I was digging around the closet and I found one of my favorite Childhood Games, "Dogfight" by Milton Bradley. I remember getting this game for my Birthday. I don't remember the exact year, but I must have been about 6 or 8 years old. I thought it was the coolest thing, next to my Snoopy Models by Monogram but that's another story for down the road. I played with the game for hours and the planes even longer. My Father enjoyed it as well, being a WWII Vet he had a great interest in WWI and the Brave flyers. I remember him meeting an American WWI ace through his business contacts and even getting Eddie Rickenbacker to autograph his book for him. WOW!!! The book is still in the Family.
As I dug the game out I knew I had to play it. My wife was busy watching some God-awful show on the Hallmark Channel, so I knew I was on my own. I set the game up, perused the rules briefly and was off. In no time at all I was 7 years old again flying fearlessly right toward the enemy. My arthritis didn't bother me, my recently pulled tooth didn't bother me, the future didn't bother me and the worries of the world didn't bother me. I played two complete games with the DVII's taking one victory and the Spad's the next. I was in Heaven. After Playing I reflected on WOW. It was crystal clear why I had been drawn into this game. The same reason I am a still Model Railroader, it's great to be young and care-free again. It's like Christmas every time I fire up the train set, and like my Birthday every time I play Wings. Who could ask for more??!!
You can still find Dogfight on Ebay. I highly recommend it. The planes are smaller then WGF. I think they are around 1/200 scale and not as detailed, but the first version of this game came about in 1964-1965. It is a fast paced game and takes skill and luck just like WGF. The graphics are excellent and the game also came with an informative booklet about the WWI Flyers. Each squadron comes with its own "Dashboard" to set the cards in just like Wings and you can play up to four players. I hope you all get a chance someday to play this great game or at least enjoy the pictures and story. Well, I have to go now and blow out the candles and unwrap my Presents!
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