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Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Forum-Based Games => Topic started by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 05, 2015, 12:22:32 AM

Title: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 05, 2015, 12:22:32 AM
Anyone up for another forum based game of Enemy Coast Ahead?
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 05, 2015, 05:34:24 AM
Hel yes
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: undercovergeek on August 05, 2015, 06:04:07 AM
got me dice
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 05, 2015, 06:16:35 AM
I'm in!
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Barthheart on August 05, 2015, 10:38:03 AM
In!
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 05, 2015, 01:39:55 PM
Sounds good. 

In the previous session, Banzai Cat said he'd be interested in playing if we ever did another session so I've sent him a PM and I'll hold a slot for him if he wants in.

Any preference for scenarios?

The choices are:

1)  Flight of the Diversionary Force.    This has 5 Lancs going after the Sorpe dam.  They were the first of the raiders to take off as they had the longest flight path.  They had very bad luck with only one of the 5 making it to the target.  Les Munro was a member of this group.  He was hit by flak early on and forced to turn back as the shells had knocked out all communications systems on his plane.

2)  Flight of the Main Force.  This is the one we played last time and is the one the movie focused on.  9 Lancs in 3 groups of 3.

3)  Flight of the Reserve Force.  5 Lancs total.  This flight took off two hours after the main force and was to attack any dams that were missed.  Communications problems and alerted German defenders caused chaos and the flight was quickly broken up.  Two were lost, two bombed tertiary targets, and one returned home after failing to spot any dams

4)  The Dambuster Raid.  Combines the three previous scenarios into one big scenario.

5)  Campaign.  This adds in all the crew training, equipment procurement, security, intelligence, recon, Barnes-Wallis research, weather and so on into the game.  I think it will likely be a bit too protracted for a forum based game but we can do it if everyone would like to try.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 05, 2015, 02:43:44 PM
I'm more than happy to go with any of 'em. Thanks for taking the time to do this, SDR  O0
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: undercovergeek on August 05, 2015, 04:06:25 PM
if were honouring Les, lets do his mission, i say
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 05, 2015, 04:09:44 PM
^Agreed  O0
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 05, 2015, 06:34:30 PM
Let's do it!
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 05, 2015, 07:31:12 PM
OK, Flight of the Diversionary Force it is then.

Scampton, England.  2100 hours, 16 May 1943.

Primary Objective:  TARGET Z (Sorpe Dam).  This target is considered next in importance after TARGET X (the Möhne). The Sorpe dam lies 6 miles south of the Moehne dam on the Sorpe river which is also a tributary of the Ruhr.  It is used in conjunction with the Möhne reservoir and controls 70% of the water catchment area of the Ruhr basin.

Unlike the gravity fed Eder and Möhne dams, the Sorpe consists of a 10m concrete core surrounded by thick, sloped earthen walls on either side.  The dam is 600 m long and has a maximum height of 58m.  Special weapon (UPKEEP) cannot be employed as at TARGETS X and Y due to the sloped walls present at TARGET Z.  However, Barnes Wallis is convinced that a breach should be possible provided enough ordinance is applied to the target.

The specials (UPKEEP)  are not to be spun for the attack on TARGET Z.  Aircraft are to attack this target from N.W. to S.E. parallel to the length of the dam and are to aim to hit the water just short of the centre point of the dam about 15 to 20 feet out from the edge of the water.  Attacks are to be made from the lowest practicable height at a speed of 180 m.p.h. I.A.S.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ruhrverband.de%2Fuploads%2Fpics%2Fsorpe_info_g_02.jpg&hash=d290cce98781e33610f20bf45833c2f1f25f198f)


This scenario consists of five Lancasters. 

Wave 1: (4 Lancasters)

Flight leader: 
AJ-E "Easy".  Pilot: Flt Lt. R. Barlow (RAAF).    Seasoned crew.              Elite crewman:   Plt Off. A. Gillespe. (Bomb Aimer)

AJ-H "Harry".  Pilot: Plt Off. G. Rice.  Green crew.

AJ-K "King".  Pilot: Plt Off. V.W. Byers (RCAF).  Seasoned crew.

AJ-W "Willie". Pilot:  Flt Lt. L. Munro (RNZAF).  Seasoned crew.


Independent aircraft (1 Lancaster)

AJ-T "Tommy".  Pilot:  Flt Lt. J.C. McCarthy (RCAF - American volunteer).  Seasoned crew.  Elite crewman:  McCarthy (pilot) or Johnson (bomb-aimer)


(AJ-T Tommy begins with a Compass card malfunction already attached.  McCarthy and his crew were supposed to be a part of the 1st wave but his aircraft, AJ-Q had a coolant leak and he was forced to switch to AJ-T which delayed his take off and he became a straggler, carrying out his mission independently from the rest of 1st wave.  The large metal casing surrounding the Upkeep bomb threw of the aircraft's compass readings and the ground crews would have to re-calibrate the compass.  The ground crews hadn't had a chance to re-calibrate AJ-T's compass before it took off.)


You guys can pick crews or roll for it as you like.  Since Bob hasn't played before, I recommend that we let him take first choice.  I haven't heard back from BC yet so we'll give him the leftovers should he choose to join in.  If not, the 5th plane can be the spare for whoever loses their aircraft.  Sound good?


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2F1st%2520wave_zpsou8zaprp.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=996fa67c14e728e3c21736bce2401d887069926d)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Find%2520wve_zpskogiydve.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=e775abca04150e0db10355e9bd03e23ca81232bb)





Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 06, 2015, 06:56:20 AM
Banzai Cat said he won't be able to make it so I'd say each player take one plane and whoever takes Rice can also control McCarthy.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 06, 2015, 06:47:34 PM
No preferences anyone?

OK, we'll roll for it.

First up, flight leader AJ-E.  1 = Bart, 2 = bob, 3= stagger, 4 = UCG

[blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 3, total 3[/blockquote]
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 06, 2015, 06:53:01 PM
Stagger will be flight lead.

next will be AJ-K.  (1-2 = bart, 3-4 = bob, 5-6 = UCG)

[blockquote]Rolled 1d6 : 6, total 6[/blockquote]
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 06, 2015, 06:55:18 PM
AJ-W  1-2 = bart,  3-4 = bob.

[blockquote]Rolled 1d4 : 1, total 1[/blockquote]
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 06, 2015, 07:00:13 PM
Staggerwing  will lead the flight and control AJ-E "Easy". 

Bob will control AJ-H "Harry" in Wave 1 and AJ-T. 

UCG will control AJ-K "King". 

Bart will control AJ-W "Willie".


Bob, AJ-T has two elite crewmen so you'll have to select which one you want to provide bonuses on the mission.  There's McCarthy the pilot.  He can evade one hazard per mission.  There's also Johnson the bomb-aimer.  He gets a +1 to his accuracy roll when he bombs.  Who would you prefer?
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 07, 2015, 06:42:30 AM
I'll go with the pilot, please.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 01:01:40 PM
McCarthy it is.

Reconnaissance photos from both the Sorpe and Enepe dams show that the reservoirs are full.  There are no indications of any active defenses at either dam.  The Sorpe is the primary target and, as such, the has received the bulk of our reconnaissance efforts. 

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Fsorpe_zpslzjkdabp.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=772afc33ea3d71d6ff846350b271d16532e700b8)


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Fenepe_zpsnwy2lujw.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=23c824e207962c2ea9974b93473a4e500c118142)


Your primary objective is to bomb the Sorpe dam.  It is hoped that your flight will help draw the focus of the German defences away from the Main Force thereby allowing them a better chance to reach their targets unscathed.  Good luck!






Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 01:08:57 PM
Wave 1 forms up over Scampton at 21:05 and proceeds on a heading that will take them to the Frisians.  AJ-T takes off at 21:10 and attempts to catch up to the rest of the flight.


Bob, if AJ-T wishes, it can attempt to find and form up with Wave 1.  In order to do so, the navigator (A.J. McLean, RCAF) needs to make a nav check.  The crew's skill level is "seasoned" therefore, you'll need to roll a 7 or better on 2d6 to successfully join.

Staggerwing, as flight leader, you have the option of firing off a Very Light in order to help AJ-T to find your flight.  If you want to use a Very Light, Bob will be able to add +1 to his die roll.

Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 08, 2015, 01:11:55 PM
Any downside to using the Very light?

If not, do it.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 01:15:34 PM
The Very Light will drift along in the direction of your flight and possibly draw unwanted attention in the form of German nightfighters.  As you're still over England, there's no real risk involved at this stage.

Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 08, 2015, 01:16:42 PM
That's what I thought- firing off the flare now..
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 01:18:08 PM
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Fflare_zpssgb24ig8.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b3567e3fa582e80aad423952e87fc9cda40c97a2)
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 08, 2015, 01:20:23 PM
I tried for a link up, but only rolled 5 on 2D6.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 02:00:35 PM
In AJ-T "Tommy", McCarthy spotted a string of flares several miles ahead.   The navigator did some quick calculations and worked out an intercept course based on the flight's intended course and speed. McCarthy fully opened the throttles in an effort to catch up to the rest of the flight but was eventually forced to back off after Flight Engineer Radcliffe voiced his concerns about the rate of fuel consumption.



(AJ-T fails to link up with the rest of the flight and will continue flying independently for this turn.)


Here's the turn track. 

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Fturntrack_zpsiwwppvxd.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=bb858afd239bd0b709cc46997521acbe03115aee)


We've just finished the co-ordination phase.  We can skip the wireless phase as it won't be used until a change in target needs to be announced.


On the Move Phase, Wave 1 and AJ-T both transit from England to the English Coast zone.

Wave 1 flight needs to make a navigation check to see if they remain in good formation.  We use the skill level of the least experienced navigator in the flight which is Flt Off. MacFarlane on Rice's plane, AJ-H "Harry".  Because his skill level is "green", he needs an 8 or better.

AJ-T also needs to roll to see if they are still on course.  The navigator's skill level is 7 but due to the faulty compass he gets a -1 to his roll so he also needs an 8+.

Bob, roll 2D6 for Wave 1 and then again for AJ-T.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 08, 2015, 02:37:13 PM
I rolled a 3 on 2D6 and then a 4 on 2D6
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 03:11:37 PM
OK.

The formation in Wave 1 becomes spread out and the aircraft begin to lose sight of one another.

On board AJ-T, combination of a faulty compass and the change in course and speed over the open ocean has thrown off the navigator.  Aj-T is now lost and will have to try to get a fix next turn.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Feng%2520cst_zps2bnp5xsx.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=04890a9c8956855e9507c2881df2dc3a00ff02ec)





The flight encounters a possible hazard.  The hazards encountered over the English Coast tend to be mechanical failures or human error and cannot be evaded.

Stagger, select one aircraft in Wave 1 to receive the hazard.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2F1%2520haz_zpsyduhfsat.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=5a460793f3f24df4fe46ae89cfb94da7ee921d38)
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 08, 2015, 03:44:44 PM
AJ-W should be the one.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 08, 2015, 03:57:26 PM
As Wave 1 continued along its flight path towards Holland, Murno found that he continually had to re-trim AJ-W's elevators as the aircraft simply would not hold a steady altitude.  The port and starboard elevators refused to act in concert, forcing Munro to make constant adjustments to maintain the desired height.

(AJ-W suffered faulty controls as will receive 1 less altitude chit than normal on bombing runs.)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Fcntrl_zpshb3zelc1.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=b2a41d7c827f59858d48e964897368c880076e66)


The Very Lights burn out.

None of the other steps need be conducted for turn 1 so it's on to turn 2 and co-ordination checks.

Stagger, do you want to use Very Lights again this turn?  You'll be going over the North Sea zone next so it's still relatively safe.

Bob, you'll need to roll 2D6 for AJ-H to return the wave to good formation.  You'll need 8+ on 2D6  (7+ if Stagger uses a flare).
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 08, 2015, 04:01:55 PM
Affirmative on the Very Lights.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 09, 2015, 12:38:59 PM
YO! Double 6 :-)
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 09, 2015, 01:51:38 PM
Rice raised MacFarlane on the intercom.  "I've lost sight of the rest of them.  Where the hell are we, Dick?   And don't give me any of that 'Ach, I dinnae ken' nonsense!"  MacFarlane was just about to tell Rice what he could do with himself when he spotted the Very Lights off to his left.


First wave manages to link up again and proceeds out over the North Sea.

Two more nav checks Bob.

AJ-H needs an 8 or better to maintain the formation as it flies over the North Sea.
AJ-T is still lost somewhere off the Coast of England and needs an 8 or better to get back on course.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Ft2nav_zpsrlfrjgn4.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=39cb372918b2a5ab79135abe928a0575f8e424d5) 

Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 11, 2015, 08:01:17 AM
Somebody wake up Bob.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 11, 2015, 08:23:50 AM
Quote from: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 11, 2015, 08:01:17 AM
Somebody wake up Bob.

Sorry,

6

and

6 again

poo!
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 11, 2015, 10:47:04 AM
Wave 1 had only reformed for minutes before the planes began to drift apart and lose sight of one another yet again.


The faulty compass aboard AJ-T was causing no end of headaches.  After more than half an hour of unsuccessfully trying to get a decent fix, the navigator told McCarthy that navigation just wouldn't be possible as long as Upkeep was still on board the aircraft.  Having to stay at low altitude meant that he couldn't use Oboe to get a fix past 30 miles from England.  Cursing loudly, McCarthy reluctantly turned back for England.



Wave 1 gets two hazards that cannot be evaded.  Stagger, choose two planes in Wave 1 to receive one hazard each.  (can't post any shots of the board right now as I'm away from my PC.)
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 11, 2015, 07:13:42 PM
AJ-E will brave the first one, AJ-H the second. I don't want to throw AJ-K and it's Canadian newbies under the bus just yet and the boys aboard AJ-W are already flying a wonky bus.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 11, 2015, 11:33:48 PM
AJ-H lucks out and receives no hazard.

Flight leader AJ-E's navigator suffers a map reading error making future nav checks more difficult.


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Ft2haz_zpsfyua1w9q.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=03e9c143bd8c290bad18e8e802073bb907e25a63)





2300 hrs, The bombers comprising Wave 1 have become spread out as they cross over the Frisian Island chain.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv320%2Fbogaty%2Ft3nav_zpsxgu2n7y4.jpg%7Eoriginal&hash=6d70e50e3f6521f352b6ad76d0c46dd767a1ccf1)


Bob, AJ-H's navigator needs to roll a skill check to see if the formation can re-form.  He needs 8+ on 2D6.  Stagger, you can use a Very Light to give Bob a +1 but as you're no over enemy territory, it'll add an extra hazard as well as increasing the chance of a nightfighter dropping in.








Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Staggerwing on August 12, 2015, 05:46:33 AM
Let's chance it. Fire a flare.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 12, 2015, 01:10:56 PM
Ok, bob roll 2D6.  7+ needed to tighten up the formation.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on August 30, 2015, 03:19:31 PM
Sorry - unfortunately, RL events have kept me away. I'll be away for a couple of days and then I'll try and a catch up a bit.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: Silent Disapproval Robot on August 30, 2015, 04:48:36 PM
Figured something was up.  I hope everything is OK.
Title: Re: Dam Busters redux (in honour of Les Munro)
Post by: bob48 on October 07, 2015, 03:34:18 PM
Gentlemen. With one thing or another, plus a fair smattering of senility, I had forgotten all about this.

Abject apologies.