"B-17 Queen of the skies -home made version" Topic

I enjoyed B-17 QOTS quite a lot and wanted to play it again, but disliked the dated look and mechanics. SO I've written a VASSAL module to basically do the same thing with nicer graphics and more automatic mechanics. Having fun testing it – lost 2 B-17s already over Northern France with crews either killed or POWS. One guy did make it back through the escape lines though!

A few pictures on my blog.

link

Looks pretty good :)

You would probably like the new boardgame "The Hunters" in which the player takes a U-Boat out on patrols, 1941-1943.

Thanks.

A bit confused – my guess is VASSAL is some programming language, and you wrote a version of that game that runs under… something that looks like a spreadsheet?

VASSAL is a game ENGINE that runs modules. Anybody can write a module, there are thousands already available.

Have a look at the site if you are still confused.

link

That is a great game. I need to pull it out and play it. On my list of to do's is to make a bomber version of Squadron Forward.

Thanks for sharing.

Joe

You're welcome Joe. Comments and questions are very welcome on my blog BTW. If you are really interested I could figure out a way to send the module over the internet.

Vassal. Hmmm. Always leery about downloading an .exe file.
That being said, dated look? Well the combat did take place 70 years ago!
I've never had a problem with QOTS die roll engine. Results take a moment, allowing me time to sweat the outcome of each attack by aircraft or flak burst.

Dated look? Well the combat did take place 70 years ago!

I've never had a problem with the QOTS die roll engine. Results take a moment, allowing me time to ponder/sweat the outcome of each enemy aircraft attack or flak burst.

I've played the game numerous times. The only B-17 airframe to make it deep into a combat tour was the bomber I christened "GLaurie Bound" (dedicated to my wife). I took on a few replacement crewmen during that time but all perished on the 25th mission. I know it was only a simulation of combat over Europe, but it still hit me hard and reinforced the fact that terrible odds faced each Eighth Air Force Bomber crewman during World War Two.

A game that leaves you feeling this way is worth owning and playing.

Yes – fond memories of playing it and like all good wargames it opens a window on the history.

When I was younger, had better eyesight and more patience I could work through the numerous steps in each phase. But now I want something that will keep track of the information and send reminders. I'm also learning a lot more with this my second big VASSAL module.

The VASSAL engine is safe and genuine – you can get it from sourceforge.

I am sure it is safe but then you miss rolling the dice; that is the best part!

Joe

To each their own but for one, I have no dice and can only buy horrible cheap toy dice hereabouts.

Also, I think when you have tried VASSAL for solo games at least you will not go back to the old school cardboard style of game. Miniatures is of course a different story. I miss my toys as they languish in boxes thousands of miles away.

I hear you, computer games work on the road. Though I have taken B-17 on the road before, and I recall it comes with two nice dice. : )
Not busting your chops Skarper. The VASSAL module looks neat and B-17 does have a fair amount to keep track of.

Cheers

Joe

PS I just wrote an article for WI about rolling dice!

Some new screenshots on the blog for those interested.

Sorry to resurrect my own old thread but some may be curious to know one of my B-17s [FLIRTY GERTY] has managed 25 missions. Most of the crew are also on 25 or very close to it too.

My blog – link

I've moved the action on to start in May 1943 and have selected the 95th BG[H] as my featured unit.

There is a terrific resource online with all their mission reports up to early 1944.

link

Skarper,

Glad you are having fun! The module looks great

Joe

I certainly am having lots of fun with it – and learning a lot too.

It keeps evolving and mutating as I streamline and automate different bits.

I've started following a crew as it progresses right through from May 1943 until at the latest December. My original 10 men have all died, been invalided home or completed their tours and gone home and new men arrive to fill their places. I've got a few more men close to 25 missions. We're on mission 39 and aircraft no. 4 [MISS FITZ IV]

It's MUCH easier now the P-47s can reach to zone 6 – and in another month we get some P-38s for really long range missions. The last month would even see P51s.

I like the feel of a ever strengthening relentless campaign the 8 USAAF waged. The LW can shoot them down and kill aircrew again and again but another one steps forward to fill the void

Hi Skarper,

Your website looks great, but there doesn't actually seem to be any kind of link to actually get your module – how do the rest of us try your game out please?

Ah – that's a good question.

So far it's still a WIP. I change something every few days and the rules are not proofread by anyone except me yet.

If you are interested in having a look at it send me an email – my email is on the blog top right hand corner or failing that send a comment with your email – I vet comments so it won't appear on the blog. We'll try to work something out.

Or just post your email here if you are not paranoid about spam etc.

The file is far to big [100MB] to email but I think there are ways around it. I don't want to upload it anywhere for now because it is still in testing – TBH I never expect to be done with it. Thanks for the interest.

Sorry, is your vassal module for this available online? Is it available in the vassal library?

Not currently available I'm afraid.

If you would like to get hold of a trial version – probably on the understanding that you give me some feedback – get in touch by leaving a comment with an email on the blog – I moderate comments so I will delete your email so it doesn't get published.