New Ares offerings!

[wjw]

Has anyone seen the new pre-orders on FRP Games website?

They list a two plane set of Albatros vs Spad and Fokker vs Sopwith Camel.
Also listed are three versions each of Albatros D.Va, Fokker Dr.I, Sopwith Camel and Spad XIII.
Optimistically, they give Nov as the release date.

Maybe a Dr.I that I can afford.

[Willi Von Klugermann]

You are correct Bill. Here's the link.

http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?skip=60&m=search&s=wings+of+glory



I wonder if the VERSUS packages will be one of each of the aformentioned skins????

[diceslinger]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my son will have a MvR waiting under the tree for Christmas!

[phililphall]

The dual packs appears to be the 4 a/c from the Deluxe edition. I'll finally be able to pick them up.

[wargamer]

Appears the November releases are two pairs of aircraft from the old Deluxe set, and the 12 aircraft of series one again. Should make for a fun christmas if it all arrives on schedule.

SPAD XIII, Luke, Rickenbacker, Madon, Coadou

Albatros D.Va, Baumer, Udet, von Hippel, Jacobs

Fokker DR.I, MvR, LvR, Kirschstein

Sopwith Camel, Brown, Stackard, Barker, Ellwood

So not quite the original set of pilots, no pics of the 12 yet, so hoping for some new paint-jobs as well.

Now based on the last year of deliveries; I will start the pool on this release as the Ides of March 2013 (I know, too optimistic).

[Dom S]

no pics of the 12 yet, so hoping for some new paint-jobs as well.
Looks like 7 new paint jobs, 5 original Series 1 reprints, and the 4 from the newer deluxe set back. The original (ie. Nexus, before it all went to pieces) plan for this Series 1 reprint was to keep the most popular paint scheme for each plane, and replace the other two. From the looks of it that's what's happening, with the exception of the Camel, where it appears good sense has prevailed and they're keeping both Barker and Elwood, instead of replacing the Barker one with Kissenberth as was originally planned.

As for specifics, most of the "new" pilots listed had lengthy careers and several differently marked aircraft over the course of them, but if I had to guess which ones we'll get, I'd suspect:

Madon: http://i41.tinypic.com/104px8w.jpg
Coadou: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_t4XK4mrLfqQ/SrfbsiEOTkI/AAAAAAAAACo/Z9u-lsYwPEE/spad1.JPG

Von Hippel: http://www.letletlet-warplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/albatros-eduard-kit-01-300x225.jpg
Jacobs: http://www.wwiaviation.com/drawings/Albatros-DVa-Jasta7-Ltn_Josef_Jacobs-600px.png

Kirchstein: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pnndm93kPQ4/0.jpg
Lothar von R: http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2002/08/images/profile_fokker_dr1_01.jpg

Stackard: http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=21790&d=1315449319 (Hopefully in the right colours - no red on the circle markings....)

Overall a good selection for those who want something a bit different, but not the best of news for us repainters, although we can at least be grateful for getting Barker back rather than Kissenberth.... ;)

[Flying Officer Kyte]

:thumbsup:Yes Sir.
Only seven new planes to buy plus a few for repaints is doable even on my pension. Splitting up the sets is also a good idea. I'm beginning to like this company's style.
Rob.

[Dom S]

I'm still reserving judgement - much of this was the plan under Nexus anyway (although killing the Kissenberth model seems a very good call - that one was just begging to gather dust on FLGS shelves....) With "est. November 2012" and the continuing slowness getting to market, especially outside of the USA, I'm guessing it could end up make or break whether they actually manage to get them to customers this side of Christmas or not - crossing all my fingers already.... ;)

[Dom S]

(I do *really* like the "duel" starter packs idea though - much more accessible than a fifty quid box, which can only help actually get some new blood into the game, after it's been very hard for a newcomer to get started for far too long. Those really do look a cracking idea.... :D )

[David Manley]

No more Kissenberth? Hurrah! The people have spoken!!!

[Willi Von Klugermann]

Looks like I'll have to shut down the Wunderhaus....at least for the series 1 stuff.

:minis: :minis:

[diceslinger]

I was hoping they would put all of the planes out in starter pack pairs. But either way I am looking forward to some new planes! As Dom said, I'm liking Ares style. I hope the release schedules will become more regular with experience however.

[Blackronin]

Looks like I'll have to shut down the Wunderhaus....at least for the series 1 stuff.

:minis: :minis:

There will be another shortage after this one. Hang on to your planes. :)

[csadn]

http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?skip=60&m=search&s=wings+of+glory


I don't see what you're talking about -- not on any of the three pages.

[Dom S]

I don't see what you're talking about -- not on any of the three pages.
You might want to take another look at the last 14 items on page three then.... ;)

[Doug]

Personally I predict that the pair's are going to be popular especially with the new gamer's and me, so I got to pre-order to get mine.:cheezy:

[Boney10]

Now this looks nice indeed.
Like the idea of the "Dogfight doubles" as it were although dont think Ill be getting one as I already have all these aircraft as well as markers etc, if they are still releasing the new box set?
As for the re-release of the Series one + huzzah, although I have already painted some Ill get them and redo my repaints.
If they make it for Xmas we hopefully will see the Obersts Decals for Jasta 5 & re-done RNAS 9

[greenalfonzo]

Fantastic! I am pumped about the new paint schemes!

[Niclas]

The duel packs are a great idea indeed. A great gift to someone you want to infect with the WGF-bug, as a price at gaming convention, etc.

/Niclas

[Raege]

Outstanding!!!! Time to get a second storage hanger prepped.
I hope that the bumps are out of production/shipping and they can get to the point where items are coming out ina regular fashion and close to anticipated dates. I have a good gut feeling about Ares getting things in order and taking care of us customers.

[csadn]

You might want to take another look at the last 14 items on page three then.... ;)

OK -- the duel packs weren't showing up yesterday; I could see the pre-orders for the reprints, tho'.

[BobP]

WOW this is great news. Lets see Nov release. Gives me time to save up for them.

[Coog]

It will be interesting to see what they do with Series 2-4. Perhaps no Snipes or two-seaters?

[greenalfonzo]

It will be interesting to see what they do with Series 2-4. Perhaps no Snipes or two-seaters?

Hopefully the Snipe will only ever reappear in a duel 2-pack. They are separating the 2 seaters from the scouts in future releases as well.

That leaves just the Fokker DVII from the second series, so I'm guessing they'll merge the Albatros Diii & Nieuport from the third series, and maybe the SE5 from the fourth to round it out, though they might want to put some *new* scouts in there as well.

[Blackronin]

What is the problem with the Snipes? And the two seaters?

[greenalfonzo]

What is the problem with the Snipes? And the two seaters?

Sloooow sellers. 2 seaters are just not as popular as scouts, and the Snipe is not very popular due to its only appearing on the front in the last month of the war, and being very limited in historically diverse & attractive schemes.

[Coog]

Sloooow sellers. 2 seaters are just not as popular as scouts, and the Snipe is not very popular due to its only appearing on the front in the last month of the war, and being very limited in historically diverse & attractive schemes.

There isn't any two seaters, in any of three paint schemes, I wouldn't be able to find in a store, as well as Snipes. One store I know of must have around a dozen Snipes.

[Oberst Hajj]

You might recall that back at the birth of Ares, they talked about changing the release cycle/schedule from releasing in "Series" to releasing single planes every couple of months. I don't know if that is still the plan (I've got an inquiry in), but if it is, then the reprints of the old series 2 would be a good place to start it with. They could re-release the Fokker D.VII followed by the Ni-17 and D.III before ever having to release any of the two-seaters.

[Niclas]

I really hope that they're not planning to forego the two-seaters altogether. They may not be that sexy, but I find them important for creating interesting scenarios. I think they're a must, if Ares wants to push at least some gamers past the beer and pretzels level of commitment (I'm referring to actual beer and pretzels here, not Michael's tag).

/Niclas

[Oberst Hajj]

Oh, I'm sure they will continue to produce them. It's just that a lot of them can still be found on store shelves and even greatly discounted in some cases. I think Ares' commencement to scenario play is shown with the choice of releasing the bombers (both WWI and WWII) so early on in the company's schedule.

But it's the scouts and fighters that really sell and they are the ones that brings the most cash flow to the company. Cash flow is vital to getting new products on the market.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

These new releases will gradually indicate which way Ares thinking is going as they hit the street.What I'm really interested in is what happens with Series 7. I can stand that in pairs, just as long as we finally get the Bristol 2 seater.
Rob.

[Boney10]

What is the problem with the Snipes? And the two seaters?

I must admit , I don't think I have,nor have seen anyone play a game with a Snipe yet.
Maybe Area will release sets like the Airfix doubles, a two seater with a scout from the opposing side.

[Blackronin]

I see. I was asking because in Portugal, the Snipes were hard to get and some of the two-seaters even harder. Not as hard as the usual suspects, of course.
But I also think that the two-seaters and other classes of planes should be addressed in this game. Like flying boats and hydroplanes.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

I must admit , I don't think I have,nor have seen anyone play a game with a Snipe yet.
Maybe Area will release sets like the Airfix doubles, a two seater with a scout from the opposing side.

There is the odd Snipe bobbing about in our "Over the trenches campaign" Chris.
Rob.

[Kaiser]

Oh great! :) A pity Kissenberth was canceled. But so i will save money :D

[Blackronin]

And I've played several times against and with Snipes in Wild Clash Scenarios.

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/showthread.php?8873-The-Wild-Clash-Scenario

It is very funny to see people to proudly add their own Snipe or Fokker D. VII to the Wild Clash just to discover that their planes will be used against them.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I do very mischievous things like adding two Albatros D. III in a game where everybody added Snipes or D.VII's and then watching them as they have to keep the D.III's.
I tried to add an Eindecker and a bullet (my paper ones), but I was almost stoned to death... :lol: :lol:

[Doug]

I agree there are enough 2 seaters to meet the needs of the the market and for that reason I do not think we will see any more. However there are 2 more two seater's I would like to see and that is the BE2c and an Albatross CIII and that is for their historical importance and the fact that I like ARES models, however I do not belive they would be best sellers. So I shall have to go else where to get them which is a pity.

[Blackronin]

There are very important 2-seaters that should be addressed. These come immediately to my head:

Halberstadt CL IIa
Bristol F.2B

[Oberst Hajj]

I think we will see some new two-seaters from Ares, just not right away.

[Blackronin]

I think we will see some new two-seaters from Ares, just not right away.

I'm a patient man...

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=56851&d=1344802188

[Niclas]

I think we will see some new two-seaters from Ares, just not right away.
Yes, I think that would be wise. For the reasons stated above and because I don't believe that you can rely on that everyone needed a two-seater bought a Nexus one before. If nothing else, we (and Ares) want new gamers to pick up the game.

/Niclas

[wargamer]

Well hopefully they will change the ratio then. I agree with the option of using the scout & opposing force 2-seater pairing would be a good concept, instant scenario. But for the standard release they should hopefully go to 2 fighters, 1 2-seater, and 1 seaplane (or off the wall unknown plane).


I think we will see some new two-seaters from Ares, just not right away.

[Gallo Rojo]

I'm a patient man...

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=56851&d=1344802188

oh! Felipe! :clap:

[BobP]

The names I see look great to me. I really am looking for the Frank Luke since I didn't get a Delux set. The reprints will be good for those that didn't get their planes from the start.

[Dom S]

But for the standard release they should hopefully go to 2 fighters, 1 2-seater, and 1 seaplane (or off the wall unknown plane).

I'd have to respectfully but forcefully disagree there - that's exactly the kind of mix in a release that's caused so much trouble before. Bearing in mind the game's history (as far as customers are concerned, a series needs reprinting when the most popular model sells out, as far as the manufacturer's concerned it's when the *least* popular one sells out....) they should be trying very hard to make sure each series has models that will do similarly well. Two seaters and seaplanes are fine, but should be in a series entirely composed of those - it'll sell slower, need reprinting less often, but not cause the kind of availability nightmare we had with Series 2, where the D.VII sold out in record time, but wouldn't get a reprint because it was on the same release as three models that were slow sellers, and therefore didn't merit another production run....

(Hopefully it's academic anyway; I get the impression Ares are looking at working in pairs rather than fours in future, which should make things easier, but whenever more than one model is going onto a mould, you need to think *very* hard about relative sales - put your best seller on the same mould as a turkey, and there's a nasty availability problem coming soon....)

Dom.

[Baldrick62]

Words of experience and wisdom from Dom. Hopefully someone is listening!

[Dom S]

Words of experience and wisdom from Dom.

Now there's an unlikely sentence.... ;)

[csadn]

I must admit , I don't think I have,nor have seen anyone play a game with a Snipe yet.


Around here, the only way to get people to *not* use Snipes or D.VIIs is to specifically ban them from doing so.

[Dom S]

It depends what your gaming group's like - power gamers will basically be looking at D.VII vs Snipe or SE5a, while more historically minded groups will often ignore the Snipe in favour of Camels. The Snipe's top notch as a gaming piece, but in terms of "historical playability" it's probably only matched by the UFAG for overall uselessness.... ;)

I must admit I use (well used, I haven't played a game in a year....) Snipes quite a bit, but only because 4th AFC is a squadron I've always had a soft spot for, so ended up doing a decal sheet for them and painting up a dozen of the blooming things.... One day I ought to do a set of Jasta Boelcke D.VIIs (those two squadrons were arguably the main historical bust-up between Snipes and D.VIIs) but in the meantime they get to play with Jasta 15. My usual games are a mix of Snipes, Camels and 2-seaters, against D.VIIs, Albatroses and 2-seaters. If I ever actually get my 56 squadron painted up, though, the Snipes will probably get used less in favour of the SE5a....

[David Manley]

I must admit , I don't think I have,nor have seen anyone play a game with a Snipe yet.

chris, we played at least one game at Cribbs with one, and I think one at Iron Acton :)

[Boney10]

chris, we played at least one game at Cribbs with one, and I think one at Iron Acton :)

Did we? Sorry cant recall that at all, but then again it doesn't surprise me I don't remember.

Fair enough I have seen a Snipe in play :)

[greenalfonzo]

I've been using Snipes as stand-ins for Pups. Does that count?

[Willi Von Klugermann]

The names I see look great to me. I really am looking for the Frank Luke since I didn't get a Delux set. The reprints will be good for those that didn't get their planes from the start.




PM sent.

[Alexandre]

:thumbsup: :pint: :clap: Now I can pay a fair price for a miniature. While some have 5,6,7 copies of the same plane, has no other like me.
Last month I managed to find a box De Luxe revised in Italian which cost me about $ 180.00. Still want a Fokker D VII because I do not have, and another Albatros D III.

[Zoe Brain]

A Snipe is the Soviet Workers and Peasants Air Force trump card in the 1920-22 scenarios. Goes well against D.VIIs, though we tend to use unofficial miniatures a lot - Junkers DIs, Dolphins, and so on.

Personally, I prefer a Camel due to my style of play.

[wargamer]

Personally, I prefer a Camel due to my style of play.

Just make sure to have some Royal Guardsmen music for background :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlmB2ypAxL4

[tuladin]

I hope they darken the paint on Rickenbacker - make it look more like the one at the Air Force Museum. I'd happily to pick up another one then.

Also, the struts on the Albatri are supposed to be turned right-way-'round, so I'll probably get all of them too.

[Dom S]

Agreed on Rickenbacker - the colours on the original one are terrible; the Luke one is much closer to correct, so I hope they do fix that....

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Having just read Osprey's USAS First Persuit Group, I feel a lot of Spad repaints coming on, so if the new Rickenbaker is a more true rendition, I can see the original becoming some other pilot's chariot post haste.
Note to self: Must get a Salmson to escort.
Rob.

[Dom S]

Yes it's rather a good book, that one. I keep looking at the Camels too.... :D

[David Manley]

"I get the impression Ares are looking at working in pairs rather than fours in future"

it would be good if they could think in ones - and keep a fairly constant supply of all the models available, and not only in the US.

[Dom S]

"I get the impression Ares are looking at working in pairs rather than fours in future"

it would be good if they could think in ones - and keep a fairly constant supply of all the models available, and not only in the US.
That would make me very happy indeed, wearing both my punter hat and my stockist one, but I fear it's pure fantasy land.... :( I really wish they could figure out time on target global release dates like Battlefront and suchlike though.... :( Hmm, two frownies in one post - not good.... At least they're up and running though, and hopefully the Blighty-bound Series 5 container will wash ashore soon - progress.... ;)

[David Manley]

but I fear it's pure fantasy land

Other companies can do it. I don't see why Ares can't do it in time.

[Dom S]

Maybe - time will tell.... ;)

[David Manley]

I am an eternal optimist :D

[Dom S]

I'm reliably informed I'm not.... ;)
(Actually the epithet "misanthropic hermit" has been used, with impressive insight, I felt.... ;) )

[Niclas]

I'm reliably informed I'm not.... ;)
(Actually the epithet "misanthropic hermit" has been used, with impressive insight, I felt.... ;) )
You're obviously well loved, Dom. The "hermit" part is much nicer than I usually get...

/Niclas

[Dwarflord22]

Great news! :clap: I am looking forward to adding some new paint schemes to my Series I collection! :thumbsup:

[Diamondback]

Gonna go against the grain here... I woulda preferred a new Brit pilot rather than an immediate Barker repop in place of Kissenberth, who I'd still like to see someday. And while Madon and Coadou certainly warrant a place in the game, I personally would've preferred planes that were already on cards. HOWEVER, in medical terms the game is a patient that did flatline on the table but Dr. Angiolino and his team were able to get a pulse and brain activity back--we're out of the thickest part of the jungle but not out into even the woods let alone the clear yet, and the most important thing is to get product, ANY product with quality, onto the shelves and such trivia are matters for after Ares has reestablished the game as a success.

I for one will probably be buying one of everything... though THIS time, when their turns come I hope the Pfalz D.III and D.IIIa will be split into two different releases with a corrected wing on the IIIa.

I mean, I'd be fine with some planes being only offered direct or through BoardGameGeek or as other exclusives, as long as they still had worldwide availability, and that might be the niche for oddballs like Kissenberth and other captures, and the Russian Revolution-timeframe aircraft.

[greenalfonzo]

^I complete agree with your sentiment about the Camel repaint. I would be a lot happier that we are not getting the Kissenberth if it meant that we were getting a new allied scheme in its place. I mean, my entire opposition to the Kissenberth scheme was basically based on it taking up a spot that we really need to get a new British/allied paint scheme.

[Diamondback]

Kev, it's a rare occasion that we see eye-to-eye--hit the bar, amigo, this one's on me... :)

Though I do think we eventually need to see reprints on everything, even if the least-popular scheme from each original print became a limited-run Ares Direct Exclusive--as long as they don't get into One Year Only Convention Exclusives like WhizzKids did... and I think a rocket-equipped Alb. D.III variant would be a dandy companion to the Parseval-Sigsfeld in a "Balloon Busters II" pack and a just as good balance to the Nieuport 16 from original BB.

[Dom S]

I think a rocket-equipped Alb. D.III variant would be a dandy companion to the Parseval-Sigsfeld in a "Balloon Busters II" pack and a just as good balance to the Nieuport 16 from original BB.
Minor problem there - the Germans didn't use rockets....

As for Barker, I agree another "new" British model would've been better, but presume it would've delayed the release further getting a prototype done and approved. Given that, Barker's the better option, especially as his is by far the easiest to repaint - go over the rear fuselage stripes and tail fin in a suitable green and you effectively have a blank canvas to work from. (Much easier than Elwood, where the extra wing markings are a chore for repaints - you end up needing to repaint the whole wing, and then replace the roundels.)

[Diamondback]

Dom, good points... I had recalled something about a few German experiments with captured and reverse-engineered Le Prieurs that they decided not to go into full Prod on in one of the Osprey books, and thought one of the few test birds might fill the niche. Guess I figured if the Whinging Fanboys get their prototype and never-finished Wunderwaffen in other games for WWII like Axis & Allies giving them the complete VAPORWARE H-class battleships and never-finished Graf Zeppelin aircraft-carrier for "game balance", then something that was at least prototyped and tested if ultimately rejected for full-scale deployment might be fair game here too. Then again, that may just be me trying to barf up as many ideas as I can to try to help keep the game going as long as money's available for new development... eventually, we ARE going to run out of new subjects to include.

Minor quibble: personally, I wish they would've traded 152/17 and 425/17's places for the MvR's, and changed 425 to the later Balkankreuz insignia it wore at the time of MvR's death, make that Duel Pack a more accurate representation of a historical event. BUT, if we had a distinct new mini issued for every time an ace had a plane repainted, or every plane they flew... heck, the Baron accounted for an entire flight worth of Dr.I's all by himself if not more.

[Baldrick62]

Minor problem there - the Germans didn't use rockets....

... operationally on any large scale.

In 'Albatros D.III' (Grosz, Albatros 2003) there is reference that 'in his autobiography Rudolf Nebel tells of mounting double 'stove-pipes' under the wings of his fighter from which to fire a salvo of four signal rockets (obtained from German pioneer troops) at enemy aircraft. Nebel claimed that his initial experiments whilst flying a Halberstadt fighter gained him two victories, but when mounted on an Albatros D.III, one rocket exploded prematurely. Nebel, badly burned, barely escaped with his life and was prohibited from performing further trials.'

This experimentation, apparently witnessed by the future Reichsmarschall Goering, is speculated as one of the possible naming origins for the WWII Nebelwerfer.

There is also a lengthy quotation from Nebel on the use of rockets with his Halberstadt in 'Halberstadt Fighters' (Grosz, Albatros 1996).

[Niclas]

- Hey, we have these contraptions of plywood and doped canvas, right? That we propel at great speed high in the air, right? without parachutes, right? Why don't we stick something that generates intense heat on them, in a contraption that hasn't been tested - And see what happens?
- Yeah, man - sounds like a great idea!

/Niclas

[Baldrick62]

- Hey, we have these contraptions of plywood and doped canvas, right? That we propel at great speed high in the air, right? without parachutes, right? Why don't we stick something that generates intense heat on them, in a contraption that hasn't been tested - And see what happens?
- Yeah, man - sounds like a great idea!

/Niclas

Step away from the Aquavit, step away from the Aquavit!

[Dom S]

As the Top Gear lads would put it, "what could possibly go wrong...?" ;)

[Blackronin]

Are you telling me that I can't smoke my cigar in the cockpit of my Albatros D.Va?

[Dom S]

Of course you can. But only once....

[AlgyLacey]

Step away from the Aquavit, step away from the Aquavit!

Don't be boring Balders!

[csadn]

As the Top Gear lads would put it, "what could possibly go wrong...?" ;)

No, no -- _Top Gear_ is "How Hard Can It Be?".

Followed about ten seconds later by "That's Not Gone Well".

(And I want Kissenberth's plane.)

[Niclas]

[..]Followed about ten seconds later by "That's Not Gone Well".
[..]
Isn't it "Oh, c**k"?

/Niclas

[David Manley]

(And I want Kissenberth's plane.)

It is a very straightforward repaint from a basic Camel if you really want one.

http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9717&d=1298799841

[Blackronin]

And a very good one, David!

[csadn]

It is a very straightforward repaint from a basic Camel if you really want one.


Presuming, of course, one has the equipment and talent to repaint -- of which I am sadly lacking. :P

[BobP]

I have the American Aces book and I see a number of repaints from the prints they show.

[Xen]

DO we know if the new MVR will be the all red one? It looks like the one in the duel package is the red and green

[wargamer]

Nicely done David, only wish I had the skill.

[Gallo Rojo]

DO we know if the new MVR will be the all red one? It looks like the one in the duel package is the red and green

for what I can see the duel packages are a re-print of the Revised Deluxe Set: Luke's SPAD vs. Baumer's Albatross, MvR's Red&Green Triplane vs. Brown's Camel
The individual planes seems to be re-print of Original Deluxe and original series 1 plus the new skins... so my money is on a re-print of the all red Triplane.

[Gallo Rojo]

Presuming, of course, one has the equipment and talent to repaint -- of which I am sadly lacking. :P

Just give it a try! all it is needed for most re-paints is a couple of small brushes and paintings :)

[Oberst Hajj]

Yep, we are getting the all red one as the reprint and the red-green one in the dual packs.

[Ranger]

So, can I claim a little credit for suggesting this idea about a year ago?

How about a "Dogfight" set with just two planes (reasonably ballanced like a Dr I and a Camel), a stripped down set of rules (like the little book in the Balloon box), a few counters (Fire, Smoke, Jam), a damage deck, and two of the smaller (Flight of the Giants style) boards. If you could keep the whole thing under $35 with actual miniatures, or $20 with just the cards I think you'd have a real winner of an intorductory set there, that might draw a lot more people to the game.

[Lloydthegamer]

I've got two Snipes "in the box" and haven't used them yet. I think the gamers should try and match somewhat historical opponents. What's the point of taking a Fokker EIII against a Snipe? Historically it didn't happen and it probably wouldn't be much fun for the fellow flying the EIII. Lloyd

[Dom S]

No that's a perfect match-up for the E.III player - 9 times out of 10 you'll lose badly, and can simply shrug and say "what did you expect?". 1 time out of 10 you'll take the Snipe out, and you're a piloting God.... ;)

[Lloydthegamer]

Now why didn't I think of that? Think I'll start flying EIIIs, "It isn't me, it's this lousy plane!" Lloyd
No that's a perfect match-up for the E.III player - 9 times out of 10 you'll lose badly, and can simply shrug and say "what did you expect?". 1 time out of 10 you'll take the Snipe out, and you're a piloting God.... ;)

[Niclas]

No that's a perfect match-up for the E.III player - 9 times out of 10 you'll lose badly, and can simply shrug and say "what did you expect?". 1 time out of 10 you'll take the Snipe out, and you're a piloting God.... ;)
This is sort of the approach I took when I was playing snooker - As I couldn't be bother to train enough to be good at the regular shots, I always went for the impossible shot. So the (very) few competition games I won a left the opponent truly awestruck.

/Niclas

[Gallo Rojo]

I've been using Snipes as stand-ins for Pups. Does that count?

I've been cannibalizing Snipes for spare-parts for scratch-building models (until I found out about shapeways)