Ares Games
Results 1 to 34 of 34

Thread: The Balloon Busters: Game 1 - Hammerhead 2nd March 2019

  1. #1

    Default The Balloon Busters: Game 1 - Hammerhead 2nd March 2019

    This was the first game run by JohnBiggles at Hammerhead on Saturday 2nd March 2019.

    The Germans had two observation balloons, which a combined Entente force of two French Nieuport 16's armed with rockets protected by two British Sopwith Camels would try to shoot down. The Germans had two Albartos D.III's and two Roland C.II's to protect the balloons.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02346.jpg 
Views:	81 
Size:	201.2 KB 
ID:	263735

    The defenders.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02347.jpg 
Views:	80 
Size:	189.8 KB 
ID:	263736

    The attackers.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02348.jpg 
Views:	79 
Size:	154.4 KB 
ID:	263737

    Starting positions.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02349.jpg 
Views:	81 
Size:	199.2 KB 
ID:	263738

    JohnBiggles, Hawkhurst and Andrew.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02350.jpg 
Views:	78 
Size:	122.8 KB 
ID:	263739

    Amy "Whispering Death" Biggles and fellow defending pilot.
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02351.jpg 
Views:	82 
Size:	194.8 KB 
ID:	263740

  2. #2

    Default

    Great looking game. Thanks for sharing your pics.

  3. #3

    Default

    There are many more to follow, when I have the time to load them, Adie.

  4. #4

  5. #5

    Default

    After the first turn of three moves the brown Nieuport and striped Camel had moved out to the left to try to pass the purple Roland and yellow Albatros. The other four planes were in a 'head to head' encounter.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02352.jpg 
Views:	73 
Size:	201.0 KB 
ID:	263749

    Bullets from the blue Roland set the green Nieuport on fire.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02354.jpg 
Views:	76 
Size:	206.5 KB 
ID:	263750

    The hearts Camel turned right. The red Albatros performed an Immelman turn in pursuit. The blue Roland also turned after the Camel but its observer could still fire at the green Nieuport, which had turned left.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02356.jpg 
Views:	74 
Size:	200.4 KB 
ID:	263751

    The brown Nieuport flew straight on whilst the striped Camel turned right to engage the German aircraft. However, the two German planes turned right to try to get behind the Entente aircraft.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02357.jpg 
Views:	74 
Size:	177.4 KB 
ID:	263752

  6. #6

    Default

    Thanks for covering the Wings table for us Dave. I only got over there once as I was running the sails all day.
    Some very good action shots. Like a job on the sniper's Times?
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  7. #7

    Default

    The hearts Camel flew straight on whilst the German planes turned left. The burning Nieuport turned towards the Germans.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02358.jpg 
Views:	67 
Size:	175.5 KB 
ID:	263774

    At the other side of the table the brown Nieuport headed towards the nearest balloon. The Germans continued turning to get behind the Nieuport. The striped Camel turned to attack the Roland, who's observer fired back.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02359.jpg 
Views:	67 
Size:	194.0 KB 
ID:	263775

    The red Albatros and blue Roland headed back to a defensive area. The burning Nieuport turned away from them whilst the hearts Camel started to turn to follow the Germans.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02360.jpg 
Views:	67 
Size:	189.1 KB 
ID:	263776

    The brown Nieuport started zig-zagging as the yellow Albatros pursued. The Roland and striped Camel turned to fight each other.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02361.jpg 
Views:	67 
Size:	197.9 KB 
ID:	263777
    Last edited by Naharaht; 03-08-2019 at 15:29.

  8. #8

    Default

    Some more very good shots there Dave. thanks for posting again.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  9. #9

    Default

    The burning Nieuport continued turning left and the blue Roland turned to follow. The Red Albatros Immelman turned. The hearts Camel flew towards home.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02362.jpg 
Views:	54 
Size:	178.1 KB 
ID:	263926

    The striped Camel turned away from the purple Roland but its observer could still fire at the Camel.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02363.jpg 
Views:	55 
Size:	194.6 KB 
ID:	263927

    Black smoke poured from the Camel's engine.. The brown Nieuport headed towards the balloon with the yellow Albatros in pursuit.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02365.jpg 
Views:	53 
Size:	199.7 KB 
ID:	263928
    Last edited by Naharaht; 03-06-2019 at 02:35.

  10. #10

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht View Post
    The burning Nieuport continued turning left and the blue Roland turned to follow. The Red Albatros Immelman turned. The hearts Camel flew towards home.

    Attachment 263851

    The striped Camel turned away from the purple Roland but its observer could still fire at the Camel.

    Attachment 263852

    The Camel started smoking. The brown Nieuport headed towards the balloon with the yellow Albatros in pursuit.

    Attachment 263853
    Attachments only, not pictures, Dave......
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  11. #11

    Default

    Yeah, looke like the attachment fairy has zapped another one.

  12. #12

    Default

    The burning Nieuport tried to turn away from the blue Roland but it was close behind firing again and again.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02367.jpg 
Views:	54 
Size:	156.7 KB 
ID:	263922

    The hearts Camel turned back towards the battle as the red Albatros flew towards it.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02368.jpg 
Views:	54 
Size:	197.2 KB 
ID:	263923

    The brown Nieuport contined to fly towrds the balloon now with both Germans in pursuit.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02369.jpg 
Views:	53 
Size:	195.8 KB 
ID:	263924

    The observer in the purple Roland struggled to unjam his machine gun as the smoking Camel turned to follow the Roland.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02370.jpg 
Views:	53 
Size:	181.0 KB 
ID:	263925
    Last edited by Naharaht; 03-06-2019 at 02:32.

  13. #13

    Default

    And again!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	75ae55611072572a556156a6a0841123.jpg 
Views:	56 
Size:	41.9 KB 
ID:	263921

    Bad Fairy. Squish!

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

  14. #14

    Default

    The burning Nieuport continued turning left. The blue Roland flew past but its observer fired at the Nieuport.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02371.jpg 
Views:	54 
Size:	179.6 KB 
ID:	263929

    The red Albatros turned left but the hearts Camel continued turning right and got into a position where it could shoot a the Albatros and face no reply.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02372.jpg 
Views:	53 
Size:	191.4 KB 
ID:	263930

    The damage from the Roland was too much and the Nieuport went down in flames.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02373.jpg 
Views:	53 
Size:	185.9 KB 
ID:	263931

    The brown Nieuport continued towards the balloon with the yellow Albatros and purple Roland behind and the striped Camel following them.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02375.jpg 
Views:	52 
Size:	209.1 KB 
ID:	263932

  15. #15

    Default

    Excellent work there Dave, I really appreciate this.

    Lest we forget

  16. #16

    Default

    Good perseverence, Dave, the pics are now visible.

  17. #17

    Default

    The red Albatros turned away from thr hearts Camel but could not shake it off.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02376.jpg 
Views:	47 
Size:	181.1 KB 
ID:	263937

    The brown Nieuport reached the balloon but because of the zig-zagging sideslips the plane was too close to make an attck run using rockets and had to be content with firing its machine gun. It missed and the gun jammed.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02377.jpg 
Views:	48 
Size:	198.1 KB 
ID:	263938

    Three German aircraft were closing on the Nieuport from behind. The balloon crew decided to pull it to the ground. The die was used as a countdown marker for lowering the balloon.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02378.jpg 
Views:	46 
Size:	200.8 KB 
ID:	263939
    Last edited by Naharaht; 03-07-2019 at 09:29.

  18. #18

    Default

    Got them Dave.
    Thanks! Now for the rep.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  19. #19

    Default

    The red Albatros Immelman turned enabling it to shoot at the hearts Camel, which had flown straight ahead.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02379.jpg 
Views:	37 
Size:	171.7 KB 
ID:	263947

    As the three German planes converged on the brown Nieuport the smoking Camel closed into firing range of the purple Roland and exchanged shots with its observer. Meanwhile the brown Nieuport collided with the balloon causing a little damage to the balloon but badly damaging itself and wounding its pilot.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02380.jpg 
Views:	39 
Size:	202.2 KB 
ID:	263948
    Last edited by Naharaht; 03-07-2019 at 20:43.

  20. #20

    Default

    The red Albatros and hearts Camel flew past each other.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02381.jpg 
Views:	36 
Size:	153.4 KB 
ID:	263949

    The brown Nieuport turned right. The yellow Albatros and purple Roland turned left to avoid the balloon. The blue Roland turned right to avoid the balloon and cut off the Nieuport. The smoking Camel continued exchanging shots with the purple Roland.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02382.jpg 
Views:	37 
Size:	208.7 KB 
ID:	263950

    The hearts Camel turned left but the redAlbatros performed another Immelmann turn and got in a shot.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02383.jpg 
Views:	40 
Size:	153.5 KB 
ID:	263951

    The yellow Albatros turned back to attack the smoking Camel, which continued to exchange shots with the purple Roland. However the Camel's guns jammed. Meanwhile the brown Nieuport continued to have a 'smashing' time by turning right and colliding with the advancing blue Roland.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02384.jpg 
Views:	38 
Size:	213.3 KB 
ID:	263952

  21. #21

    Default

    Both the hearts Camel and the red Albatros turned left, so the Albatros could still shoot at the Camel.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02385.jpg 
Views:	33 
Size:	142.3 KB 
ID:	264017

    The brown Nieuport and blue Roland flew apart but the bloe Roland's observer got in some parting shots. The smoking Camel flew towrds the balloon. Both the purple Roland and the yellow Albatros made left turns.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02386.jpg 
Views:	34 
Size:	195.4 KB 
ID:	264018

    The hearts Camel flew straight allowing the red Albatros to turn left and drop in on its tail.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02388.jpg 
Views:	33 
Size:	172.2 KB 
ID:	264019

    The brown Nieuport turned left to head towards the second balloon. The blue Roland turned right to shadow it? The yellow Albatros flew straight ahead whilst the striped Camel stopped smoking and turned left to avaoid colliding with the balloon. The purple Roland continued circling out of sight.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02389.jpg 
Views:	33 
Size:	212.0 KB 
ID:	264020

  22. #22

    Default

    If you were anticipating an Immelmann turn from the hearts Camel, you were correct and it exchanged fire with th epursuing red Albatros.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02390.jpg 
Views:	34 
Size:	190.2 KB 
ID:	264058

    As the brown Nieuport turned towards the balloon the blue Roland turned towards the brown Nieuport and they exchanged shots.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02391.jpg 
Views:	35 
Size:	182.3 KB 
ID:	264059

    The striped Camel and the purple Roland both turned left.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02392.jpg 
Views:	34 
Size:	219.2 KB 
ID:	264060
    Last edited by Naharaht; 03-09-2019 at 10:20.

  23. #23

    Default

    This is turning out to be a true marathon report. Good on ya for keeping up with it.

  24. #24

    Default

    Black smoke began to belch from the brown Nieuport's engine as it headed towards the balloon -straight into another collision with the blue Roland!

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02393.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	178.0 KB 
ID:	264135Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02394.jpg 
Views:	30 
Size:	197.8 KB 
ID:	264136

    Meanwhile, the striped Camel and purple Roland both continued their left circling putting them into positions where the CAmel could exchange shots with the Roland's observer. The yellow Albatros flew back into the fray dangerously close to the Roland.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02395.jpg 
Views:	31 
Size:	208.1 KB 
ID:	264137

    The red Albartros and hearts Camel flew past each other.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02396.jpg 
Views:	29 
Size:	164.5 KB 
ID:	264138

    Do people ike these 'move by move' accounts or would they prefer something shorter?

  25. #25

    Default

    You are going to be building up to more rep at this rate pretty soon Dave.
    Rob.
    "Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you're scared to death."

  26. #26

    Default

    Do people like these 'move by move' accounts or would they prefer something shorter?
    My own AARs are always detailed to give the readers a better idea of what went on.

    Type away, Dave.


    Oh - and have some REP to sustain you.

  27. #27

    Default

    In-flight refreshment.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02397.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	217.9 KB 
ID:	264320

    The red Albatros and hearts Camel Immelmann turned and resumed their battle.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02398.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	174.4 KB 
ID:	264321

    The smoking Nieuport turned left to avoid the balloon. The blue Roland also turned left enabling its observer to shoot at the Nieuport.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02399.jpg 
Views:	22 
Size:	187.3 KB 
ID:	264322

    The striped Camel turned to the right and the yellow Albatros gained the advantage and took a shot when its left turn placed it behind the Camel. The purple Roland flew straight on.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02400.jpg 
Views:	24 
Size:	233.0 KB 
ID:	264323

  28. #28

    Default

    The red Albatros and hearts Camel flew past each other again. The blue Roland and smoking Nieuport flew straight ahead.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02401.jpg 
Views:	22 
Size:	194.6 KB 
ID:	264324

    The striped Camel turned to the right again whist the yellow Albatros flew stright ahead and fired at it again. The purple roland flew straight on.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02402.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	196.8 KB 
ID:	264325

    The new young pilot of the yellow albatros and his colleagues rejoiced as the Camel was shot down.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02403.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	205.7 KB 
ID:	264326

    The damage.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02404.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	186.2 KB 
ID:	264327

  29. #29

    Default

    The brown Nieuport turned right to get back into the battle. The hearts Camel flew towards the balloon and attacked it but the Camel flew across in front of the advancing blue Roland and was raked by its forward gun. The red Albatros flew straight ahead.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02405.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	183.2 KB 
ID:	264328

    Both the purple Roland and the yellow albatros made left turns.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02406.jpg 
Views:	24 
Size:	225.6 KB 
ID:	264329

    The Nieuport continued its right turn. The red Albatros Immelmann turned. The Camel flew straight on closing with the balloon and shooting at it. The balloon exploded and the Camel was caught in the blast. Also the blue Roland had flown ahead and its observer could shoot at the Camel. All this damage was too much and the Camel fell from the sky.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02407.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	203.1 KB 
ID:	264330

    The purple Roland turned right to pursue the Nieuport. The balloon had almost reached the ground.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02408.jpg 
Views:	23 
Size:	200.0 KB 
ID:	264331

    The yellow Albatros also turned left to pursue the remaining Nieuport.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02409.jpg 
Views:	22 
Size:	186.1 KB 
ID:	264332

    The fatal damage to the Camel.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02410.jpg 
Views:	21 
Size:	192.4 KB 
ID:	264333

  30. #30

    Default

    The Nieuport was left to face the red Albatros.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02411.jpg 
Views:	22 
Size:	198.4 KB 
ID:	264348

    The purple Roland and yellow Albatros were coming up behind. The brown balloon safely reached the ground.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02412.jpg 
Views:	22 
Size:	231.5 KB 
ID:	264349

    The Nieuport flew towards the red Albatros and opened fire but it was caught in a cross-fire from the red Albatros and blue Roland and shot down.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02413.jpg 
Views:	21 
Size:	198.0 KB 
ID:	264350

    The purple Roland and yellow Albatros were left flying serenely on.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02414.jpg 
Views:	21 
Size:	171.2 KB 
ID:	264351Click image for larger version. 

Name:	DSC02415.jpg 
Views:	21 
Size:	214.7 KB 
ID:	264352

    The Germans had lost one balloon and the other had been slightly damaged and pulled down but at a cost of two Nieuport 16's and two Sopwith Camels to the Entente. Was it worth the sacrifice?

    The End.

  31. #31

    Default

    Well done David, I saw the game from a distance and they all seemed to be having a great time.

  32. #32

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht View Post

    Do people ike these 'move by move' accounts or would they prefer something shorter?
    Personally, I like 'em shorter.

    I long ago gave up following this one, spread over so many days of posts.

    But that's just me.
    I laugh in the face of danger - then I hide until it goes away!

  33. #33

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht
    Do people [l]ike these 'move by move' accounts or would they prefer something shorter?

    Epic game and epic report to go with it.

    I far prefer the extended style, it's worth the read. And like I said, good on ya for keeping up with it, especially with the attachment fairy out to get you.

  34. #34

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Naharaht View Post
    Do people like these 'move by move' accounts or would they prefer something shorter?
    If anything my preference would be to see it all in one post David - just edit your new photos and text into the original post. You can always add a post by way of announcing the update.
    Good to see the action though and the pilots getting stuck into it !

    "He is wise who watches"



Similar Missions

  1. Hammerhead 2019 Saturday 2nd March
    By Boney10 in forum UK Wing
    Replies: 91
    Last Post: 03-12-2019, 05:53
  2. Hammerhead 2018 Newark Sat March 3
    By Boney10 in forum UK Wing
    Replies: 68
    Last Post: 03-02-2018, 12:16
  3. Hammerhead 2016 Sat March 5
    By Boney10 in forum UK Wing
    Replies: 134
    Last Post: 03-12-2016, 12:34
  4. Hammerhead at Newark - Saturday March 5 2016
    By 'Warspite' in forum UK Wing
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 02-10-2016, 04:01
  5. Hammerhead 2016 Sat 5 March
    By Boney10 in forum UK Wing
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 09-06-2015, 23:11

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •