Many thanks for the feedback Christopher. No need for me to go further I reckon :) :) There you go David, perhaps both Lewis and carbine then :)
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Many thanks for the feedback Christopher. No need for me to go further I reckon :) :) There you go David, perhaps both Lewis and carbine then :)
Question for Mike (or any other more experienced than me) re the BE.2c firing arc(s)
What card did you use for your mission?
v1 with a single forward arc
Attachment 260689
or v2 with two forward arcs
Attachment 260690
I assume that for either split arc one must wait one phase to switch from one t'other ? (or longer?)
Ta very mucha
;)
I used your version two Pete. Would have used version one if I had come across it, but I haven't. Probably didn't look very well. Pretty much every card anyone could want is on here somewhere?Quote:
What card did you use for your mission?
During the mission the BE2c observers used just two firing positions. For the most part the forward port side. Then towards the end, as they were retiring, the observer in the yellow BE2c switched to the rear starboard side. I make them take three cards to make the switch, plus any delay for a jam, which has to be cleared first.
You may have noticed I did the same with the Aviatik. Following a chat with Tim Helmut, we agreed that the same would apply to that aircraft and that it would generally only carry one gun. It can carry two, but the evidence suggests this was the exception rather than the rule (Based on photos etc in a Windsock file). Incidentally, I also used the plane card, under the base of the Aviatik, throughout the fighting because I don't have the proper base for it. Worked ok for me this time around, but I'll look into getting a better base later.
PS Almost forgot - I used the XB deck too. Not the XC. This is according to the list produced by the committee for unofficial aircraft. Don't remember if this makes a great deal of difference!
While we are on the subject of armament as my Flieger Abteilung 24 will be facing the French I did some research on the Hotchkiss m1914 MG arming the Morane Saulnier N. The Hotchkiss was fed with 24 round ammunition strips, with each one giving two 2 second bursts. The pilot then had to remove the strip, retrieve another from the cockpit, feed it into the gun, charge the weapon and resume firing.
Attachment 260691
I game terms the Hotchkiss armed Moranes get two cards of fire, then two to reload, then another two cards of fire, etc. A jam would still take three cards to remedy as the pilot would have to clear the cartridge case out the breech. Roland Garros in his Morane Parasol only carried three strips of ammunition, or about 75 rounds! The Morane N carried 10 strips - 240 rounds.
RFC Morane did not have that problem as they used either the Lewis (early version) or a Vickers gun (Mark V).
The following is a narrative primer for my Over The Trenches - Daring Young Men Campaign. I hope you enjoy the read.
Johannistal, Berlin
27 Dezember 1911
Attachment 260694
As he approached the airfield, fourteen-year-old Rudi Rath was as excited as he could ever remember. He was visiting his Opa in Berlin, who ran a metal working shop in the Friedrichsfelde to the east of the city. His father had sent him intending that Rudi should take up an apprenticeship with the business. But today his grandfather had declared there was no work to be done. A man of few words, he told his grandson to dress warmly against the winter cold and within the hour they were riding the Straßenbahn south across the Spree.
Alighting from the carriage, Rudi and his grandfather walked for another fifteen minutes over the frosty ground as part of the large crowd converging on the Flugplatz Johannistal, Germany’s first airfield that had only commenced operation in September 1909. Rudi’s heart was pounding as he came to the realization his grandfather had brought him along to watch a display by the most daring aviators of the day. Rudi could scarcely believe his good fortune. Having read a poster about the event he had mentioned the display to his Opa a few weeks earlier, but the old man had not said another word to him about it.
At the gates his Opa paid the sixty-pfennig entry price, before he and Rudi pushed their way through the throng of spectators from all parts of Berlin and the Reich, who had come to see these marvellous new flying machines put through their paces. “Danke Opa, vielen Dank,” was all Rudi could say as he moved towards the edge of the field. Already he could see the tall timber pylons that marked the corners of the field, and the tower where officials could watch the proceedings, measuring the speed, altitude and endurance of the aircraft.
Attachment 260693
Now Rudi had reached the timber fence marking the closest any of the spectators could approach the action. There he heard for the first time an aero engine cough and splutter to life. Raising his hand to shield his eyes from the sun that was shining in the clear blue winter sky, Rudi could see a monoplane machine preparing for take-off. Two mechanics were holding the wings as the pilot, dressed in a fur lined coat and wearing a leather helmet and goggles, ran up the engine until it produced a throaty roar. Rudi watched as the aircraft was guided further out onto the field by the ground crew, then found himself holding his breath as it picked up speed and took to the air! It climbed to a height of several hundred metres before banking this way and that, performing a series of figure eight manoeuvres high about the field.
Attachment 260695
“Who is that pilot?” Rudi asked, unable to tear his eyes away from the wondrous spectacle.
“Doch Junge, es gibt Anthony Fokker,” replied a man standing to his left, pleased at the opportunity to share his knowledge, “Der fliegende Holländer.”
“Fokker…” repeated Rudi watching transfixed as the monoplane banked and dived and swooped through the air.
Rudi barely said another word for the rest of the day as more machines took to the sky. It was almost dark and getting quite cold by the time he and his Opa trudged back along the street to their tenement apartment. It was only then that Rudi broke the silence.
“I want to fly Opa,” he said with a determined look.
Rudi’s grandfather regarded the boy for a moment before the hint of a smile crinkled his face.
“I believe you do,” he said, before adding, “If I were your age, I would probably want to do the same.”
“Then it is decided,” Rudi affirmed, thrusting his hands deep into the pockets of his coat against the chill. “One day I will be a pilot, and I will fly those machines, just like Fokker and the others.”
********************
Stenay, Occupied France
27 Dezember 1915
Attachment 260696
The train lurching to a halt and the loud whistle blast woke Vizefeldwebel Rudolf Rath from his dreams of Johannistal. He sat up and looked out over the rail platform in the village of Stenay, as troops wearing grey uniforms and the distinctive Prussian Pickelhauben disembarked the carriages and formed up into their companies. In the window he could see the reflection of the winged propeller insignia on his own uniform, signifying he was a qualified pilot.
Rudi Rath was no longer the young boy who had witnessed his first flying display in the skies over Berlin, or even the young man who had reported to the Fliegertruppe at Flugplatz Döberitz in January 1915 aged just seventeen. Even as other student pilots crashed or crashed-out of training, Rudi had performed well and qualified on C type two seaters. With Rudi’s father away at the front with his reserve regiment, it was his grandfather who had made the 60 kilometre trip from Berlin to see the graduation parade, and Rudi had been proud to show his Opa his wings and his Unteroffizier rank insignia.
He had been hoping for orders to report to the front immediately like many of his comrades. Would it be the Eastern Front to fly against the Russians, or off to the West where trench lines now snaked from the Swiss border to the sea? For Rudi however, there would be no immediate call to action. He and a select few had been chosen for further training on the new Fokker Eindecker. Despite his initial shock at missing out on the fighting, Rath’s enthusiasm for the Fokker monoplane with its forward firing synchronised machine gun soon swept away any reservations. The Fokker was not an easy aircraft to fly, but Rath seemed to be able to cope with the type’s inherent instability better than most.
Qualifying as a Fokker-Flieger, newly promoted Vizefeldwebel Rath was assigned to Flieger-Abteilung 24 in France where he was to fly a Fokker as escort to the unit’s artillery and observation aircraft. Before he left one of his instructors warned him about over-confidence.
“You fly well Rath,” he had said, “but the Franzmänner are no dodos. When you get to the front listen to your experienced comrades, keep your eyes peeled, watch your back and don’t fly straight and level for more than a few seconds. If you do those things you may live long enough to make the Kaiser’s investment in your training worthwhile.”
Climbing down from the train to the platform, Rath pulled on his greatcoat against the bitter cold. This village was the last stop before his new airfield at Cunel - where his war would really begin.
Attachment 260692
Interesting note about the Hotchkiss, Carl. I've yet to experiment with limited ammunition for any situation; might have to give it a try.
Sounds reasonable to me. Personally I've only just got round to using altitude in my games. I guess the use of limited ammo is the next thing on the list! - So much to remember for an old git like me :smack::cheezy::crash::crashB::guns::embarrass::cry:Quote:
In game terms the Hotchkiss armed Moranes get two cards of fire, then two to reload, then another two cards of fire, etc. A jam would still take three cards to remedy as the pilot would have to clear the cartridge case out the breech. Roland Garros in his Morane Parasol only carried three strips of ammunition, or about 75 rounds! The Morane N carried 10 strips - 240 rounds.
Good luck Rudi Rath! Yes, I did enjoy this primer Carl, very much. The first part reminded me of the very reason I took an interest in this subject myself. Those amazing men and women in their early "flying" machines. Crazy, brave, lot :) Thanks for sharing.
To me those cards are not quite right, based on someones very early stab at making up arcs for a movable gun yet apparently accepted as fact ! The 'red dot' isn't centred on the gunner and may not even be centred on the peg, depending on how you've set the model up.
I'm not sure of the origin of the original, or, how the rear arc is translated but if every other model can fire over the tail (and the BE2 could - I've seen pictures) then why is there such a huge a split arc ?! If it's because of separate side positions to the rear of the observers cockpit then the respective arcs should at least be able to fire alongside the fuselage & out to the wingtip shouldn't it ?
The small front arcs do make sense due to the restricted los through the wires etc but it doesn't take note that there was a forward arc over the prop at targets above (according to McCudden).
A lot will depend on the set up I suppose - I know which one I'll be going with ..! :slysmile:
http://allaircraftsimulations.com/ckn/be2cGUNS.jpg
How's this for a gunners eye view !
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...5f83edf84d.jpg
https://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/at...6&d=1432680487
http://samilitaryhistory.org/vo071ddd.jpg
http://static.rcgroups.net/forums/at...ge%20Mount.jpg
So pay yer money and take your choice, if I had the skills I'd draw one up for you... Large hint to anyone who can !
https://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/sh...2304-BE2c-card
I have the 4 positions on my BE2c card as my observer sits in front. To move front left to front right the gun ahd to be removed from one mount and moved over. If I was a pilot and they fired a Lewis gun near my head the observer would get a back hander. So for me the 4 arcs will remain.
Neil
Gentlemen,
It is with great sadness for me to announce that I am going to have to withdraw from the DYM Campaign due to health reasons. Recently I was diagnosed with gallstones, possible liver problems, and possible colon problems, turns out I have colon cancer. On top of all that I was also diagnosed with acid reflux disorder.
I will be on here keeping in touch with everyone and reading the AARs.
Dale...what can I say. My thoughts and prayers with you my friend. Wishing you well.
Neil
Dale, what a triple-whammy :eek:
So very sorry to read this.
My thoughts will be with you, hoping for a full recovery.
Hang in there, my friend.
Very, very sorry to hear this Dale. I wish you all the very best and hope and pray things can be sorted out for you quickly. Take care and glad you will be keeping in touch. Its been a pleasure being a Bulldog with you. :salute:
Dale, I'm so sorry to hear this, hang in there mate and all the best for a full recovery. I will surely miss your game reports but your recovery is far more important.
Take care.
Get yourself sorted tout suite Dale, keep the nurses on their toes & keep in touch, the least we can do is provide some minor entertainment for you,
All the best, Dave.
Dale so sorry to hear that you are unwell. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones for a speedy recovery.
Paul
Hi Dave! I have 2 x BE 2's one with the observer armed with a Lewis & that uses the standard wide angle rear arc
The other has a Left wing/fuselarge mounted Lewis for the pilot with an arc like the Bristol Scout (a la the BE in "Wings") & the rear arc for the Observer.
All fire 3 times before reloading. :D
Dale, so sorry to hear your news. Hopes and prayers heading your way.
I worked with a guy that had colon cancer ~20 years ago. He's still here and working 100% so there is hope to a good outcome.
I'm sorry to hear this, Dale! Wishing you strength and a full (and speedy) recovery.
Definitely prayers and hope Dale! Miracles can happen, I am re humbled every day, keep on course and climb!
Hi Dale,
Tough news to process mate, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Keep fighting the battles you have to fight, the tabletop front will be there when skies are sunnier.
Cheers,
Carl.
Really sad to hear this Dale. Like the others my prayers go with you.
Having said that, my Gran had Colon cancer when she was 55 and lived a full life into her mid 80s.
Rob.
Thanks guys for the encouraging words and prayers. I've heard from several people here who have had colon cancer and survived it. I'll be keeping an eye on the business going on here.
Dave, I printed off the DYM Rules and noticed this:
Morale:
All aircraft will actively engage until they are:
a. Within 3 of destruction, or,
b. Within 5 of destruction if on fire, or,
c. The pilot’s wounded on A deck 5 or B deck 3 (includes those with strong constitution) or,
d. The engine is damaged,
Does that infer it's a Not So Strong Constitution?
That takes away most of the value of this skill.
Strong Constitution:
This ace ignores the effects of the first crewman hit special damage on himself.
Just in case anyone was wondering I have asked that the OTT feed into 'Recent Posts' be stopped, again, hopefully that will de-clutter that function a little. It appears that has now been done.
Historically it was disconnected by popular demand when we first started as it was overwhelming the feed with banter !
They know where to find us ;) :pint:
Just wanted to say how impressed I've been by all your hard work on the AAR's chaps - titanic battles in the air, some awesome scenics, pics and story lines and we've only just started. Well done all, your 'Uncles' are very proud of your efforts ! :pint:
Under a week to go until the next BRF - hopefully the absent Eagles will soon make their presence felt...? :slysmile:
Mission 2 is cleared to go - I will be away this weekend but will keep a watching brief - if you have to introduce new boys into your roster, keep a note & let me know when I get back Monday.
Mission 2 not quite ready to go, but the dastardly Gotha has done it's dirty deed and I'm out of the pilot's cockpit for a few days. To be continued. Laters all :)
Attachment 262279 Attachment 262280
Away for the weekend attending Beachhead 2019 so cannot provide any services but will have a watching brief.
:thumbsup: Played Mission Two this morning & hope to do the AAR over the weekend!
Mutters "Bloody fast German 2 seaters & damn slow British ones!"
Away for the weekend attending Beachhead 2019 :) Have completed Mission 2 but not yet written the AAR (A complete disaster for the entente :( ) Ah well, at least it reflects the period only too well.
Looking forward to reading the AARs already posted, but shall wait until I have at least written mine. Have fun all - I'm certainly going to :)