| Skarper | 01 Dec 2014 12:18 p.m. PST |
BLOG LINK – link I have for almost a year been working on a VASSAL module to do pretty much what the old AH B-17 Queen of the Skies solo game did – only with better graphics and other improvements. Lately I've been working on a 'Lancaster' extension to cover night ops. I thought folks might be interested and the latest post on my blog is a mission to Berlin – but my crew all died in a flash when their bombs exploded over Osnabruck. This is in constant evolution – which is half of the fun for me as I research and re-design the game and rules but I think I've done the Lion's share of the work and future changes will be minor. Comments appreciated here or on the blog. |
| Sergeant Paper | 01 Dec 2014 1:02 p.m. PST |
WOW! That looks great. I like the graphics, I really like the Lancaster extension too. I am very interested in this. |
| Mako11 | 01 Dec 2014 1:38 p.m. PST |
Yes, that looks really great! A very nice, visual effect. Thanks for sharing. About the only thing I can think of, and it only appears to apply to one of the day-bomber images, is that the single bomber in formation, with the little boxes to show damage spoils the overall effect a bit, at least for me. It may not for some people. Perhaps, for that, you might keep all the bombers camo'd, and realistic looking, and move the one with the damage tracking chits to the periphery of the screen, in a corner. Another option would be to dispense with it completely, and just use a row of boxes to track the damage done to the aircraft and crew. Obviously, you'd need some other way to designate it as the one that is under attack, or that has been damaged. |
| panzerCDR | 01 Dec 2014 1:41 p.m. PST |
Wow, that is really neat! I like the B-17 versions myself but both look cool. Are these available via vassal? Thanks. |
| Skarper | 01 Dec 2014 10:39 p.m. PST |
@ Mako11 The damage locations is a layer – I add it to see where the Flak hits during the bomb run. The rest of the time it is not visible. You can leave it off until it's needed but it helps to keep track of the 'starring' B-17 as it flies thru Flak… All the damage done to the B-17 is tracked in a separate map window. I usually toggle off the locations overlay when I take a screenshot – but I guess I forgot that time. As for putting them on VASSAL I would be proud to share them somehow but they will never be 'done'. The process of researching, testing and refining is for me most of the enjoyment. There may be a way to let a few people have copies for evaluation and feedback. Contact me thru my blog if you are interested. It is a large 165MB file plus some smaller documentation files – so email is not an option but I believe there are other ways to do this. This graphics are mostly pinched off the net or google earth and the Apple 'Maps' application. Thanks for the help along the way and the feedback. |
| Oddball | 03 Dec 2014 2:25 p.m. PST |
I love the AH "Queen of the Skies" game. Your blog is great, makes me want to start playing the game over again. Never been able to have a crew survive more than 17 missions. |
| Skarper | 16 Dec 2014 9:14 a.m. PST |
I have figured out how to send the files using 'dropbox' so if anyone would like to do some 'beta testing' get in touch using my email [on the top right corner of the blog] link |
| RocketPatrol | 19 Dec 2014 9:40 p.m. PST |
Hi, Skarper! I'd love to "beta test" the module, but I'm not having any luck with your email. Could you please drop me a line at mlee0123@bellsouth.net? Thanks! |
| Skarper | 20 Dec 2014 7:34 a.m. PST |
If like RocketPatrol above you are trying to email me without success try commenting on one of my blogposts and include your email. I prefer not to post my own email here because I get a lot of spam already. I moderate comments so your email won't appear on my blog. |
| Skarper | 21 Dec 2014 1:04 p.m. PST |
DOH! Realised my email is not displayed unless I am signed in to BLOGGER. Sorry for those who may have wasted time looking for it in vain. |
