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Thread: Wings of Prague 2019 - Game Scenario Overviews

  1. #1

    Default Wings of Prague 2019 - Game Scenario Overviews

    Wings of Glory WWI - Vimy Ridge

    In doing my research for a scenario, and checking out participating squadrons, I knew Albert Ball and Billy Bishop were in the same squadron (No. 60 Squadron RFC). Were there any other Canadians in the squadron? Probably, but surprise! A name popped up that was familiar. And I had been mentioning it for two years when greeting people visiting the Comox Air Force Museum.

    Part of the WWI display:
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    Now to figure out what Ace Skill (yeah, single) to give him. Hmmm... Perhaps Strong Constitution: The Aerodrome.com - A.D. Bell-Irving
    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

  2. #2

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    Well spotted Mike.
    I will cast my eye over 60 Squadron as well.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  3. #3

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    At long last, I have found a reference for Duncan Bell-Irving's plane. Albert Ball and Billy Bishop's planes were well documented, but Duncan wasn't that high scoring to warrant many photographs.

    Had I paid a bit more attention, I would have looked first at the Vimy Flight as it consisted of three 7/8th scale Nieuport 17s, painted to represent significant Canadian pilots. One of those planes was Duncan's.

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    Click image for larger version. 

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    Now, I can start working at sourcing decals.
    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

  4. #4

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    Super job Mike.
    I hope to see it flying at Prague.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  5. #5

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    Is this a taster for things to come Mike?


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  6. #6

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    Half of this lot is coming to Prague, at least...

    Vimy Ridge Scenario planes:
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    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

  7. #7

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    Nice


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  8. #8

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    Which hotel are you booked into Mike?


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by tikkifriend View Post
    Which hotel are you booked into Mike?
    Daniel couldn't get Donna and I into the Mars. We are in an apartment a bit away from the event (7 minute walk?).

    3 Lvovská Vršovice, Prague
    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

  10. #10

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    Close enough


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  11. #11

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    For those not following three or more threads on different aspects of the Wings of Prague Con, the above planes will have the following:

    Ace Skills:
    RFC:
    Capt Albert Ball (Level 04; Itchy Trigger Finger, Perfect Aim, Sharp Eye, Sniper). He left No. 60 Sqn for leave in October 1916, and returned to 56 Sqn, equipped with S.E.5s, not seeing combat until 7 April 1917. He was flying solos in a Nieuport 17, but not the one I painted up.
    Capt Alan Duncan Bell-Irving (Level 01; Strong Constitution). He was shot down on 9 November 1916, severely wounded, but survived. It was his second wounding in combat, and his final combat flight in WWI.
    Lt Billy Bishop (Level 01; Sharp Eye). He was almost sent back to Flight School on 24 March, but had claimed 5 victories by 8 April.

    Luftstreitkrafte:
    Leutnant Manfred von Richthofen (Level 04; Acrobatic Pilot, Itchy Trigger Finger, Sniper & Super Ace). This is the Ares plane and cards.
    Lt Karl Allmenröder (Level 01; Perfect Aim). He only had 6 by April 9, but he had just started flying that February and would get 30 before his death in June, two months later.
    Lt Otto Braunek (Level 01; Balloon Buster). Four of his 7 confirmed victories were balloons. Note: Might have to give him "Bullet Checker" for the Vimy Ridge scenario, as there won't be any balloons for Otto to shoot.

    Plane Equipment Cards:
    RFC:
    RFC Nieuport 17s were equipped with over-wing Lewis guns, not synchronized Vickers in the fuselage. Although I didn't model the change on the planes, they should have the capability of shooting above. Therefore, I added the Higher Machine Gun equipment card(s) to the plane packs.

    Luftstreitkrafte:
    Albatros D.IIIs come with Lockable Controls, and there wasn't any need for anything different for these planes. The airplane packs already come with this, so no special cards were required.

    The planes and Ace cards for all the pilots are in my PragueCon album: OldGuy59's Wings of PragueCon 2019 Album

    Types of Planes:
    To meet the requirements for the convention, it will be necessary to have other planes fill in for other pilots wishing to fly. Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters are acceptable for the period, and there can be additional Ni.17 planes for escorts and interceptors. For the opposition, and to deny information to the enemy, the Red Baron and his circus will be flying as many Albatros D.IIIs as will balance the numbers for each side.
    Note: Any planes that were operational in March 1917 can be used, if players wish to bring their own planes. Random Ace skills will be drawn for extra pilots added to the scenario.

    Victory Conditions:
    Entente:
    RFC must get the 1 1/2 Strutters take photographs over some targets on the Luftstreitkrafte side of the table, and get the planes back home. Kills on Luftstreitkrafte Interceptors are actually irrelevant, but for Convention Stats, they are counted.

    Central Powers:
    The Luftstreitkrafte pilots MUST shoot the photo-recon planes down, but the RFC planes must not crash in Entente territory, or No-Man's Land, or the photos might be recovered. Kills on RFC escorts and scouts are actually irrelevant, but for Convention Stats, they are counted.

    [Edit: Added plane type info for additional players.]
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 03-31-2019 at 08:32.
    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

  12. #12

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    Sounds like a great scenario...should be plenty of worthy pilots there for the event from the sounds of things.

  13. #13

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    Booked in for the Ridge.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  14. #14

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    How did you do that Paul.
    I want to do the Ridge too but only Friday's bookings are up on the chart as yet.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  15. #15

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    check again Rob I did my place a couple of days ago on my mobile. the full chart is up as of a couple of mins ago. Check down the bottom left of the chart there is a Friday Saturday and Sunday box. click on the one you want.
    Paul


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  16. #16

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    Thanks Paul.
    Found it, done the job.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  17. #17

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    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  18. #18

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    Here are some more details about

    Clash in the Pacific mini campaign (USA vs. Japan)

    Players:up to 12 (evenly split to both sides). If odd number, one player (and only one) will fly two airplanes. Resurrection included in all missions.

    Mission duration: 90 minutes after set-up (each mission)

    Gaming area: 180cm x 120cm (each mission)

    Mission I: Reconnaissance
    Find enemy Carrier Strike Force! Both sides are trying to locate enemy CSF (true and dummy tokens included). Side which finds enemy first gets advantage in next mission.

    Mission II: Attacking the Carrier
    Once the enemy has been found, attack to sink enemy carrier was launched. Defender has only CAP in the air, and must launch other fighters one at the time. Attacker strikes with full force.

    Mission III: Attacking the Carrier - Strike Back
    Similar to the previous mission, but with sides changed. Also, defender has all airplanes in the air, ready to fight.

  19. #19

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    Having played a few trials of the Vimy Ridge scenario, it comes to mind that Otto Brauneck is a bit disadvantaged by his "historical" skill. Perhaps, for the scenario, we might substitute "Bullet Checker" for my assigned "Balloon Buster".

    And, at most of my conventions, I hand out participation skill cards, so people have something useful, and a momento, to take away. With a possible participation of 10+ pilots, that means there will be more planes flying than the six custom painted planes, and they might need skills for their pilots. Let's do a special skill card for Otto at this game, and participation skill cards as well. Especially at this convention.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    I'll pick out a few extra skills, and perhaps a bullet magnet and top ace cards, to go with...
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Edit: Dates corrected

    [ReEdit: Updated the PragueCon 2019 Logo]
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 03-21-2019 at 12:36.
    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

  20. #20

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    Love the WOP 2097 participant logo Mike Only hope I can make that one.


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  21. #21

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    Too much BSG got you confudged .


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  22. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by tikkifriend View Post
    Love the WOP 2097 participant logo Mike Only hope I can make that one.
    Not only would the non-existent Adobe Photoshop spell check not have caught that error, my dyslexia and it being upside down didn't help, either.

    The cards have been corrected, thanks to your proof-reading, Paul.

    BTW: I have another card for you to proof-read.
    Click image for larger version. 

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    [Edit: Updated the PragueCon 2019 Logo]
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 03-21-2019 at 12:34.
    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

  23. #23

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    It looks great.
    I will send you the new logo for the event, Mike.

  24. #24

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    Looks good Mike except for the date
    particularly like the salty tears in beers bit


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  25. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by tikkifriend View Post
    Looks good Mike except for the date
    particularly like the salty tears in beers bit
    Is there still something wrong with the date?

    PS: For Prague, I now have Ace skills for:
    Top Ace;
    Acrobatic Pilot;
    Bullet Checker;
    Bullet Magnet (see above Conspicuous Bullseye Award);
    Daredevil;
    Itchy Trigger Finger;
    Lucky Pilot;
    Perfect Aim;
    Sharpe Eye (Luftstreitkrafte example above);
    Sniper (RFC example above); and
    Strong Constitution.

    I will have these for both sides, and any participant will have a card (or two, depending on luck or skill) to take away after the game.

    PPS: I have added Weapon Specialist to the above list. That gives me ten cards per side for participants.
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 03-19-2019 at 17:37.
    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

  26. #26

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    No sorry I got an earllier version . The cards are "Ace" Mike


    I'm learning to fly, but I ain't got wings
    Coming down is the hardest thing

  27. #27

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    I am really looking forward to getting to grips with your new cards Mike.
    Pity there is not one for fire proof pants or something to aid Kyte when he inevitably catches fire yet again. He is getting pretty good at dealing with this situation by now.

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

  28. #28

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    Quote Originally Posted by Flying Officer Kyte View Post
    I am really looking forward to getting to grips with your new cards Mike.
    Pity there is not one for fire proof pants or something to aid Kyte when he inevitably catches fire yet again. He is getting pretty good at dealing with this situation by now.

    Rob.
    Rob,
    Perhaps something like this?
    Click image for larger version. 

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    This card, and the ones above, now have the approved Wings of Prague Con 2019 logo applied.
    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

  29. #29

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    Now that is true magic Mike.
    I love it.
    Thanks.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  30. #30

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by OldGuy59 View Post
    For those not follow three or more threads on different aspects of the Wings of Prague Con, the above planes will have the following:

    Ace Skills:
    RFC:
    Capt Albert Ball (Level 04; Itchy Trigger Finger, Perfect Aim, Sharp Eye, Sniper). He left No. 60 Sqn for leave in October 1916, and returned to 56 Sqn, equipped with S.E.5s, not seeing combat until 7 April 1917. He was flying solos in a Nieuport 17, but not the one I painted up.
    Capt Alan Duncan Bell-Irving (Level 01; Strong Constitution). He was shot down on 9 November 1916, severely wounded, but survived. It was his second wounding in combat, and his final combat flight in WWI.
    Lt Billy Bishop (Level 01; Sharp Eye). He was almost sent back to Flight School on 24 March, but had claimed 5 victories by 8 April.

    Luftstreitkrafte:
    Leutnant Manfred von Richthofen (Level 04; Acrobatic Pilot, Itchy Trigger Finger, Sniper & Super Ace). This is the Ares plane and cards.
    Lt Karl Allmenröder (Level 01; Perfect Aim). He only had 6 by April 9, but he had just started flying that February and would get 30 before his death in June, two months later.
    Lt Otto Braunek (Level 01; Balloon Buster). Four of his 7 confirmed victories were balloons. Note: Might have to give him "Bullet Checker" for the Vimy Ridge scenario, as there won't be any balloons for Otto to shoot.

    Plane Equipment Cards:
    RFC:
    RFC Nieuport 17s were equipped with over-wing Lewis guns, not synchronized Vickers in the fuselage. Although I didn't model the change on the planes, they should have the capability of shooting above. Therefore, I added the Higher Machine Gun equipment card(s) to the plane packs.

    Luftstreitkrafte:
    Albatros D.IIIs come with Lockable Controls, and there wasn't any need for anything different for these planes. The airplane packs already come with this, so no special cards were required.

    The planes and Ace cards for all the pilots are in my PragueCon album: OldGuy59's Wings of PragueCon 2019 Album

    To meet the requirements for the convention, it will be necessary to have other planes fill in for other pilots wishing to fly. Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutters are acceptable for the period, and there can be additional Ni.17 planes for escorts and interceptors. For the opposition, and to deny information to the enemy, the Red Baron and his circus will be flying as many Albatros D.IIIs as will balance the numbers for each side.

    Victory Conditions:
    Entente:
    RFC must get the 1 1/2 Strutters take photographs over some targets on the Luftstreitkrafte side of the table, and get the planes back home. Kills on Luftstreitkrafte Interceptors are actually irrelevant, but for Convention Stats, they are counted.

    Central Powers:
    The Luftstreitkrafte pilots MUST shoot the photo-recon planes down, but the RFC planes must not crash in Entente territory, or No-Man's Land, or the photos might be recovered. Kills on RFC escorts and scouts are actually irrelevant, but for Convention Stats, they are counted.
    Looks like I didn't get all the right skills for Albert Ball. Ares made up a new one specifically for the Ace:
    Ares Games - WW1 Wings of Glory Airplane Packs Preview – Nieuport 16
    Albert Ball’s Nieuport 16 has the same special cards for top wing gun (and this was a favored tactic of his), plus his shooting skills are depicted by the “Sneak Attack” (+1 damage card at close range from behind) and “Perfect Aim,” which puts a +1 to any damage cards above a zero scored on the enemy.
    It only mentions two skills, so not sure what period the plane will represent, but probably before Christmas 1917.
    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

  31. #31

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    Played two scenarios of the Vimy planes yesterday, for the end-month Day at the Museum, with a Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter as the Photo/Recon plane.

    One scenario had the German's planes taking a serious beating, and the Strutter getting away with two targets photo'ed. The second, the Germans shot down the P/R plane. Both games saw the Red Baron go down in flames early. The consensus was the combination of skills, especially Sharp Eye being used against the Red Baron. Sniper was also bad.

    Now, for Sniper at close range, do you draw two cards and pick the worst, times two? Or is Sniper only just one of the two possible cards?

    Also, can you use Sharp Eye, then use Sniper to give the worst of the two cards, then add Perfect Aim to the resulting cards? This makes Albert Ball a very lethal pilot, and probably too powerful?

    Thoughts?
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 05-20-2023 at 09:27.
    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

  32. #32

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    Sniper: at short range, only for one of the cards there is double drawn and chosen by the firer. Not for both.

    Yes you can use Sharp eye, then Sniper on one of the two cards inflicted, then Perfect Aim. This will total as 2 better than average cards and probably one or two additional damage points. Good shot, probably not lethal and quite consuming of your skill range.
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 10-28-2023 at 17:37.

  33. #33

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    Quote Originally Posted by Angiolillo View Post
    Sniper: at short range, only for one of the cards there is double draw and choiche by the firer. Not for both.

    Yes you can use Sharp eye, then Sniper on one of the two cards inflicted, then Perfect Aim. This will total as 2 better than average cards and probably one or two additional damage points. Good shot, probably not lethal and quite consuming of your skill range.
    Andrea,
    Thanks for the clarification on Sniper. A bit better for the opponent.

    As to chaining the skills together, that won't make it better for opponents of Albert Ball. Yes, it takes all the chained skills out of play for, at least, a turn. However, if you have the shot, and you want to take down your opponent to protect your Reconnaissance plane, give it everything you have. This skill group lets that all happen at long range, too. The Red Baron, with Super Ace, is only restricted for, at most, a turn.

    In the second game, it still wasn't enough. The Red Baron went down, but my opponent saved most of his bullets for the Reconnaissance plane, and flew in really good formation to concentrate attacks on it.
    Last edited by OldGuy59; 10-28-2023 at 17:38.
    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



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