Check Six

Have you seen Homeboy's training vid on hammerheads and wingovers? Quite well done. Adapt it to the camel's peculiarities.

SJ, Is this still in the "development/design" stage? I came across a pretty good article on the flaming onions in the Journal of our Society in about 1966 or so. A good introduction about the mechanics of it all, describing the actual weapon, its uses, and goes on to give some descriptions by pilots as to what it actually looked like. If it's still useful to you, I would be happy to email it to you. (I think it might be too long to post here...maybe if I break it up into a few posts...).

Worst ever navigation error?? Hmm...never heard of "wrong way" Corrigan then???

Thank you Franz, for being a HUMAN BEING first, and a German second. May your God bless you.

Perhaps the "staff wallahs" see a semi-colon as a wink, and think you are pulling their leg a bit, and simply do not read any further.

Most of those missions that would exceed the fuel capacity for any given aircraft are patrols behind friendly lines. If you look at the pre-flight map, and it has waypoints zig-zagging across the entire front, back and forth, sometimes crossing No Man's land, back again, left here, 100 mile diversion to there etc. you DO have the choice of accepting or rejecting that mission. I tend to accept all missions, even the deadly and often suicidal "scramble" because I see it as "my duty". Granted, in real life, these missions were not assigned, and realistically, you could decline them. I fly them anyway, warping around and keeping my eyes on my fuel guage. When you get to about 20% capacity, I'd turn for home and navigate manually back to base, or select next waypoint etc until you are heading home.

You could do a "Billy Bishop" and claim that you were seperated, surrounded by 12 of them, then you.... Nah! I won't go into that.

Thanks Lou, Well, actually then, the researchers got it wrong. "Wings" was set in 1915, with the guys flying BE2c's and training in Avro's and boxkites. When this obviously very brave (but quite obnoxious) chap joined the squadron, it was in mid 1915, so he must have been awarded (or received...PLEASE guys...don't say "won"...you don't "win" a VC. It is awarded, or was received) in late 1914 or very early in 1915. Nonetheless, it was just an interesting little "aside" to the story. He charged "our hero" (the central character..a blacksmith form Becket's Hill in Surrey) with cowardice in the face of the enemy when the sergeant pilot refused to dive closer to a lone Eindekker that had plaqued their squadron for weeks, despite him being ordered to "not look for trouble" with that particular aircraft (he had a forward-firing machine gun, the BE2's were armed with a rifle). Lou, Sir Arthur Roden Cutler, VC, AK, KCMG, KCVO, CBE, KStJ, was the most extraordinary man it has been my honour to meet, incredibly brave. "For most conspicuous and sustained gallantry during the Syrian Campaign and for outstanding bravery during the bitter fighting at Merdjayoun when this artillery officer became a byword amongst forward troops with whom he worked. At Merdjayoun on 19th June, 1941, our infantry attack was checked after suffering heavy casualties from an enemy counter-attack with tanks … Lieutenant Cutler's work in registering his artillery on the only road by which enemy transport could enter the town was of vital importance and a big factor in the enemy's subsequent retreat. The citation continued: On the night of 23rd-24th June he was in charge of a 25-pounder sent forward … to silence an enemy anti-tank gun and post, which had held up our attack. This he did and next morning the recapture of Merdjayoun was completed. Later at Damour on 6th July, when our forward infantry were pinned to the ground by heavy hostile machine-gun fire, Lieutenant Cutler, regardless of all danger, went to bring a line to his outpost when he was seriously wounded. Twenty-six hours elapsed before it was possible to rescue this officer, whose wounds by this time had become septic, necessitating the amputation of his leg. Throughout the Campaign the officer's courage was unparalleled" He was the Governor of New South Wales, High Commissioner to New Zealand, and had diplomatic postings in Ceylon, Egypt and the Suez, Pakistan, New York and the Netherlands.

deadangle, It's great that you like a challenge, because OFF WILL challenge you severely. But please be mindful that there are degrees of the challenge. Even with the settings at the easiest possible (easy flight model, no wind effects, no g effects, easy damage model, inaccurate enemy guns, rookie AI for the enemy, "pilot never dies" settings) this is not a breeze to fly. So I think the best thing to do is to set the sim at medium to high settings for you (as you said you like a challenge) and when you feel like you've at least MET the challenge (you probably won't master it), then you can "up the ante" and gradually remove the "cheats" until you're flying full DiD (Dead is Dead) standard at 130% to 140%. Staying alive there is pretty difficult (though you can enlist in early 1915 and not encounter enemy for many missions - allowing you to get more experienced with your chosen aircraft). I am very pleased that although you're finding it very difficult (if not impossible) to remain alive for more than a few hours, you're sticking it out. You have the "pluck" even though you've "got the wind up". Outstanding effort. Keep it up. We need pilots like you.

Lou, I'm glad this thread was started and you expressed a bit of knowledge about the award system for British warriors. I was watching the great BBC TV series "Wings" (1977-1978) that I had the luck to get last week or so. A new pilot turned up at the squadron as a replacement, and he was formerly a Lt Colonel (I think) who took a drop in rank to Lieutenant to serve in the RFC. This particular chap was a VC recipient, awarded when he was a Cavalry Officer. He never wore his medal, but had the crimson ribbon on his left breast of his maternity jacket. I noticed he also had a (very) miniature replica of the VC on that ribbon. I think the purpose of the miniature was to underline the award possibly to civilians who might not know the significance of the crimson ribbon, but would easily recognize a Victoria Cross. It got me wondering. I thought the miniature medal worn on the ribbon meant a bar to the medal, ie a second award of the medal in question. Have the researchers got this one correct? Does a Victoria Cross crimson ribbon normally have a miniature Victoria Cross on it, or would that be for incredibly brave individuals who were awarded the VC twice? This also got me motivated to finally chase up a few questions I had about the USA Medal Of Honour (often incorrectly called the CONGRESSIONAL Medal of Honour). Those questions I had...can the MOH be awarded posthumously? Yes, unfortunately, this is the usual method of award...most of them have been awarded to soldier, sailors, marines, and airmen who died going above and beyond their duties. Have there been any who have been awarded the MOH more than once? Several...19 I think it said. I think 5 were awarded the Army and the Navy Medal for the same action, and 14 have been awarded on two seperate occasions...correct me if I'm wrong gents...only going on memory. PS I have had the great honour of having a private interview with Sir Arthur Roden Cutler VC. We sat and chatted, his good lady wife, Lady Cutler made us tea and scones. He autographed my copy of his biography. An incredible man. One of the highlights of my life.

It may pay you to fly around for a few minutes in CFS3, whether you end a mission or not, especially as you already apparently have it installed (installation of CFS3 isn't necessary to run OFF). I've heard that mentioned here before (that it pays to fly all or part of a mission in installed CFS3 to prevent installation problems in OFF), and to prevent getting a "please uninstall and reinstall OFF" message, it might be worthwhile to mess about for a few minutes.

I don't think 1 is practical or realistic. You can look at your squadron kill board, but that is not what you are talking about I don't think. There weren't too many pilots in this era obsessed with their "score". Most were obsessed with their own survival, and teaching rookie pilots how to survive. Those that were obsessed with their score were interested mostly in how many more kills do I need to be awarded the Pour Le Merite, and not a comparison to other fellow pilots. Those that were obsessed in being the highest scorer in their sector, or region, or indeed from their entire air service might be able to find that kind of information out through newspapers, or "scuttlebutt" or rumour amongst the squadron staff, but I have a feeling if they sought out that information, all they would get is the leading pilot's current score (and maybe a good dose of contempt from their fellow pilots), and a list of the TOP 20 would be unthinkable. I believe transferring ability is a good idea, and should be included in Phase 4 if at all possible, but it is a two-edged sword. If you are envious that the Jasta in the next airfield are issued with Fokker D.VII's and your Jasta still uses aircraft of lesser quality (and will do so until war's end), you might apply for a transfer, but this would cause a bit of a stir in your Jasta. I'm sure ALL the pilots want the D.VII. If you are successful in getting a promotion, you wouldn't be popular, and so applying for one would have the same effect. The other side of the coin is that if transfers are included in the game, you will also be subject to transfer against your will. Not a very nice prospect at all, but quite necessary in the "real world".

Yes, you DO get neck strain from twisting around looking for hun (or krumpets). If you don't have your TAC on, you'd be constantly swivelling your neck like an owl. You'll get used to it. But one mission, then a break is recommended. If you fly whilst tired or distracted etc, your favourite pilot might just "go West".

My nipples explode with delight! But seriously. Thank you Creaghorn. I have been going through our aviation society's journals to gut them all in one place, and have read a few such "rules of aerial combat" from Mannock and Cobby to name a few. Boelcke's Dicta is, of course, legendary. It would be interesting to see the Rittmeister's version, being the careful hunter that he was.

Are there any bored German speakers who could translate for us? You can't cut the text out and put it into an online translator, nor is it easy to read due to the gothic type.

It is an unfortunate fact that there were fewer CASUALTIES (ie wounds) in the aerial services simply for the very reason that even (relatively minor) wounds could result in death if you passed out from loss of blood whilst at altitude, or were shot some hundred miles from the nearest friendly aid post or field hospital. Many of the wounds suffered also resulted in fire in their aircraft, and even if they were lucky enough (lucky?) to land, would succumb to their wounds before they were pulled from the cockpit. I am fortunate enough to get a copy of the BBC TV series "Wings" (1977-78 I think) last week and have been watching episodes whilst at work (great way to earn bucks!). Last night, a pilot was shot and wounded and fainted. His observer stood up in his cockpit (dangerous, as the plane was spinning), and begun furiously slapping his face and shaking him by the collar. (Very good series BTW. Early in the war, 1915, flying BE2c's. If you're interested... http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/movies-television/42964-wings-tv-series.html you can check out that thread and find where to purchase a copy). The aircraft is only a replica BE2c, but still looks and sounds good.

Of course it is possible to survive the entire war flying full DiD standard, but it's going to be diabollically difficult. Given the perils of aerial combat, what with periods of having inferior machines or insufficient flight members, and on top of that, probablility of crashing on take-off or landing, wind shear effect on landing (don't know if that would greatly affect such light aircraft though), engine failure, shedding wings etc, mid-air collisions, and all with no parachutes! Theoretically possible. Even if you ran the risk of getting white feathers presented to you if you ran for home at the merest possibility of encountering an enemy, I'd think it's a VERY tall ask to survive the war. I've never actually seen anyone here proclaiming they have survived the entire war EVER, though now I suppose given the fact that you can choose "pilot never dies" in campaign mode that it's likely we might hear that soon. Good Luck ET

Hmm... A little bit of cross-promotion. Dastardly and Muttley were in both cartoon series. I can vaguely remember both now that you mention it OvS.

Spruce Goose only had 8...and that thing was/is massive. Ekranoplan likewise...8 and BIG Saunders-Roe Princess has 10 engines Hindenberg...even bigger, yet only 4 engines Personally, I see no need for that many engines. The more moving parts, the more that can go wrong, higher maintenance costs etc.

I believe it's "Wacky Races" or "Wacky Racers". Dick Dastardly and Muttley et al.

tofu, I'm guessing it's because you can't climb into "virtual cockpit". This command is not assigned a keystroke in OFF. What you need to do... Launch OFF and go to quick combat, just to get into the game screen, hopefully sitting on the aerodrome. Hit "Escape" and a drop down menu will appear on the right hand side. Click on "Controls". Scroll down that menu until you reach "Virtual Cockpit". You will see there is no key assignment for this. OK. I use (and suggest) "V". Click on "Add Assignment" and a box appears. Type V in there, then "save as". You MUST save it as "Mine" (I forgot the file extension, but you dont enter it anyway - is it .xca??). Close the menus, and then Hit "V" to see if it takes you into the cockpit. If you have TrackIR up and running, have a look around. I hope that you can see around you now. Another good piece of advice I got was that if you have a programmable joystick that can cope with multiple key assignments, you can assign a button on your joystick to go to virtual cockpit and also to hit F12 (so mine is V and F12 at the same time). That way, when you enter your virtual cockpit, it is automatically centred as well. Hope all that made sense and helps you out.

Here's another great list of all the OFF aircraft and their capabilities. Thanks Homeboy. http://snomhf.exofire.net/OFFaircraft.html

tofu, Welcome to OFF (and RoF too I guess). I can maybe help you arrive at a few decisions that will get you started in WW1 Flight Sims. You say you're new to ALL flight sims, so I'm guessing you need a bit of a helping hand with that. First off, I'm sure you've seen movies like Top Gun, and Battle Of Britain etc, and so you'll want to fly at breakneck speeds, looping and rolling, and turning on a dime. WW1 aircraft are way different. They are difficult to fly, to say the least. To try to evade someone who's on your tail shooting the buggery out of you without snapping your wings off or stalling is a hard task. These are slow aircraft, easy to stall, and dangerous when you DO stall them. No parachutes mate. So, the first thing you should do is find an aircraft that is easier to fly than some others. Fairly forgiving. My suggestion would be the Wolsely Viper-powered SE5a. You can take her for a bit of a spin, kick the tyres. If you like her, you can take it further. Ok, to get a hold of a Wolsely viper SE5a, first of all, enlist a pilot. British. Fighter. Then you're prompted to select a squadron. Scroll down the list until you get near the bottom, Squadron 92 RFC will do. Make sure they give you a SE5a, then complete your enlistment. Then go to "Quick Combat", select "Free Flight", "start in the air", "pilot never dies", and fly her around for a while. Get used to her. The SE5a is quite quick compared to many aircraft in OFF, yet you'll think she is slow. Try to turn tightly in her, and see if you stall. (The reason I suggested SE5a is that they are easy to recover if you DO enter a stall). Try to turn through 90 degrees but keep your eyes on the horizon, and see if you can keep the nose up. Now you can enlist different pilots from different countries (flying some of the German craft in here is just brilliant...the Fokker D.VII is one of those), and check out what your favourite aircraft is. Mess about with easy flight models, no wind effects etc, until you've got the "feel" for WW1 aircraft, and try different mounts. Once you've decided on a good aircraft, now you can try a campaign. You can enlist a pilot and select a squadron that utilises your favourite aircraft (you'll see a list of aircraft each squadron will use throughout the war near the bottom of each squadron). Then you can choose the date you wish to join. If, say for instance, you like the Fokker D.VII, and scroll through squadrons until you find a favoured squadron that uses that aircraft...you then have the choice of when you join that squadron. As the Fokker D.VII was introduced late in the war, if you join at an earlier time, you will be assigned a different aircraft that you must fly until the Fokker D.VII is introduced. Or you could scroll through the times until the squadron you have selected is issued with the aircraft of your choosing. I particularly like the RNAS and Sopwith aircraft. In particular the Sopwith Triplane. I can select RNAS 8 squadron, and select the earliest possible date that I can join that squadron, I will be flying a Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter, then later on, the Nieuport 17, then Sopwith Pup, Sopwith Triplane, finishing off with the Sopwith Camel. Or I can scroll through my starting date until RNAS 8 is using the Sopwith Triplane and start my career then. All your choice. You say you don't know much of the history, so is there campaigns anyone can suggest? Early on in the war, the Germans had the upper hand, and periods known as "The Fokker Scourge" and "Bloody April" came into being. Your chances of survival in this period were slim at least (depending on which side you flew on). But there are other periods (say, earlier on in the war) where you can fly many missions without even encountering a single enemy aircraft. Is this a good thing? Well, you could use this period to hone your flying skills, or you might get easily bored, and want action. This might cost you your life. Some want to enlist a pilot, and select a squadron, and fly throughout almost the entire war. You can do this if you select "Pilot Never Dies", so that you are not constantly re-enlisting. Others prefer to fly as realistically as possible, what is known as "DiD" standard (Dead Is Dead). No "TAC Radar", no labels to help you identify if that speck in the distance is an enemy or a friend, realistic flight model, realistic gunnery accuracy, wind and "G" effects, limited fuel and ammunition...and when you get shot down, and plummet earthwards from 8000 feet, you don't survive. So it's all really up to you. Before you begin a campaign, take up a few good aircraft, and get used to the flying conditions, then see how you do in quick combat against a rookie opponent. Good luck, and if you want to know anything, just don't be shy, come here and ask. Hopefully, someone will be able to help you.

There is an alternative solution, though it involves the "cheat" of pausing during combat and using your TAC. Pause the sim, change the range on your TAC radar until it is at minimum range (1 mile), then cycle through TAB (Next target) whilst watching the blips on your TAC. When the target nearest you is illuminated, that's the one you should be most worried about.

I know Homeboy tried to sever one of his fingers during one of his "frankenstein" control device conversions, and he came on here and apologised for not being able to complete his "Over Flanders Fields Aircraft Page" for some time as he was unable to fly effectively. I expected to miss him for a few weeks because of that, being grounded and all, but it's been way longer than a couple of weeks. Now we both know that Homeboy sold one of his "lefty" HOTAS set-ups to Condor some time ago. Both of them missing together might mean they are testing some new device in collaboration.