Farting about with Firing Arcs for Algernon Pulls It Off!

Revised Firing Arc Diagram 

Ring and Rail Mount Flexible Gun Arcs

Fe2b/d Observer Pintle Mount Gun Arcs

Oblique Left or Right Fixed Pilot Gun Arcs

Be2c/d Bar Mounted Observer Gun Arcs 

Something that has caused quite a lot of confusion for players of Algy are the firing arcs for different aircraft, mainly because the diagram in the rules was lifted straight from Bag the Hun and doesn't correspond to the real thing or the aircraft data tables. I've been tinkering about with it and have modified the diagram by adding the blind spot for observers due to the tail, as well as rewriting the descriptors. The latter needs some tweaking but makes more sense than the existing text. I've also been experimenting with arcs of fire for particular aircraft and armament, using the diagram to mark out what can be targeted in each case. 

It seems to work with the caveat that the aircraft data tables for the RFC / RAF have to be ammended to match (they didn't make sense in the first place and don't correspond to the German equivalent either). I've posted some illustrative diagrams on the FB group but, this far, no one has made any comments, no doubt because it's a bit abstract and boring, unless you have actually uky tried to use the rules as they are for a game. Anyway, it's all useful stuff and I may well incorporate it into the Lard Mag article as a rules option.

1/300th 3D Printed Brisfits and a Harry Tate

                  

On the work bench now are some very nice but also scarily fragile 3D printed F2b Bristol Fighters and a single RE8, destined for the skies over Palestine in 1918. These were printed for me by Paul Edwards at Sabotag3d and they're super models but give me the fear as they're a little delicate. I've already snapped an RE8 so I'll have to be extra careful with the others. The paint scheme for the Brisfits is also a challenge as they were often given white panels to keep the crew from overheating, so some careful brush work will be needed I think! 

Chocks Away!

I'm just starting the background research for the Lard Mag Algy article on No.1 Squadron Australian Flying Corps in Palestine c1917-18.

It turns out that there is a lot of potential for some good Algy games, primarily featuring the Brisfit, but also the Be2c, Be12, RE8 and Martynside G100 Elephant, for the AFC.

The Germans will be able to deploy Rumpler and AEG 'C' type two seaters, escorted on occasion by Albatros DIII, Albatros DVa and Pfalz DIII scouts.

The decision I have to make now is on a scale for play testing. I usually opt for 1/600th for cost/time reasons, but I'm also considering 1/300th, as I have quite a lot of what's required already in the 3D printed pile from Sabotag3d. 

It's a toss up between being able to paint up almost everything I need quite quickly and having more detailed models that might be good fun to paint, albeit at a slower pace. I'd also need to order some more 3D printed models to cover the earlier phase of the campaign.

May be I should just flip a coin?! 

Algy Lard Mag Plan B

After reading up on the Paraguayan Civil War for potential Algy scenarios, it is looking a bit of a stretch, although a couple of actions could be turned into workable games with a bit of imagination. So, to cut to the chase, I'm now going back to an idea I had months ago instead, focusing on No.1 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps during the latter stages of the campaign in Palestine. There's enough in this to create at least half a dozen decent scenarios, with most of the aircraft readily available in different scales. It's early days but I'll get started next month on the preliminary reading and research. 

Napoleonic Naval Spanish Third Rates

It's back from the holiday so back to the workbench to finish off three 1/2400th Third Rates for the Spanish Fleet. These are the 80 gun San Rafael with the 75 gun Algerciras and Bahama. I have another four of these to assemble, hopefully by the end of the week, after which I'm going to wrap up the summer production line with a handful of Royal Navy second rates. 

Solo Vietnam Skirmish Campaigns

This popped up on the Ganesha Games group last week and I thought it sounded right up my street - designed for solo wargaming, a small number of figures, compact terrain and a full narrative campaign system - what's not to like? The rule book arrived while I was away so I've only just had a flick through but I'm enthused, which is a rare occurrence these days, being a grumpy old git. Anyway, I'm going to do some number crunching and rummaging in the lead pile, the current train of thought being either 15mm or 10mm with Hexon tiles for the terrain layout. If I can stretch it to French Indochina then even better. A project for next year perhaps? 

Yes, we have no bananas..

I'm back from the holiday at last, which means I can also get back to the workbench, once the unpacking and tidying up is done. One thing I'll be looking into is a potential Plan B Algy article for the Lard Mag, which is going to focus on the Paraguayan Civil War of 1922. I now have the relevant Helion Publishing book for this and, together with some sage advice from Nick, I'm hoping to be able to scrabble together a few scenarios, at least one of which will feature the eponymous ace himself. It's early days but I think I can write up a decent submission, especially if I add some semi-historical 'What If?' twists, the working title being 'Algy Goes Bananas'... just don't hold your breath! 

Bag The Hun Lard Mag Break

                                        

After some more thought I've also decided not to submit an article for Bag the Hun to the Lard Mag this year. I've had articles and scenarios published in several magazines and specials over the last few years but I think I need a break, as it takes a lot of time to research, write, play test and draft each submission. I do sometimes wonder if it's worth it, to be honest. Not that I don't have some good material to work on, which I will save for later issues. Anyway, time for a break from Bag the Hun...hopefully someone else will take up the challenge? 

Cromwell's (Mad for War)s at Sea

The last book of the holidays is a re-read of this excellent book on the English Civil War and Anglo Dutch War naval theme, which I have previously dipped into for wargaming inspiration. This might give some clues about what I'm thinking of doing this autumn as far as naval wargaming is concerned, as I've had enough of air wargaming for the moment and want to focus on nautical projects instead. I've not had a crack at Mad for War yet, despite having the rulebook and lots of model options in several different scales, so it's one of the things at the top of the list once I get back home in a few days. 

Algy's Aeronautical Almanac Grounded

After some considerable thought and based on what I've collated thus far, I don't think that it's the right time to put together the Algy Aeronautical Almanac article for this year's Lard Mag. As a result, I'm going to bump it over to the following issue, by which time there should be enough additional material to make it worthwhile. A big thank you to Mervyn Douglas and Chris Stoesen for contributing their ideas and resources, which will be stored for later development. Don't panic though...there will be something submitted for Algy this year that I have up my sleeve. In the meantime, I'm going to focus on an article for Bag the Hun instead, for which I'll be able to dedicate more time for research, writing and play testing. 

Tally Ho!