Yesterday I got together with Forum member Slexlaw (Dan) for the Go Play games day held at Ace Comics shop 18 478 Ipswich Road, Annerley. Given the recent 'Giants of the Sky' release we both agreed a Zepplin-Staaken R.VI needed to take to the skies. Flicking through the bomber rules we decided to play the scenario where one R-Plane using random moves was opposed by two players in fighters.
The Staaken had just dropped its bombs on London and was heading back toward the Channel. Dan took an AFC Bristol Fighter and I flew a RNAS Sopwith Camel. We all started at altitude 6.
We closed the distance to make a frontal attack.
My first burst damaged the Staaken but the return fire must have smashed a piston on my Camel, which started trailing smoke.
I dived below the bomber (altitude 5) as Dan's Bristol moved in to make a beam attack.
Dan's burst also damaged the bomber but he soon learned that the return fire from the R-plane can be devastating taking 12 points of damage (we used the special rule that explosions = half total aircraft damage points).
The Staaken is faster than it looks! By the time Dan and I had come around it was almost off the map.
Dan's Bristol closed to firing range but in the exchange the German gunners shot him out of the sky!
Straight after the Staaken exited the map and my Camel returned to base.
We could not let it go at that. The action started again near the English coast as the Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI made for the Channel. This time Dan and I both took Bristols, Dan flying another AFC aircraft whilst I chose the Home Defence version.
This time we started at altitude level 4 as our aircraft had been scrambled to intercept. We climbed as fast as we could to reach the German Giant.
This time Dan's Bristol closed first, his burst causing one of the R-Plane's engines to trail smoke.
I attacked from below at altitude 5.
Luck was on my side as bursts from my synchronised Vickers and the observers Lewis found the Staaken's fuel tanks which burst into flames!
Return fire from the bomber also found it's mark on my Bristol which started trailing smoke.
Dan continued with his aggressive tactics closing on the Staaken at the same altitude. Another exchange of fire saw the German gunners again find their mark, first wounding Dan's observer then shooting down his aircraft. Score now Zeppelin-Staaken - 2 Allies - 0.
I was determined to avenge my comrade continuing to engage the bomber at long range from below and limiting my exposure to return fire.
My aim was true as rounds again found the bomber's fuel tanks. Confident of victory I banked away as the Zeppelin-Staaken R.VI fell in flames.
My post mission assessment identified the following:
- The R-plane is faster than it appears;
- Return fire at the same altitude from the rear can be devastating;
- The best attack angles are front and beam attacks from below.
It was a pleasure to meet Dan for the first time and we had a great time taking on the Giant. We agreed to try and get together at least once a month at Ace Comics, and I am looking forward to our next game.
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