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Thread: Flying Officer Vagabond Reporting for Duty

  1. #1

    Default Flying Officer Vagabond Reporting for Duty

    Hello to you all, top hole and pip pip.

    I've just joined the mess in anticipation of getting some flying time in over the lines. Hope to have a good innings and rack up a top notch score before pushing up the daisies so to speak. The jolly old kites still at Calais waiting to ship to the airfield but transport says it should be here in the next few days and then I can see what you chaps have been up against and lend a helping hand.

    I've been allocated one of those new Sopwith Camel types, what do they call them killer or is it widow maker, not sure what they mean, but it sounds like Jerry had better watch out, what ho. Not flown one before and my Squadron Leader at the old training school made some cryptic remark about if I make 6 missions I might learn how to fly the bally thing. Strange thing to say when I've had at least 10 hours training in his excellent flight training school.
    Our current CO also seemed a bit down when I reported for duty, mentioned something about going to school with my elder sister and not liking to write "I'm sorry to have to inform you" letters to people he knew, damn strange thing to say to a new Johnny like me, I expect it's the strain of being out here. Well he had better jolly well cheer up because he's going to be home by Christmas.

    Well I'd better crack on and get my kit out and settle in to my new billet, brought the jolly old wellingtons with me Freddy Frog Eyes Forsythe Smythe said there was a bit of mud around the trenches, I expect they've dug trenches to plant the spring bulbs, it will make a good show when the daffodils come out, cheer up the chaps no end, it's can't be a barrel of laughs for the lower orders out here fighting the war.

    Bye the way what's that loud rumbling noise, it's been going on ever since I arrived?

    Jolly good show, toodle pip, wake me up about 11:00 I like my tea hot strong and sweet.



    As you can see my alter ego has arrived at the front, I have the 2 duel packs of planes on order due later this week, never played Wings of War/Glory but I've seen you fellows at a few shows, last one was York and I talked to a jolly nice chap there who introduced himself as Strangely Brown, or was it Golden Brown, anyway he was jolly enthusiastic and I decided to sink the pension pot into a few planes. I do find the current supply situation surprising, everyone seems to be out of stock of lots of the range and those that have them think they are collectable items - a bit like antiques. I've seen the little planes for sale at over £100, I must be in some very wealthy company here. I did send a mail to Aries asking about this and their reply was "we fully support the Wings of War range", seems a strange way of going about it.

    Only got one real question at the moment, my planes will come with Damage Deck A, but I want to get some earlier planes that use damage deck B but as I understand it these individual planes don't come with a damage deck! I think I would also like to shoot down a few balloons which use a different deck, is it possible to get hold of the individual decks anywhere? I don't really even need the deck because I shall transfer the information onto chits and pull them out of a bag rather than use the cards, so I really only need to know what the ratio of damage on the cards is so I can make my chits. I've had a look at the files section but couldn't find anything.

    Any thoughts or help would be much appreciated.

    Tally ho and pip pip.

    Roger that - Vagabond out

    Oh - sorry wrong war

  2. #2

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    Hello John and welcome from Adelaide. You should look at the Aerodrome store here at the top of this page. The Rules and Accessories pack is a good buy as that has all damage decks with it. You are going to have to have plenty of patience collecting for this game. Balloons are due for a re issue later this year I believe and there are some other re prints of popular planes on the calendar too.

  3. #3

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    Welcome to the Aerodrome John. Pull up a stool in the mess, everyone will be checking in shortly. Enjoy!

  4. #4

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    Welcome, John, from Vancouver Island.

    If your introduction is this well written, I can hardly wait for your After Action Reports.

    It may be a hard thing to do, while flying formation with the boys in your new squadron, but check your six occasionally. Sort of a "When you're up to your posterior in aligators, it's hard to remember the original objective was to drain the swamp." thing.

    All the boys here in the 'drome will help out if you ask, though.
    Mike
    "Flying is learning to throw yourself at the ground and miss" Douglas Adams
    "Wings of Glory won't skin your elbows and knees while practicing." OldGuy59

  5. #5

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    Greetings from the sunny Florida Space Coast. Love the write up and look forward to some rousing after action reports and dispatches. Great group of players here and by far the friendliest forum on the web.

    Miniature Market and The War Store here in the US (as well as Aerdrome on this site) have planes for sale at reasonable prices. If there are particular models you wish post a want ad on the siteks For Sale section. Someone may have it at a reasonable and fair price.

  6. #6

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    Welcome to the 'Drome' John from West Yorkshire (exactly where in the UK do you come from--UK is pretty wide ranging).. Fly safe and always watch your six and your jolly old Squadron Commander may never have to pick up his pen for you.

  7. #7

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    welcome to the drome John!!! "we fully support the Wings of War range", seems a strange way of going about it. indeed. (sadly shakes head) indeed.

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by OldGuy59 View Post

    If your introduction is this well written, I can hardly wait for your After Action Reports.
    You beat me to it, Mike - my thoughts exactly.
    I don't think I have ever read such an entertaining introduction.

    Welcome, John, from Portlandia, Orrygun.

    You will fit in well here.

  9. #9

    Thumbs up

    G'day John & welcome to the 'drome on behalf of the pilots who fly in NSW down in Australia.

    From your introduction I have no doubt you will fit right in with all the WoG crazy pilots who frequent here.

    I also endorse checking out the Aerodrome Store.
    Keith Upton who runs the store also runs this site & his prices are excellent & if anyone has stock he will!

    Be patient as Balloons, SE 5a's & Pfalz D.III's are due out later this year along with a couple of 2 seaters.
    As suggested the Rules & Accessory packs contain all the damage decks plus chits, range rulers etc & are great value.

    Enjoy your Flights & Fights & beware the jolly old Hun in the Sun!

  10. #10

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    Welcome to the drome from flat and boring Illinois! Great introduction! You definitely have the attitude for this game ans site. Don't panic about those rare birds going for big bucks right now. In time re-prints will come about at modern, reasonable prices. There are two scheduled due this year and you can get some of the last series with no problem. In time you will build a marvelous collection. Great to have you aboard and Welcome!

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vagabond View Post
    ... I do find the current supply situation surprising, everyone seems to be out of stock of lots of the range and those that have them think they are collectable items - a bit like antiques. I've seen the little planes for sale at over £100, I must be in some very wealthy company here. I did send a mail to Aries asking about this and their reply was "we fully support the Wings of War range", seems a strange way of going about it...
    Welcome to the 'drome John from sunny East Sussex on the south coast this morning.
    The odd reply may be because the models seen at very high prices were made by Nexus (Wings of War) and not yet made by Ares (Wings of Glory) though they are slowly releasing what we call reprints of the Nexus range & support the old range in the sense they are fully compatible with their newer models.
    If the models were £100 I hazard a guess they were SE5a's ? These will be released by Ares this year (we're told) as they are the next in line for a reprint.
    Your best bet for more decks is to cast about for a WW1 Rules and Accessories pack. Well worth the investment as it provides comprehensive rules, target cards, AA cards, all the damage decks you need to play the game. In the meantime look at picking up what you can plane wise - the last release had Albatros D.III's, Nieuport 17's & RE8's, all worth having for the Western Front.

    "He is wise who watches"

  12. #12

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    Welcome to the Aerodrome, John , from here near Norwich.

  13. #13

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    Hi John, welcome from sunny (for the moment) Essex. Nice intro, good to have you on board.

    If you want to drop me a PM I’ll let you know what’s in each of the damage decks. Be aware tho that there may be a delay on this if you don’t get back to me today as I’m off to Prague tomorrow for the Wings of Glory con.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  14. #14

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    Now that all my Squadron Leaders bar three have had there say, it only leaves me to formally welcome you to the Drome John.
    I'm sure you will soon get the measure of things out here. The Bulldogs Squadron are based at Bentangles, well to the fore in any action and one of the lads Nigel Bouncer-Smythe is a distant cousin of the Freddy Forsythe Smythe you mentioned so you will at least have something in common to chew trhe fat over.
    Anyway I will leave you to settle in, and stow your kit. Then you can pop over to Uncle and get your aircraft allocated officially when it arrives.
    Remember what the chaps have told you. Watch your six and look out for the Hun in the Sun.
    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  15. #15

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    Welcome to the 'Drome, John!
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  16. #16

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    What Ho Chaps - that's a damn fine welcome, thank you very much. I think Gin and Tonics all round are called for, if I can just put that on someones bar tab, that will be top hole.

    Just had the Adjutant round, Captain Jimmy Amazon, he didn't express too much pleasure when I called him Ammo old chap, referred to R.F.C. standing orders that means I should call him Captain Amazon, seems a bit off, we were at Eaton together don't you know. Might be something to do with that fracas with his sister and I in the hen house.

    Anyway Captain Amazon informs me that my plane is on route from the Depot and should be with me shortly, the Flight Commander has informed me I need to take the kite in the air on my own, fly three times round the airfield and land. If I can do that he will take me on the dawn patrol. I did ask what time the Dawn Patrol set off and he muttered something about 4:00, they must keep pretty late hours around here, I usually have afternoon tea and crumpets around 4:00.


    Rebel - Near Buxton - Peak District, I'll try and amend that on the profile.

    Guntruck - Thanks that's a kind offer, I'll do that but don't worry if you don't have time before Prague. I am envious it's been on my list of European Capitals for a long time, hope you enjoy your trip.

  17. #17

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    Welcome form Poland, John.
    I hope you are aware that flying a Sopwith Camel fighter may provide you a cross: a wooden cross, the Red Cross or the Victoria Cross. Try not to get the first one and expect the latter!
    <img src=http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/image.php?type=sigpic&userid=2554&dateline=1409073309 border=0 alt= />
    "We do not stop playing when we get old, but we get old when we stop playing."

  18. #18

    Dr K
    Guest


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    Welcome to the Drome!

    Yes, all very frustrating with some basic kit not being available in the UK. I expressed the same problem in my "report for duty" post last week. Think I will just wait a bit to see if the supply situation improves over the coming months, or else order the Rules and Accessories bundle from abroad. If it comes to that happy to buy two and send one over by Royal Mail to save a few pennies perhaps.

    For the distribution of the B damage deck, I found this:
    https://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/do...o=file&id=1145
    Might help?

  19. #19

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vagabond View Post

    Guntruck - Thanks that's a kind offer, I'll do that but don't worry if you don't have time before Prague. I am envious it's been on my list of European Capitals for a long time, hope you enjoy your trip.
    Prague is an annual Wings of Glory event, sightseeing and gaming in one neat package . Start planning for next year.
    Run for your life - there are stupid people everywhere!

  20. #20

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    (welcoming head bobs) from the lizard here in the 'States. I must echo the advice to grab a RAP if you can; but from a different recent introductory thread, it may be a little difficult to come by. Best advice I can offer is to be patient, haunt the Aerodrome Store, the For sale/trade, etc section of the 'drome here, and the other secondary markets-eventually, you'll find a reasonably-priced one.

  21. #21

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    Hey speak for yourself...although I must admit it does help.

    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    I have no doubt you will fit right in with all the WoG crazy pilots who frequent here.
    Welcome to the 'Drome. Don't be afraid to ask. There is always someone who know the answer or knows somebody or somewhere that does. RAP pack is the way to go for a complete set of decks and aids also the balloons are due a reprint sometime in the near (?) future. Hope to see you at a few shows and there is always the UKWing annual bash at Doncaster. Check out the DoncasterCon 2018 threads.

    Neil
    See you on the Dark Side......

  22. #22

  23. #23

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    Quote Originally Posted by Nightbomber View Post
    Welcome form Poland, John.
    I hope you are aware that flying a Sopwith Camel fighter may provide you a cross: a wooden cross, the Red Cross or the Victoria Cross. Try not to get the first one and expect the latter!
    Of course I'm hoping for the Victoria but expecting the wooden one

    Koen thanks for the info - cheers

    Guntruck - Prague next year sounds good, I'm hoping to get Mrs Vagabond playing WofW, I made her watch a 5 min how to video. Hes eyes glazed over after 1 min but if I mention Prague - well who knows.

    Joe - I came upon Miniature Market and they appear to be selling planes at reasonable prices the Nieuport 17 were less than £8:00 compared to the UK between £13 and £14, both plus postage but simple postage from the States was not as bad as I thought it would be. It helps now that the exchange rate is moving back towards it's normal level.
    The RAP deals on Amazon UK are £52+£34 p&p and £75+£10 p&p and both for delivery from the States anyway, compared to Mini Mark at $20.99 +p&p

    I think I shall pass on this, I'm hoping to play some games solo so what I don't know I'll have enough info to wing it.

    Thanks to everyone else for the warm welcome.
    Last edited by Vagabond; 04-17-2018 at 07:23.

  24. #24

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    Welcome to you hope you enjoy the game. i'm pretty new myself but I'm finding it a very good game.

    Rob

  25. #25

  26. #26

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vagabond View Post
    I think Gin and Tonics all round are called for, if I can just put that on someones bar tab, that will be top hole.

    I'm sure one of the Brits must have left an open tab.


    Cheers

  27. #27

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    Sorry John, should have warned you about the Adj. He is ex army Major. Never shook off the rigid discipline. Thinks we don't run a taught enough ship.
    As for the tab. First round is on me. Sort of tradition here.
    One word of warning. In the corner of the Mess is my Aspidistra. Squadron Leader Skafloc is charged with its care. Do not be tempted if you are taken short in the Mess.

    Kyte.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  28. #28

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    Welcome aboard from not too far away just over t'border in Yorkshire (Doncaster) home of our annual UK gathering - check your diary for 21-23 September, all members are welcome

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  29. #29

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    Welcome to the Drome John, If you are ever near Derby on a Thursday evening, given a days notice I can give you a game at our local club in Allenton on the outskirts.
    We will be at Hammerhead at Newark showground on the 28th this month if you have nothing else planned, another chance to get a game in, and have a chat in person with some of the old soaks and reprobates... I mean senior officers and skilled pilots you see on here

    Lest we forget

  30. #30

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    Good call John - see if you can get along to the Newark Showground on the 28th, it will be good to meet up.

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  31. #31

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    Quote Originally Posted by Stumptonian View Post

    I'm sure one of the Brits must have left an open tab.


    Cheers
    Hi Pete, I live in Derbyshire but I was born in Yorkshire, someone once described a Yorkshireman as a Scotsman with all the kindness and generosity wrung out if him. Of course it's not true but the idea of leaving an open tab is unlikely to happen.

  32. #32

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    Thanks to everyone else for their warm welcome,.

    Commander Kyte, I'll try and stay away from the Aspidistra, although some times my aim is not as good as I would like.

    Chris I think I am away in Sept but I will check for Doncaster, is there a closing date to apply?

    John Biggles, I used to read all about your brother when I was a kid, he was and probably still is my all time hero, it would be so good to meet his brother. If ever I can get to Derby I will take you up on that offer.
    Cheers

    Chris I am hoping to get to Hammerhead, and if I can I will certainly introduce my self and hopefully take part in a game.

    I've had a quick look around the site and am very impressed, one of the things I didn't find is where you hide the game reports, please can someone point me in the right direction.

    Thanks again

    Bye the way my planes arrived and Mrs Vagabond feeling sorry for me because I've not been well agreed with some reluctance to have a quick game while the evening meal was cooking.
    Anyway inspite of the fact that I am a man and know all about aeroplanes and she is a girl and knows nothing.
    She flew the pants off me and I was lucky to make a simple mistake and fly off the table and escape with my life, just before the food was cooked.
    Tonight when I suggested a return match she agreed with a bit of a gleaming in her eye, that I'm not so sure I like. We had 4 planes buzzing around, it was loads of fun, I might have gained a flying fan which is interesting because she will have nothing to do with my toy soldiers.

  33. #33

    Lightbulb

    G'day John!
    For the game reports, known as After Action Reports (AAR's) go down to the WW1 section & look in the Campaign sub section & in the OTT Solo campaign AAR's.

  34. #34

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    Quote Originally Posted by gully_raker View Post
    G'day John!
    For the game reports, known as After Action Reports (AAR's) go down to the WW1 section & look in the Campaign sub section & in the OTT Solo campaign AAR's.
    Thanks I'm on my way there now.

  35. #35

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    Welcome to you John, from Bristol, although I am exiled Yorkshireman.
    You have already come across the two main upsets with the game, female flyers and children tent to blow you out of the sky with alarming regularity, but its fun.
    If you get to Hammerhead in a couple of weeks pop over and say hello, we have three tables on the go there, WW1, WW2 and the Napoleonic Naval, where I will be located hope to see you.

  36. #36

    Dr K
    Guest


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    Just came across this picture of a B damage deck:
    https://imgur.com/gallery/JjglP

  37. #37

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vagabond View Post

    Chris I think I am away in Sept but I will check for Doncaster, is there a closing date to apply? There is no run out date for applying. Even if you turn up on the day you'll be fitted in somewhere. No worries.


    Chris I am hoping to get to Hammerhead, and if I can I will certainly introduce my self and hopefully take part in a game. The lads will make you most welcome.


    Bye the way my planes arrived and Mrs Vagabond feeling sorry for me because I've not been well agreed with some reluctance to have a quick game while the evening meal was cooking.

    Anyway inspite of the fact that I am a man and know all about aeroplanes and she is a girl and knows nothing.
    She flew the pants off me and I was lucky to make a simple mistake and fly off the table and escape with my life, just before the food was cooked.
    Tonight when I suggested a return match she agreed with a bit of a gleaming in her eye, that I'm not so sure I like. We had 4 planes buzzing around, it was loads of fun, I might have gained a flying fan which is interesting because she will have nothing to do with my toy soldiers.
    Mrs Vagabond would be a welcome addition to the female flyers at Doncaster We have Deadly M, Mrs Biggles and 2 more Biggles (Amy and Hannah) too. All are quite good in the air.
    Neil


    See you on the Dark Side......

  38. #38

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    Quote Originally Posted by Boney10 View Post
    Welcome to you John, from Bristol, although I am exiled Yorkshireman.
    You have already come across the two main upsets with the game, female flyers and children tent to blow you out of the sky with alarming regularity, but its fun.
    If you get to Hammerhead in a couple of weeks pop over and say hello, we have three tables on the go there, WW1, WW2 and the Napoleonic Naval, where I will be located hope to see you.
    Hi Chris - Mrs V comes from Bristol, maybe that's where she learned to fly

    Koen - thanks for that info, one of the planes I have on the way has a Lewis gun so I shall be using this info. Cheers

    Neil - thanks for this, appreciate you letting me know.

    I doubt Mrs V will be with me

  39. #39

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    Top hole - see you there

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  40. #40

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    Quote Originally Posted by Vagabond View Post
    Hi Chris - Mrs V comes from Bristol, maybe that's where she learned to fly
    Mornin John.

    Mrs Kyte also comes from Brisol.
    She will only fly Brisols. Here is one of her planes in action.

    Name:  DSC_5852.jpg
Views: 153
Size:  110.0 KB

    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  41. #41

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    Don't get me started on Bristols, lol

    Never Knowingly Undergunned !!

  42. #42

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    And there was I studiedly avoiding anything that mentioned upgunned Bristols Chris.
    I'll get the dried frog pills out.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  43. #43

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    Mornin John.

    Mrs Kyte also comes from Brisol.
    She will only fly Brisols. Here is one of her planes in action.

    Name:  DSC_5852.jpg
Views: 153
Size:  110.0 KB

    Rob.
    She's a braver man than me flying that rickety thing. I have had the same idea though and bought a F2B that arrived yesterday. I gave it a trial flight against 2 Albatros Dlll's that came in the same package.
    I don't think I'll be encouraging her to fly it though, she's already better than me and doesn't need this to help her.

    I've done an AAR of the game that I'd like to post, can anyone give me some advice on posting pictures. Do I create an album here and then link from the post to the album, or do I use the pics direct from my laptop or maybe even a blog.

    A question on etiquette, is threadnomancy discouraged? Obviously I will be traveling back through the site and I don't want to upset anyone by resurecting an old thread.

    Thanks for any help.
    Pip pip

  44. #44

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    People use different methods of downloading John.
    Personally I create my AAR in Office, add the serial number of the picture where I want it in the text and post that. Then I add the pictures direct from my computer.
    As for thread necromancy, it is fine as long as you observe a few factors. Don't expect someone who has not posted for years to give you an answer. Do check the Role of honour so as not to address a pilot who has earned his heavenly wings.

    https://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/fo...-Fallen-Airmen

    Otherwise if you are sensible, I will not shoot you down. It can be informative for new members to be reminded of some of the long passed discussions that they missed out on.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  45. #45

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    Rob thanks for the information, I'll give it a go.

    Expect explosions, cussing and many other bad things, but I'll try and keep them to myself.

  46. #46

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    Note of warning John, if you take longer than an hour to post the AAR you will start to lose your earlier pictures and have to upload them again, that's why many of us write it all up in Word then cut and paste it straight into the thread. Adding the photo's should not take too long after that and it's best to resize your images before you post too. 800x600 is the max, the site will downsize them to that of it can but if they're real big it won't. I usually go smaller, this also helps stretch your allowance (1GB if you're Gold member)

    "He is wise who watches"

  47. #47

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    Hi John,
    Welcome to the site from the scenic Hudson River Valley on the other side of the pond. I hope you enjoy this game as much I as I do.
    Fly high and watch your six,
    Bill

  48. #48

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    Quote Originally Posted by flash View Post
    Note of warning John, if you take longer than an hour to post the AAR you will start to lose your earlier pictures and have to upload them again, that's why many of us write it all up in Word then cut and paste it straight into the thread. Adding the photo's should not take too long after that and it's best to resize your images before you post too. 800x600 is the max, the site will downsize them to that of it can but if they're real big it won't. I usually go smaller, this also helps stretch your allowance (1GB if you're Gold member)
    Thanks for letting me know, I usually down size pics to 800 x 600, would you suggest I take it lower and to what level. They are not works of art just information to go with the report.

    NewFlyBoy, that names going to wear out soon maybe you should pass it on. Thanks for the welcome.

  49. #49

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    I do mine at 700x mostly, I have done 600x too, they come out reasonably on the forum - have an experiment and see what you like.
    Here's a link to my last AAR - these are 700's.

    "He is wise who watches"

  50. #50

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    Those pictures look a fine size, thanks I'll go with 700
    Cheers



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