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Thread: Using ships, or what we call targets!

  1. #1

    Default Using ships, or what we call targets!

    I keep using ships in my scenarios. In the past I have downloaded some from the files section, and have used the cardboard pilot control boards to simulate ships (targets).
    I wanted to create some new top down pictures of carriers and cruisers to make it look more realistic.

    I am still unsure how large I want to make them. This is what I need to playtest. That and how the stats work.

    I have decided to not put each ships stats on each ship. Instead I have one sheet with all there stats. This makes it easier for one person to run them and keep track of damage.

    I have included some pictures in my albums. (New Ship Counters)
    Tell me what you think or what you do.

    I should get to use them this week. If they work I can upload the files I used to print them out.

  2. #2

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    Hi Steve, I like the ship counters that you are using. I have put together some similar ones using the same top downs you have. I have only had one scenario where I used them so I'm still not quite sure if I'm using the right scale or the right method to control the ships.

    I'll be intrested to see how this pans out as you play test these ships.

  3. #3

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    I like your ships too. I have been working on a set of rules that will use some PT boat sized craft...and have been wondering if we could put most of the smaller ships (subs, patrol boats,frigates, escorts and small cruisers) on airplane sized cards and the bigger stuff on double length airplane width cards(battle cruisers, battleships, and carriers) AA guns would be arranged in two's and three's on port and starboard to simulate battery groupings instead of actual gun tubs. (maybe increase the number of tokens drawn?) The card sizes would allow us to use a movement sytem that is not too different from what we are already using, and keep the distances in check. Then we could use those bigger top downs (maybe 1/2 or1/4 size?) for those times you want to get right down on the deck up close and personal and TRY to avoid all those guns! I am also playing with the idea of a plane card sized fleet card with a picture of a fleet under way as a spotting card for recon missions. Anyway just my ramblings...let us know how your movement works out, I am corious how those big monsters move on the table.

  4. #4

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    Those are real nice. I just wish model production was faster. With some SBDs, TBDs, and Kates you could have some nice early Pacific war scenerios.

  5. #5

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    These big ones are for the bombing missions. When I use them they dont move and only shoot at the closest enemy plane when they come into range. I chose about 5 points on the carrier has gun points. I dont want the ships to take away from the aircraft...just want them to be a worthy target.

    I really like to focus on the Pacific campain. I too cant wait for those other carrier aircraft planes to come out!!

    I agree with the recon mission using smaller counters. When I run those I usually put three or four regular sized mission cards on the table. When you recon them it could be either a enemy ship shooting at you, the mission card, or an enemy player places his plane on the table and you have to duke it out. This makes setup a little more interesting.....

  6. #6

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    I also was inspired to use the the bigger ships when I saw the WWI guys using zepplins......I am so using them when i get into that era.

  7. #7

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    Nicely done! I look forward to hearing how these work out, and then downloading them! ;-)

    Cheers!

  8. #8

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    I used the pictures from this webite: http://midway1942.org/ships/comp_01.shtml for the carriers and cruiser.
    Click on each ship and get a top view.

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by Anav View Post
    I used the pictures from this webite: http://midway1942.org/ships/comp_01.shtml for the carriers and cruiser.
    Click on each ship and get a top view.
    Thanks for adding the link Steve! That is a great site.

  10. #10

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    No Problem...We need more WWII flyers in here!!
    I will work on posting the files. Everything I do is in powerpoint.

  11. #11

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    Well I just sent the COL my files for planes and ships. Should be posted soon.

    I will be looking for the feedback.

    Be forewarned I am not an artist!! I really wanted these planes so I used data from all over and made them.

    These files go with my Carrier Air War Campaign.

  12. #12

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    I guess the easiest thing to do is to do some geometry. Google maps are a good source to see perspective from bombing height. If your plane was at 20,000 ft then the distance on the screen should be a certain ratio. Once you determine the ratio then you can figure out how long specific battleships should measure. Find an aerial view of that same class and either enlarge or shrink the photo to represent the same size. Print it out and then cut it out.

    The pilots dive upon ships from high above because the main guns can only traverse up to a certain degree. They had the capability of shooting flak rounds (those that explode upon reaching a certain altitude) but were unable to hit the planes. Surprisingly the Germans didn't really have effective antiaircraft capability for the ships. That is probably why they used U-boats primarily because they can attack and disappear. So more likely the ships involved would be Japan and the US ships.

    Here is a List of naval antiaircraft guns used in WWII. Most people did not hit the planes because they forgot to lead the target. So diving in the rounds would go above the plane and from planes crossing from left to right (or vice versa) the rounds would be behind them. A straight line towards the ships for a torpedo run would be near suicide since there is no real deviation to consider.

  13. #13

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    Useful list there JC.
    It also serves to answer a question I had about WWI arms.
    Thanks.
    Rob.



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