderball 560 and Crew have indeed proven that despite over a month without deployment and on the ground they have still almost certainly got it ... Or are capable of it!

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    Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 recovers to base successfully and after close inspection is found to be completely undamaged. Making this a good job all round: One practice target destroyed as required ... First mission flown in just over a month ... One undamaged aircraft and the best bit of the lot? One very happy and satisfied Crew awaiting their next deployment. Albeit on a bit of a sad note it is worth noting as this AAR concludes that this was the first time XH560 has flown since the retirement of real-life Avro Vulcan B.2 XH558 towards the tail-end of October 2015. Now the Aerodrome really does have the last operational Avro Vulcan to it's credit ...

    DATE: 14NOV15 MSG READS: Vulcan crew at Boddington congratulated for their part in Operation Polar Express. Aircraft and Crew stood down after action although there is still the need to maintain a decent standard of combat readiness :MSG ENDS:

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    Exclamation Thunderball 560 Scramble November 29th 2015.

    DATE: 29NOV15 MSG READS: Vulcan XH560 operating as Thunderball 560 SCRAMBLE from Boddington. Aircraft to fly northbound and ascend to 5,000 feet and receive orders in the air. Until received aircraft to maintain 5,000 feet on heading advised with an airspeed not to exceed 200 knots. This is not a drill :MSG ENDS:

    Post-Maintenance Flight: Nothing to Report.

    Accomplished in 10 Turns taking 55 minutes.
    Last edited by Tonx; 02-08-2016 at 20:27. Reason: Nowt very exciting after all ...

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    Default Steve Hague.

    Some of us may remember Steve Hague from the South Yorkshire Air Museum in Doncaster with us holding events at this excellent venue over the past couple of years. Steve is probably best remembered for being the Shop Manager at the Museum and has certainly ordered more than just a few diecast aircraft models for me in the past.

    I have just returned from South Yorkshire Air Museum having been informed that Steve has passed away recently. Although this may have happened a month or two ago this is the first I have heard of this most untimely loss.

    This news appears here as Avro Vulcan B.2 XH560 originally came from the South Yorkshire Air Museum shop although she was originally bought by a friend of mine before taking up residence here. With models from his collection for sale in the shop currently I am proud to have become the new owner of three of Steve's 1/72 scale diecast aircraft. Which as we used to joke about are currently joining the others I have removed from his shelves at what became known as Derby Air Museum (long-running joke which referred to our attic ...)

    The shop remains one of the leading stockists of diecast models of all scales in the UK and though we will miss Steve greatly Marion and I look forward to visiting there in the future and discussing our happy memories of him with the regular staff. RIP.

  45. #45

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    Sorry to hear that Tonx . Cannot put a face to the name but I'm sure he passed through the building when we were there the last couple of years. Must say the Staff at the venue are always courteous and helpful so I hope they can find a suitably similar person to carry on the job.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  46. #46

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    This is very sad news Barney.
    I only met Steve the once but he seemed a real gen and courteous chap.
    May he fly all his future sorties on wings of gossamer.
    RIP.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  47. #47

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    Steve will always be remembered for his dry but nevertheless remarkable sense of humour by those who met him. I can only hazard a guess as to what he would have thought about putting an Avro Vulcan into WGS as he must have been aware of Wings of Glory from previous Doncaster meetings to this year's in September.

    It was actually down to Steve that I began to use acrylic paints ... at all! I have a lot to thank him for as a result of this. Still think that it's funny how XH560 started out as for sale at the museum shop but then came through a change of ownership (and via Grimsby) into the game. Like I mentioned had this aircraft been removed from the shop's hallowed shelves (well, display rack in the bottom left hand corner) for this purpose I am sure that I would have mentioned what was going to happen to Steve. He would have definitely had something memorable to have said about it I'm sure ...

  48. #48

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    Thumbs down Project HPV/K2 Abandoned.

    Sorry folks but Project HPV/K2: The bid to put a Handley Page Victor K.2 Tanker into WGS XH560-style has as of yesterday been abandoned. Not only as the project devoid of an Official WGS R Manoeuver Deck after months of searching but also now appears to be devoid of a custom stand. I was anticipating the use of one identical to XH560's which was bought from E-Bay ... The Seller has either shut up shop on us or is currently not selling anything on E-Bay. So bearing these frustrations in mind when it came to damage being incurred to the non-practice airframe yesterday because despite so-called Superglue the altitude peg came adrift from the fuselage underside ... Well to be quite frank the entire project is sh**ged!

    With the practice airframe now dispensed with as it was no longer required the project was approaching the decals stage ... Then unfortunately the end product came adrift from the altitude peg I thought was attached securely to it snapping the tail assembly in two locations as well as a 20 mm x 15 mm section out of the starboard wing. Further repairs are deemed unworthwhile although I did have a go and the work done already just looks terrible. The detached sections are also liable to snap off again amidst the wrong circumstances. Game Over.

    SCRAPPED: Project HPV/K2 As Seen During November 2015.

    Click image for larger version. 

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    I think we will be sticking with Official for WGS after all this boom-ting although the possibility of another Avro Vulcan may arise - from 617 Sq RAF circa 1970.
    Last edited by Flying Officer Kyte; 12-12-2015 at 04:35.

  49. #49

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    Shame about that Barney, as it could have been seen as a bit of a memorial to Steve.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  50. #50

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    Well told tales and tributes honor those who fly higher than we . . . I have a dozen such memorials over the years, all well placed on the mantle . . . For Ray



    For those who lost their way home



    For the honor of the warriors


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