Trackpad

Hello, Everyone, A short note by way of introduction. I've just received my OFF and CFS 3, got them both installed correctly (I think), and I'm having a fine time learning the simulation. My learning curve is a perpendicular line right now, and is not likely to tilt over for quite some time. But I have my first victory (couldn't NOT have made it: Albatros DV vs BE2c!), so there may be hope yet! At any rate, I'm now aboard and I hope to join in to various discussions once I get a bit more familiar with OFF. Cheers! Trackpad

Olham, Thanks for your comments. They outline my current situation precisely. I'm beginning to see that my "over the next week or so" is almost certainly phenomenally optimistic! However, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single...takeoff!" Vielen Danke!

No, that's not what I mean. What I mean is, I'm going have to learn how to use the equipment: how to fly properly, how to shoot accurately, how to read the information I get on screen quickly. I have no intention of rewriting the techniques and tactics of WW1 aviation combat, and I do apologise if that's what came across. For example, I have to be much less ham-fisted on the flight controls. I find that I'm overcorrecting massively, so I have to develop "the touch," as it were. That only comes with practice, so that's what I"ll be doing. Only when I have the basics down firmly can I progress to the upper levels, as it were. I'll be the last guy on this forum to say that I know better than "those who were there." Trust me: I don't! But I can certainly learn from them, and you, and other forumites, and try to improve to the point where, as I mentioned before, I'll be "value added." Again, sorry if I gave the wrong impression!

Hello, Si and All, You are right about the "lack of accuracy:" it's the inexperience factor showing up. I have a joystick that includes all controls, including rudder ( a "twist" usage) and it's taking a bit of time to get used to it. But a smidge of progress is being made: yesterday I was able to down an Eindekker with only 42 rounds from my Sopwith Triplane on a full-deflection engagement. Well, if I could do that consistently against Albatri D-III or better...now, that would be progress!<G> RIght now, I expect that it wasn't my eagle eye, steely nerve or lightning-fast reflexes: the term "blind, stupid luck" continually comes to mind...! And I've been able to try TrackIR for the first time, thanks to a friend of mine. Now, THAT is worthwhile! Takes a little getting used to, and the system has to be tweaked in a few dimensions, but it is light years ahead of the hat-button approach. So bear with me for the next while. Over the following week or so, I expect to do free flights, single combat (with the "Do not die!" box firmly clicked) and read up on the notes provided on this site. Let's end this thread for the time being, and I"ll get back to the forum with more specific comments and questions, hopefully not addressing topics already well-discussed here. Many thanks for the help provided so far, gentlemen: it is most appreciated! And, Si: "Marston's Pedigree?" I'll work on that requirement!

Gentlemen, All, Well, thank you for your very kind welcome! I must say that I feel quite the newcomer after having a go at OFF and finding that there is so much more to it than "Point airplane at target. Shoot. Target falls down!" This morning I tried again at the BE2C and expended 950-odd rounds before it gave up the ghost, with me ballyhooing all over the sky trying to keep the target within a light year or so of my 08.15's. Ah, the joys of being a rank rookie! <G> Shredward, we must have met in another virtual world! So here are a few photos, as requested, of a few of my models old and new: Eduard 1/72nd scale Junkers J.1. This a/c is now in the Canada Aviation Museum: Albatros DV, Airfix 1/72nd, captured almost intact and re-marked for flight evaluation, 1917/18 ( really old build, mid '70's): Sopwith Pup, Airfix 1/72nd, aircraft carrier trials, 1917 I think (another mid '70's build): Fokker Triplane (no kidding!), Paul Baumer's mount, 1917: 'Nother Triplane (Roden 1/32nd scale) Lothar von Richthofen's mount, March 1918 "Spitfire? Did someone say 'Spitfire?'" Airfix 1/24th scale, 609 Sqn, Battle of Britain. Flown by a Canadian pilot in the RAF: :: My next leap of faith WRT OFF will probably be to purchase a TrackIR. I just can't maintain situational awareness by flipping around with my joystick controls. I've seen TrackIR in action and it just has to be so much better than my current setup. So I'll spend a few weeks getting used to the system, upgun it with the TrackIR, and then, when I feel that I'll be somewhat "value added" to my compatriots, we'll try a few joint missions. I'm already set up on Teamspeak, and I assume that that is the comms system used for OFF. If so, I'd appreciate getting the data used to set it up for this group. Thanks again for the welcome and the guidance, chaps. Most appreciated! Cheers, Trackpad PS: I'll be sure to work on that "virtual beer" as well! TP