Hauksbee

Are you flying OFF or WOFF? Strap on an SE-5 of your own and take a look. Yes, you could re-load in flight. There were two ammo drum sizes: 47 and 97 rounds, the latter being used in aircraft.

When you get down to it, it's almost the definition of a fighter pilot. I don't recall the actual percentage cited, but I recall hearing that the sum total of pilots who became Aces accounted for something like 60% of all planes shot down. This was in the European theater, but I would assume that it applied elsewhere.

I too, have been waiting for WOFF. But in my case it's a matter of setting up a new flying station. I got a 50" TV/monitor, and Saitek rudder pedals (first time for that) and my brother-in-law built me a Z-shaped bracket/shelf that clamps to the table and holds the joystick at the right height. (no more aching wrist leaning against the table edge). But the problem is/was, I've used up all the video ports on my floor computer. A new card is a must. Having ventured that far into the swamp, I figured, 'wot th' hell, let's go long on this one and I bought a second computer which will be dedicated to flying only. My computer guy came over and we did the set-up on the new box and installed all the flight software. The new box is running one of my old 22" monitors while I waited for the card. I really want to debut WOFF on the big screen, but it being Christmas, everything takes a few days longer to get anything done. Friday, the card arrives. So, by the end of tomorrow, I should be seeing WOFF at long last. . Mods? I've had a skin design for a Dr.1 kicking around for months. Time to get that done. And seeing Hellshades videos, I might want a tracer mod that's brighter. I recall a Damage Model in OFF that produced more flammers than usual. I could use that. (in real life, I'd be queasy about sending a guy down in flames, but, when fighting 1's-and-0's, I can be quite bloody-minded.

I knew at one time, but it's slipped way and no matter where I look up C-type airplanes, it's the one German term that nobody wants to define. .

And yet I remember so clearly that there was a multi-syllabic word. Ah well. But, while we're on designations, what does the 'Grass' in 'GrassHauksbee' stand for? Just askin'. (tho' I have some suggestions)

Interesting article, Lou. Thanks. But what I was going for was, what German word did the abbreviation "C" stand for?

No need. The fences will find you. . Lou: is this map the result of your air reconnaissance?

Indeed! He brings new meaning to "being on the fence".

...and from me, to all of you.

A question of profound import needs a ruling from our founding members, to wit: RAF_Lou. Olham and Dej. (we're taking this one right to the top.) If a member is currently flying WOFF, but still takes occasional forays into OFF, and can even be found in the halls of RoF, might they be properly called "WOFFlers"?

Looks to be a prodigious effort, Lou. I too, am trying to evolve a map solution. I bought a Michelin map of France and razored out the top left section. My intention was/is to get it laminated at Office Max so I can use a dry-erase marker to plot compass headings to and from the target. (for my upcoming Rolland C.II career) However; even with a full scale road map (and my antique eyes) the type is still so small that it's an effort to find anything. Then, when I installed ROF on the new WWI only computer, I discovered that they had included a paper map with WWI airfields. So...I think I'll get them both laminated. But..as DukeIronHand say, 'Looking forward to the final results'. . Would it be possible, once you have the major map done (of whatever size that may be) to mark the airfields and calculate (based on fuel/flying time) the area of operations? That way, your overall map could be broken down into a series of smaller files?

When I see film footage of planes being shot down, they nearly always explode in a fireball upon impact. Admittedly, this has always been WWII footage. But when flying OFF & ROF, it is, by far, the exception rather than the rule. Why is that?

Still getting all the equipment together, (2nd computer, [WOFF only], large screen TV/monitor, new rudder pedals, etc.). Now waiting for new video card. All should be in order in a few more days. Then...I will embark on my first campaign with a Rolland C.II squadron.

...and, it's not even their day job.

Good point, Jim.

I've been racking my brain over this one, trying to remember... . I recall reading (some years back, now) that as the battle for Stalingrad reached a fever pitch, two Panzer units that had been sitting to the west, out on the Russian steppe, were ordered forward. Neither made it as far as a mile. 'Seems they had taken up station during the end-of-summer month, September. When they were ordered forward, there was snow on the ground. During the interim, Russian mice, normally in the grass, had taken shelter from the cold inside the tanks...and chewed the cloth insulation off the electrical wires. For nesting material. . I have only read of this once, and that was in "Enemy At The Gates", ( I think) but, as I said, it was quite some time ago. I was at Amazon.com this morning poised to buy another copy, but thought I'd put the question to you guys. Can anyone confirm or deny this story? Thanks.

While we're playing at "What if's", and bad decisions, consider England and France's decision to make a treaty with Poland. This stipulated that if Poland should be attacked, an immediate state of war would go into effect and both nations would back Poland. This made the Poles quite intransigent when dealing with Germany. After all, they had two heavyweights backing them. What could go wrong? Hitler made his first big mis-step when he invaded. He was certain that the WWI allies would back down as they had so often before. But the way the treaty was written left no room for diplomatic maneuver, and the fight was on. In fact, and despite many repeatings, Hitler did not plan to "rule the world". His vision of 'lebensraum' was to the east: Poland, Ukraine and Czechoslovakia. It was the Slavs that he had in his sights. His mis-reading of France and England was a first step into quicksand.

Well done! Did you bring back any pics.?

Just found a used, paperback copy on amazon.com. $2.75

Aha! Another confirmation. As I recall from my first reading, it was the 17th and 22nd Panzer.

I was sent a slide show of WWII Life magazine photos of aircraft by a friend. Among them was a P-47 being serviced and this small tractor was front and center. It obviously fills the same niche as the British Bren Carrier and the German Kettenrad, but this is the first time I've ever seen one. Anyone know what it's called?

Me too.

When you done pinching the nurses, how about some action screenies of the Snipe that's been getting you into all this mess...?

Here's a shock! Our 'rezident Albatros Meister' is at a loss? Tell us more. What changed?

I think someone's scarpering off to the BOC Mess. (tho' for medicinal purposes only...mebbe.)