Formation flying

[Baxter]

I was thinking of 5 Caproni bombers in formation. Same movement card moves them all with them being stuck to a clear sheet so they keep formation. Would that work do you think guys?

[Conall]

I was thinking of 5 Caproni bombers in formation. Same movement card moves them all with them being stuck to a clear sheet so they keep formation. Would that work do you think guys?

I don't think this will work because the relative geometry won't change when you turn. Instead all the bombers will pivot around the movement card, so some (the ones of the outside of the sheet) will move far further than the plane being used with the single movement card. Without actually testing it with a piece of paper & some minis, I think that's right.

Tom

[clipper1801]

Years ago I tried 3 Caproni 3's and discovered you need a LOT of room between them once you break the formation. Flak did the deed back then, avoidance maneuvers mandated more room betwix the giants since they turned rather slowly. I would recommend an extra half card each way around the bases to give some wiggle room and avoid some untimely collisions! I stacked the gun coverage and it was a formidable trio indeed! Formations are fun!

[john snelling]

You have to practice flying formations to get the proper spacing when turning.

[brdavis]

Just trying to think through how that would work -

Lets say I had a clear sheet that was 8.5 x 11 inches (approx 22 x 28 cm) and placed the 5 bombers on the sheet with 2 in front, 2 in back and 1 in the center. If I place a straight card on the table (does this go under the clear sheet, or on top? Its awkward either way) at the front of the center bomber, then move the bomber as usual (the whole formation moves with it), I think it would work, however if you use a turn card, I bet the bombers on the outside of the turn will move too far, and the bombers on the inside will move too little.

I think I would opt for using the same card on each model individually to keep them in formation, but there may be some other way to make it work.

[Nightbomber]

I practiced formation flying (FF) at Doncaster and Origins, so - let's say I have some experience to share here.
There are pros and cons of it.
FF helps a lot when one has to manage a group/s of planes. The most effcient way of doing it is to get the bases sticked together in a so to say "set" with one plane as the formation leader.
Then you plan & play cards as normal, but apply it to the leader plane/base only and move it's base, then move the other bases accordingy to maintain the formation.
I know it breaks the rules of playing a card when turning or banking happens, but it is done that way for simplicity. Turning each base with the same card would lead to overlapping.
The cons happen when you try a special LARGE base with slots for individual planes. I personally do not like it and do not recommend such FF. The reason is simple. When other plane/s overlap such a large base and the whole base moves, the chaos of overlaps usually becomes imminent and makes the whole movement clunky.

[Baxter]

Thanks guys. You have given me some direction. I was thinking of an attack on a formation scenario. That might work if they fly straight ahead but turning would be chaos I think as you have pointed out. Given that the rear gunner in the Caproni could fire 360 degrees in the optional rules the formation could be a formidable foe.

Might be best to stick with the mighty Staaken.