Check Six

I second that Paulo, I also have the Saitek Pro Flight rudder pedals, and whilst they aren't flawless, are pretty damn good. I suppose I should explain why they have "flaws". I purchased mine, and they worked perfectly, straight out of the box. The only problem I had was the tension adjusting control between the pedals. Try as I might, with all my strength, I couldn't budge it. I PM'd Lou and asked him if he had any trouble with that, but he hadn't. I also saw a YouTube review, and the reviewer moved it with ease with his fingertips. Having said that, I was a bit annoyed, but the thought of the hassle I'd have to go through to get them replaced, and then I thought to myself that I was reasonably happy with them, and then I simply got used to them. I might be a bit "picky", because it doesn't take massive strength to move them, but the device IS faulty. I just got used to them, and now they seem second nature. Paulo, remember that you have "toe brake" controls on your rudder pedals, and these are not used in OFF, and need to be disabled. There was a thread on this, I provided easy step-by-step instructions to disable the function. See if you can find that thread if you go ahead with the purchase (hope I didn't scare you off - they really ARE a good product, just that mine had a "minor fault".

I saw a thread started by Dirk (dirk98?) about requiring more detailed maps so he could navigate by map and looking over the side, but he was a bit disappointed that the OFF maps weren't accurate enough or had aerodromes missing or some such thing. Rabu replied that he had supplied some good quality WW1 maps, but dirk was again disappointed in the fact there were no aerodromes on them. OK. Here is the answer. It's called "Project Aerodromes". (OK I knew I had it at home, but didn't want to mention anything until I had located it). A 40 page document (about 30 maps, pretty accurate in identifying aerodromes only) that gives a master map, larger detailed maps, and confirmed and suspected aerodrome positions for the four years of WW1. (suspected because, for instance, an aerodrome might be located half way between two towns, and some may refer to it as "town x aerodrome" and others "town Y aerodrome"...it's all explained on the opening couple of pages his methodology). Olham stated that Dej was looking at locating aerodromes as a long-term project but was unsure how far he had got. Devs...Dej...drop me a private message if you think you'd like more detail.

Olham, That was page 1 of a 40 page document called "Project Aerodromes" done by Hugh Wynn some time ago. I came across it in my research, and got a copy for my own personal use. Like I said, it's a very large document, and I couldn't post it all here in this thread. I also don't know whether it will "fit" in the "Downloads" section, as I've never posted anything there. I am also unsure about copyright protection. If you wish, email me on sldrew2000@hotmail.com and I'll send it to you. Beware that it may clog up your email for some days due to its size. If you want it, just email me.

Well done Jammer. Edited experty.

Olham, Actually, I like the "polite" version. The crude, rude one might be good to anger your enemy, and an angry enemy makes unforced errors. But I do like the polite version... I also like the "Look behind You" motto on Wolf's aircraft (is this a historically correct skin for that pilot?). I'd very much like to model that one as well, but whilst I'm fairly certain there wouldn't be any decals to stick on available for sale anywhere, and I'd have to paint it all myself, I'm confident I could replicate the moon and stars and background colours (including the "black tulip" marking very similar to Erch Hartmann's Bf 109 - he's somewhat of a hero to me - anyone that can down 352 aircraft in a little over 2 years as a 20 year old has got to know his stuff). But the wolf?? I don't think I could duplicate that well enough. I might try to reproduce it onto a decal sheet and see if that works. Anyhow, thank you for your assistance, and thanks to all the German speakers for teaching me rude words. Seriously, thanks for the discussion, it says a lot about the humour of the young pilots, and says a lot for the Jasta Commanders that allowed them to paint that sort of thing (rude or not) on their aircraft. I bet they hid those ones when the Generals came to inspect the Jasta. After all, those aircraft were the property of the Kaiser. Thanks again gentlemen. If (when?) I get them built, I'll post pics here for you.

"Roadhouse" makes me think of two quotes. One was from one of the guys in Jeff Foxworthy's "Blue Collar" comedy show, and Ron White (one of his offsiders) was talking about how he was LITERALLY thrown out of a bar by bouncers "you know the type, they sit there watching "Roadhouse" and fondle themselves..."HEHE...Patrick Swayze hit ANOTHER one!"". (Actually, if you can get a sound byte of that, it's quite funny). The other was from the movie, where Patrick Swayze goes to move into the house upstairs from that wizened old dude, and he's talking to him, and calls him "Sir", and the old feller replies "Son, calling me "Sir" is like putting an elevator in an outhouse...it just DON'T FIT!"

I think it is the most recent incarnation of this age-old discussion, started only a week ago (4th Feb), and this one goes into formal and informal use, local dialects, translated into French and English, how one would address der Rittmeister, should he have translated it into English, would any allied pilot understand it, etc etc etc. You're absolutely correct. It is a local expression. Oh, and Olham, that skin you directed me to MAY be the skin that incorporates your very witty "bumper sticker" of "KMA", but it doesn't show it. I don't think that's the one. But may I say, that could be the most beautifully painted WW1 aircraft I have EVER seen. Stunning! I've attached it here for all to admire. The second one has a "bumper sticker tail motto" but is different to what you said in your earlier thread. Can you translate this one too please?

Olham, OvS, There is a lengthy thread on the Aerodrome discussing what the "loose" translation of "Du doch nicht!" was, given regional dialects etc http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/camouflage-markings/45885-correct-translation-udets-message-tail.html But that's not what I was trying to get at. Whilst Udet was basically saying "No, not you" to the pilots attempting to shoot him down, and Kempf was saying "Remember me?" what I REALLY did want was literally "KISS MY A$$". I wasn't after the meaning or reasoning behind the historical markings, I wanted to put a message on the tail of a model that I'm planning, and "KMA" is EXACTLY what I wanted to say. Sorry if I got you guys confused, but it's interesting in the generation of discussion that comes about when mention is made of "Du doch nicht" and its meaning (see the above thread for a healthy lengthy discussion). Thanks Olham, that's exactly what I wanted to say. Pure and simple. No dialect vagaries. Just "KISS MY A$$". And thanks to those that gave me a few ideas for the font of the text.

How about this for an airlines livery? Kulula Air, a small airline based in South Africa, has recently revamped their planes in a clever new fashion: by painting them bright green and covering them with witty, self-referential labels. On the engines: “Engine #1″ and “Engine #2 (26,000 pounds of thrust).” Near the black box: “black box (which is actually orange).” Their planes used to have funky military paint jobs, but we think you’ll agree that this is an upgrade: Flightstory has the full set of labels, including: seats (better than taxi seats) some windows = kulula fans (the coolest peeps in the world) black box (which is actually orange) landing gear (comes standard with supa-fly mags) back door (no bribery/corruption here) tail (featuring an awesome logo) loo (or mile-high club initiation chamber) rudder (the steering thingy)

Could not agree more. There are many and varied plastic model kits available, 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale. Wingnut Wings are a new manufacturer (1/32 scale) and are absolutely superb quality with great detail, much better than cast metal models. You'll also enjoy the great satisfaction of building it yourself. Have a look, and also don't forget to look at the "Coming Soon" page. http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/

Hmm. I'll show you I'm Australian if you show me your brazilian.

An early Aussie aviatrix, Nancy-Bird Walton. A true pioneer, she was flying supplies in and patients out of the rugged Australian bush and deserts when barely a teenager. She wrote an autobiography, and aptly named it after her usual greetings in those days "My God! It's a WOMAN" I had the pleasure of meeting her. She passed away last year. http://www.ctie.mona...walton_bio.html

Olham, I have visited Wavans cemetery, travelling all the way from Australia to pay my respects. It is incredibly tiny. From memory, just over thirty graves in there. Compared to the MASSIVE cemeteries around there, I had trouble finding it. I tried (with my pathetic schoolboy French) to ask for the BIG cemetery for the soldiers of the Great War, and the locals directed me to a tiny cemetery where the locals are interred. Finally I found it, and was shocked at its size. Despite its tiny size, it is the last resting place of two famous aces, Robert Alexander Little and James Thomas Byford McCudden VC. Also surprisingly, it has one of your German compatriots resting there. Otto Wolter, from a machine gun company. I have no idea why he is buried in a Commonwealth cemetery, and have tried hard to no avail to find out why. Please don't get me wrong, I don't begrudge him being interred there. As a matter of fact, I was quite moved by it. I was pleased to see that his resting place was as well looked after as the Commonwealth soldier and airmen buried there. I also visited the grave of Roderic Stanley Dallas in Pernes to pay my respects there too. A much larger cemetery, well looked after (as all the Commonwealth War Graves are). I visit "The Aerodrome" daily, Herr Olham. Fascinating. I go to the Forum there, and ask and answer questions, post pictures, and marvel at the depth of knowledge there. Many famous writers and historians visit there to impart their wealth of knowledge. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't visited there.

There's a small cemetery a few miles from where I live, and in there is interred Lt Col Oswald Watt, who was OIC of the Australian Flying Corps in WW1. Obviously he survived the war, as there were only a few remains returned to Australia during or after the conflict. The only ones I can think of are General Bridges who was killed at Gallipoli, the Unknown Soldier (interred at the Australian War Memorial) and Sandy, a NSW whaler horse from the Australian Light Horse (his stuffed hide is also at the AWM). Oswald Watt sadly drowned in a foot of water after slipping and hitting his head on the rocks at Bilgola Beach in Sydney. A very sad end for a warrior. I visit his grave often.

Des has posted several of his model builds on "The Aerodrome" Model page, including a Wingnut Wings SE5a. All of his work is superb, and he receives much deserved praise from the gurus at the modelling page there. I have been taught many a good lesson from this guy. He quite freely explains all his techniques and is happy to correspond in private as well. Don't you just LOVE the scratchbuilt wicker seat?? Expertise plus. He lives not far from me (geographically, its a bit over two hours on my bike [three if I stick to speed limit]) and has invited me to view his collection. I think I might go.

Siggi, You mentioned that you don't model WW1. You might start if you see this site. http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/ Excellent quality, highly detailed models in 1/32 scale. Works of art in and of themselves. Most come with PE, excellent decals, superb instructions. They are easily the new benchmark for plastic model kits. They are head and shoulders above all other manufacturers. A touch expensive perhaps, but at the moment, as an introductory offer, they are postage and handling charge FREE worldwide. Four available now, with at least that number coming in 2010. See their "coming soon" link. DROOL! Owned by Peter Jackson. Excellent work on the Spitfire. Keep it up, but have a look at WW1 models. Some great stuff out there.

You guys are lucky our mate Olham has a great sense of humour. "spare a thought for Olham" is what they called this thread, yet all you've done is to take FULL advantage of his absence, painting his crate, taking his grog, partying at his place. Tsk Tsk. Allow him to rest and don't raise his anger when he returns, lest you suffer at the business end of his spandaus (not that he needs any excuse to shred the crumpet craft). Have a good break, Herr Olham. Upon your return, please have a little mercy on us, a little of the "Knights of the Air" chivalry. (Now, where is that emoticon for "Tongue In Cheek"?). Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Von Paulus, I owned a copy on VHS, which came in a double video cassette package. That was "larger". But the DVD version, which comes on 3 DVD's, CAN come in a single standard sized DVD case with an insert for the second and third DVD (in the package I have). The one you posted a link to has three normal dvd cases. You will enjoy this series. I have seen a great deal of footage about the Great War, and most of the time, you will get a 12 part series, and 12 minutes of one episode will give sparse information about the war in the air. This DVD series is solely aviation based, with great footage, and in depth information. Congratulations on your purchase. If you are concerned about Customs adding an unneccessary tax onto your product, you could ask some nice Aussie that you might know if they could purchase one and package it for you . If anyone would like this service provided at cost, please PM me. I had a similar problem. I ordered a Photo Etch "enhancement" for a Wingnut Wings Model. The (excellent) model cost me $US60 (which incidentally has FREE postage world-wide), the Photo Etch enhancement cost me $US35, but they only post stuff in 1 kg lots. From Czechoslavakia. For an envelope. Cost $US27. In the end, the enhancement cost more than the model itself. Turns out I should have ordered it from a guy in the US who orders in bulk, then posts stuff out for the modelling community. Oh, and uncleal, you could just "monkey with your player" once only, altering it to a multinational (Region 0?) player, and it will play any DVD that you pop in it. Also, most computer DVD drives are multinational already (of course, some aren't), so if you put it into your computer to watch it, you won't have to alter anything.

Rabu, chrispdm1, Dej, Olham, Thanks on behalf of all OFF pilots for the tireless work put in to enhance our enjoyment of this sim. Just when you thought you couldn't enjoy it more.

Slartibartfast, I have a copy of "In the teeth of the wind" by C.P.O. Bartlett http://www.amazon.com/Teeth-Wind-Story-Western-1916-1918/dp/1557503931 An excellent read (read the review on that link for a good idea). I recommend you keep your eyes open for that one too. PS. Congratulations on the award for all the fjords around Norway. Outstanding work.

I just booked two tickets for next Wednesday week's session in the biggest IMAX theatre in the world. This is going to be epic!

pascal, Also take note of a few things before each campaign flight. Record the names of your flight members and those of "A" flight if you are accompanied. When you score a kill, you will be required to fill in a claim form, and you'll need to record the names of any witnesses. (witnesses on the ground sometimes work too for example "ground staff at Vert Galant airfield" might work if you were alone). Also handy is a quick location, obtained by pressing "z" and writing down the Lat and Long (pause whilst you do this of course), or go to your map and look at the scale and write "10 miles NW of Douai". Type of aircraft and Squadron also helps. Basically, before you take off, record the names of your flight buddies (in the briefing room), then if you are about to get into a fight, pause, write down the squadron and aircraft type, and rough location, then get stuck into it. If successful, record the time of the kill. All this information, and still they only MIGHT be confirmed.

Broadside, I have a Saitek X-52 and find it's great for OFF. There are those that will say "I don't understand how you can use the same joystick to fly an F-16 and a Camel" (you know who you are ). Its only problem is the lack of Force Feedback. The Saitek has a shedload of buttons and is a breeze to program them. It has trim wheels, hat switches, seperate throttle, programmable toggle switches, an LED display to time your flights. I have all these functions on my joystick. When you're used to them, it'd be hard to go back to taking your eyes off the prize, and look at your keyboard. I also have 18 programmable keys on my Logitech G-19 Ketboard, and because of the great number and ease of using the joystick buttons/slides/wheels/toggles, I still haven't programmed any of the keyboard buttons for OFF. Try one out, or save up and buy one. I think you'll like it. (You could maybe use the throttle with some of your other joysticks, or sell them on eBay).

Happy Birthday and many happy returns Jim. And Merry Christmas too.

Sad that you will be unable to fly OFF on Christmas day. Remember there is always someone worse off than you. Our Postal workers are going on strike AGAIN tomorrow (second time in a week). Many children will be without presents.