The top three, l-r, Stephen Dale Skinner, Rick Lacy, Ethan Skinner
Rick earns his second RBF title. Volume 25, Number 4-5
Rick Claims 2nd RBF Title
The 24th annual Red Baron Fight was held at Arsenal Game Room in Indianapolis on April 13th and for the second straight year, the player flying the Red Baron's all-red Triplane took home the Silver Goblet.
Like last year's game, Red Baron Fight XXIV featured just five players, marking the first time since 1997-98 that RBF drew five players in consecutive years.
Dice were rolled for choice, and the sides stacked up like this:
Dory's Albatros moved first on Turn 1, but somehow emerged unscathed when the other four airplanes all attacked each other. Rick's Dr I took a first-turn pounding, and Stephen's Albatros managed a 9-hit burst on Stephen Dale's Camel and appeared to be an early contender. Five of those hits went into the Camel's left wing, inflicting a fabric tear critical hit that would later have telling results. CLICK "READ MORE" TO CONTINUE
Rick Claims 2nd RBF Title
The 24th annual Red Baron Fight was held at Arsenal Game Room in Indianapolis on April 13th and for the second straight year, the player flying the Red Baron's all-red Triplane took home the Silver Goblet.
Like last year's game, Red Baron Fight XXIV featured just five players, marking the first time since 1997-98 that RBF drew five players in consecutive years.
Dice were rolled for choice, and the sides stacked up like this:
- GERMAN: Stephen Skinner, Albatros DVa high compression
- GERMAN: Dory Oda, Albatros DVa high compression
- GERMAN: Rick Lacy, Fokker Dr I, all red
- BRITISH: Stephen Dale Skinner, Sopwith Camel 130 hp
- BRITISH: Ethan Skinner, Sopwith Camel 130hp
Dory's Albatros moved first on Turn 1, but somehow emerged unscathed when the other four airplanes all attacked each other. Rick's Dr I took a first-turn pounding, and Stephen's Albatros managed a 9-hit burst on Stephen Dale's Camel and appeared to be an early contender. Five of those hits went into the Camel's left wing, inflicting a fabric tear critical hit that would later have telling results. CLICK "READ MORE" TO CONTINUE
Stephen Dale hoarks a pretzel. Oddly enough, Dory continued to roll poorly for initiative in later turns but wasn't taking any major damage. The game was three turns old before she managed to get mission credit, and then only by virtue of opportunity fire. Ethan and Stephen Dale's Camels took simultaneous top and bottom shots on Stephen's Albatros, causing little engine damage but beating up the German's right wing. Ethan and Stephen Dale had five pilot shots on the Albatros as well but couldn't score a hit when it counted.
Rick's Fokker Dr I found a golden opportunity to fire on Stephen Dale's already critically damaged Camel, and scored a Silver Goblet-winning burst that turned the tide of Red Baron Fight XXIV. His 150-foot tail attack slammed the Sopwith's left wing with six more hits... just one more and the Britisher would go down.
Having no idea that he would take such concentrated damage before the turn, Stephen Dale had deliberately taken an extra risk by flying faster than his damaged wing fabric allowed. Sure enough, the ensuing critical roll resulted in one more hit of damage to his left wing... the wing that had just taken 6 hits from Rick's attack.
Rick's Fokker Dr I found a golden opportunity to fire on Stephen Dale's already critically damaged Camel, and scored a Silver Goblet-winning burst that turned the tide of Red Baron Fight XXIV. His 150-foot tail attack slammed the Sopwith's left wing with six more hits... just one more and the Britisher would go down.
Having no idea that he would take such concentrated damage before the turn, Stephen Dale had deliberately taken an extra risk by flying faster than his damaged wing fabric allowed. Sure enough, the ensuing critical roll resulted in one more hit of damage to his left wing... the wing that had just taken 6 hits from Rick's attack.
Dory and Ethan in conference. That was the hit that destroyed his wing. The Camel plunged into No Man's Land, killing its pilot and ending Stephen Dale's quest for his second Red Baron Fight title.
Ethan's Camel was now alone in the sky against three Germans: Dory, Rick and Stephen. He announced his escape and rolled a five for initiative. Things looked pretty good. But Stephen and Rick out-rolled him and Dory declared her intent to tail, and things suddenly look lousy.
He dove away with Dory on his tail, who fired and missed while Rick hovered overhead in his red Dr I and tried to clear gun jams. Stephen over-dove his Albatros in a desperate effort to keep pace, knowing that downing Ethan was now his only chance to win the Silver Goblet. The Albatros' wings held fast on the first turn of over-dive, but collapsed on the second. Without a parachute, Stephen's 8-mission Albatros pilot rode his mount into the ground and was killed.
Ethan's Camel was now alone in the sky against three Germans: Dory, Rick and Stephen. He announced his escape and rolled a five for initiative. Things looked pretty good. But Stephen and Rick out-rolled him and Dory declared her intent to tail, and things suddenly look lousy.
He dove away with Dory on his tail, who fired and missed while Rick hovered overhead in his red Dr I and tried to clear gun jams. Stephen over-dove his Albatros in a desperate effort to keep pace, knowing that downing Ethan was now his only chance to win the Silver Goblet. The Albatros' wings held fast on the first turn of over-dive, but collapsed on the second. Without a parachute, Stephen's 8-mission Albatros pilot rode his mount into the ground and was killed.
The highlight of Stephen's RBF game was his nacho plate. Ethan's Camel dove for the rarely-used line of anti-aircraft guns just inside Australian lines and used them to good effect. He also managed to lose Dory's Albatros, which had been tailing him from a distance. Dory took serious damage from the ground fire and began trailing smoke, which made Rick's hold on the Silver Goblet appear even more secure.
Dory's luck - not that she had much to begin with - finally ran out when she took another head-on blast from ground fire and her engine blew up, killing her pilot and extending her winless streak in Red Baron Fight to 18 years.
That left Rick's Dr I and Ethan's Camel as the last two planes airborne. Ethan eventually made good his escape while Rick scored his second Red Baron Fight championship by more than doubling the score of the next closest competitor.
Dory's luck - not that she had much to begin with - finally ran out when she took another head-on blast from ground fire and her engine blew up, killing her pilot and extending her winless streak in Red Baron Fight to 18 years.
That left Rick's Dr I and Ethan's Camel as the last two planes airborne. Ethan eventually made good his escape while Rick scored his second Red Baron Fight championship by more than doubling the score of the next closest competitor.
- Rick Lacy, red Fokker Dr I (73 points)
- Stephen Dale Skinner, Camel (32 points)
- Ethan Skinner, Camel (31 points)
- Stephen Skinner, Albatros (15 points)
- Dory Oda, Albatros (12 points)
Fight in the Skies Society News
Schedule Announced for 2013 Wingman Team Tournament
The Fits Society's annual Wingman Tournament is slated for July 19-20 at the Summit Town Hall near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Friday afternoon, July 19, is held for open gaming while Saturday, July 20 is reserved for the Wingman Tourney.
The entry fee is $40 per player, which includes lunch and dinner served in the gaming room. Friday players are asked to pitch in an extra $5 to cover the site rental. Teams of two may enter, and single players seeking a wingman may register and ask to be paired with another player.
Subscription Renewal Time for AERODROME
Can you name any other magazine in the world that has not raised its subscription price in over 30 years? The society's official publication, AERODROME, has maintained its $12/year subscription rate since the 1970's.
It is truly the best buy in print. The Spring 2013 issue, which was just released last week, contains a wonderful new chart by Marty Stever on French military medals and promotions. The French gave away medals for practically anything, so it should be a fun addition to the game. Stever's research is excellent and the new French medal charts are realistic, fun, and will offer medals to virtually anyone after just a handful of missions.
Be sure to support the society and stay in touch with what's going on by subscribing to AERODROME.
Indy's Rick Lacy Writes for Current Issue
Indy's Rick Lacy has penned a new article for AERODROME giving a nice account of the Dawn Patrol action at this spring's Who's Yer Con 2013, where four Indy players showed up for official gaming in March. The full article appears in the current issue, AERODROME 162.
Schedule Announced for 2013 Wingman Team Tournament
The Fits Society's annual Wingman Tournament is slated for July 19-20 at the Summit Town Hall near Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Friday afternoon, July 19, is held for open gaming while Saturday, July 20 is reserved for the Wingman Tourney.
The entry fee is $40 per player, which includes lunch and dinner served in the gaming room. Friday players are asked to pitch in an extra $5 to cover the site rental. Teams of two may enter, and single players seeking a wingman may register and ask to be paired with another player.
Subscription Renewal Time for AERODROME
Can you name any other magazine in the world that has not raised its subscription price in over 30 years? The society's official publication, AERODROME, has maintained its $12/year subscription rate since the 1970's.
It is truly the best buy in print. The Spring 2013 issue, which was just released last week, contains a wonderful new chart by Marty Stever on French military medals and promotions. The French gave away medals for practically anything, so it should be a fun addition to the game. Stever's research is excellent and the new French medal charts are realistic, fun, and will offer medals to virtually anyone after just a handful of missions.
Be sure to support the society and stay in touch with what's going on by subscribing to AERODROME.
Indy's Rick Lacy Writes for Current Issue
Indy's Rick Lacy has penned a new article for AERODROME giving a nice account of the Dawn Patrol action at this spring's Who's Yer Con 2013, where four Indy players showed up for official gaming in March. The full article appears in the current issue, AERODROME 162.
League of WWI Aviation Historians News
Indy Squadron's Stephen Skinner to Host OTF Radio
The League of WWI Aviation Historians has announced its new radio show, "Over The Front Radio," which will soon air on demand on the web-based Warbird Radio Network.
The first two episodes have already been recorded with guests including League president J. R. Williams and authors Alan Toelle and Al Roesler. Skinner will host and produce the new program, and is also scheduled for a guest appearance on Warbird Radio to promote the League's upcoming show. Details coming soon.
Latest Issue Released
Volume 28, Number 1 of Over The Front has now been published, featuring articles on a famed Belgian ace, Australian pilot training, the outcome of Bloody April on the war, and the post-war civilian use of many WWI aircraft. This issue is among the most reader-friendly in some time with shorter articles, excellent photography and fun topics.
See the League link above to subscribe to their quarterly journal, Over The Front, which studies all aspects of Great War aviation.
Indy Squadron's Stephen Skinner to Host OTF Radio
The League of WWI Aviation Historians has announced its new radio show, "Over The Front Radio," which will soon air on demand on the web-based Warbird Radio Network.
The first two episodes have already been recorded with guests including League president J. R. Williams and authors Alan Toelle and Al Roesler. Skinner will host and produce the new program, and is also scheduled for a guest appearance on Warbird Radio to promote the League's upcoming show. Details coming soon.
Latest Issue Released
Volume 28, Number 1 of Over The Front has now been published, featuring articles on a famed Belgian ace, Australian pilot training, the outcome of Bloody April on the war, and the post-war civilian use of many WWI aircraft. This issue is among the most reader-friendly in some time with shorter articles, excellent photography and fun topics.
See the League link above to subscribe to their quarterly journal, Over The Front, which studies all aspects of Great War aviation.
Book Review
Fall of Eagles: Airmen of World War One
Review by Scott Kolar
Fall of Eagles: Airmen of World War One
By Alex Revell
Pen & Sword Books Ltd.
208 pages hardcover
$39.95
ISBN 978-1848845275
As World War I developed into what is now called “The Great War,” so too did the newly invented airplane develop from a reconnaissance machine for gathering information into a great and deadly fighting machine that changed the face of war forever.
A new breed of soldier emerged, the air ‘ace.’ Manfred von Richthofen, Josef Kiss, Eddie Richenbacker, Werner Voss, Rene Fonck and William Bishop were just a few of the many ‘aces’ that downed five or more enemy aircraft – and the most renowned sent down dozens. Their skills and natural talents earned them great recognition and fear among their fellow pilots and adversaries.
There was much honor and respect in the way these men fought. As Lieutenant D. G. ‘Tommy’ Lewis tells of his encounter after being shot down by none other than “The Baron” himself, ‘Richhtofen came down to within 200 feet and waved at me. Although I foolishly imagined at first that he was going to make sure of me, I returned his greeting. I was told that I was to see and talk to him that evening, but did not have the honor of meeting him. I was, of course, a prisoner for the rest of the war.’
Manfred von Richthofen was never to have the opportunity to visit his eightieth victim. He had only another sixteen hours to live.
The members of 56 Squadron tell about another great German pilot who ‘had flown and fought so magnificently’ in his final battle. Chapter 10, “Werner Voss,” tells of his amazing flying maneuvers against all odds. Werner Voss, who was a good friend of and greatly admired by Richthofen himself, seemed to make the airplane a part of himself. Captain Bowman’s remembrance of the battle he encountered with Voss and his great admiration for his foe really tells of the honor and chivalry with which they fought and flew.
Author Alex Revell has had a great passion for aviation since his early childhood. He began seriously researching World War I aircraft and personnel in the 1960’s. He interviewed many RFC / RAF / RNAS pilots who became his personal friends. He has had numerous aviation articles published along with several books. He is a founding member of the First World War Aviation Historical Society. One reviewer wrote of Revell’s highly acclaimed book “High in The Empty Blue”, ‘A classic. I suspect that this will be the best book I will ever get to review.’ High praise indeed.
I share that passion for aviation but much about World War I in the air is new to me. With my limited knowledge of Great War aircraft and history, I found myself completely immersed in the stories these brave airmen had to tell.
My experiences with Dawn Patrolâ have taught me so much about the magnificent aircraft of the First World War. This book, and the stories these ‘aces’ had to tell, tie it all together for me and leave me with a great deal of respect and admiration for these great men. They were the legendary “knights of the air.” Their legacies will not be forgotten as long as we remember their contributions and sacrifices.
This is an excellent book that tells the stories of many great airmen of the first World War. It includes a bibliography, as well as 32 pages of outstanding photos that add greatly to the interesting stories.
Fall of Eagles is available from Pen and Sword Books Limited (ISBN 978 1 84884 527 5). For a complete list of current titles call or write to: PEN AND SWORD BOOKS LIMITED, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2BR. E-mail: [email protected]. Visit the website at:www.pen-and-sword.co.uk.
Fall of Eagles: Airmen of World War One
Review by Scott Kolar
Fall of Eagles: Airmen of World War One
By Alex Revell
Pen & Sword Books Ltd.
208 pages hardcover
$39.95
ISBN 978-1848845275
As World War I developed into what is now called “The Great War,” so too did the newly invented airplane develop from a reconnaissance machine for gathering information into a great and deadly fighting machine that changed the face of war forever.
A new breed of soldier emerged, the air ‘ace.’ Manfred von Richthofen, Josef Kiss, Eddie Richenbacker, Werner Voss, Rene Fonck and William Bishop were just a few of the many ‘aces’ that downed five or more enemy aircraft – and the most renowned sent down dozens. Their skills and natural talents earned them great recognition and fear among their fellow pilots and adversaries.
There was much honor and respect in the way these men fought. As Lieutenant D. G. ‘Tommy’ Lewis tells of his encounter after being shot down by none other than “The Baron” himself, ‘Richhtofen came down to within 200 feet and waved at me. Although I foolishly imagined at first that he was going to make sure of me, I returned his greeting. I was told that I was to see and talk to him that evening, but did not have the honor of meeting him. I was, of course, a prisoner for the rest of the war.’
Manfred von Richthofen was never to have the opportunity to visit his eightieth victim. He had only another sixteen hours to live.
The members of 56 Squadron tell about another great German pilot who ‘had flown and fought so magnificently’ in his final battle. Chapter 10, “Werner Voss,” tells of his amazing flying maneuvers against all odds. Werner Voss, who was a good friend of and greatly admired by Richthofen himself, seemed to make the airplane a part of himself. Captain Bowman’s remembrance of the battle he encountered with Voss and his great admiration for his foe really tells of the honor and chivalry with which they fought and flew.
Author Alex Revell has had a great passion for aviation since his early childhood. He began seriously researching World War I aircraft and personnel in the 1960’s. He interviewed many RFC / RAF / RNAS pilots who became his personal friends. He has had numerous aviation articles published along with several books. He is a founding member of the First World War Aviation Historical Society. One reviewer wrote of Revell’s highly acclaimed book “High in The Empty Blue”, ‘A classic. I suspect that this will be the best book I will ever get to review.’ High praise indeed.
I share that passion for aviation but much about World War I in the air is new to me. With my limited knowledge of Great War aircraft and history, I found myself completely immersed in the stories these brave airmen had to tell.
My experiences with Dawn Patrolâ have taught me so much about the magnificent aircraft of the First World War. This book, and the stories these ‘aces’ had to tell, tie it all together for me and leave me with a great deal of respect and admiration for these great men. They were the legendary “knights of the air.” Their legacies will not be forgotten as long as we remember their contributions and sacrifices.
This is an excellent book that tells the stories of many great airmen of the first World War. It includes a bibliography, as well as 32 pages of outstanding photos that add greatly to the interesting stories.
Fall of Eagles is available from Pen and Sword Books Limited (ISBN 978 1 84884 527 5). For a complete list of current titles call or write to: PEN AND SWORD BOOKS LIMITED, 47 Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2BR. E-mail: [email protected]. Visit the website at:www.pen-and-sword.co.uk.
New Blog Visits Famous French Battlefields
This open letter to WWI buffs came in recently from historian Robert Meuller:
Dear History Enthusiasts,
I just wanted to let you know that I have started a new blog focusing in French Battlefields. Its main feature is the presentation of Virtual Battlefield Tours using Google Map / Satellite View. There will be periodic posts on other European battlefield subjects as well. The Virtual Battlefield Tours include more sites than included my book, Fields of War: Fifty Key Battlefields in France and Belgium. Electronic medium offering the opportunity to present more information.
Right now I am focusing upon Jeanne d’Arc because this year is the 600th Anniversary of her birth. Later I will be focusing upon the three wars between Germany and France. The Virtual Battlefield Tours will also be repeated on my web site. I hope you will find the posts interesting. You can register to be informed of updates by using the RSS feed. You can also use the “Categories” drop down on the right side to select specific topics of interest. You can find it at : www.frenchbattlefields.com/blog. Come on over and comment.
Speaking of electronic medium, my book is now available in eBook format from Amazon for Kindle devices and from iTunes for Apple devices. In addition, there is also a CD-ROM version (pdf file) which contains all of the original text and graphics with an additional 800 period and contemporary photographs inserted into the text. It is available from my website only for $12.95. Sorry for the commercial.
Best Regards,
Robert Mueller
This open letter to WWI buffs came in recently from historian Robert Meuller:
Dear History Enthusiasts,
I just wanted to let you know that I have started a new blog focusing in French Battlefields. Its main feature is the presentation of Virtual Battlefield Tours using Google Map / Satellite View. There will be periodic posts on other European battlefield subjects as well. The Virtual Battlefield Tours include more sites than included my book, Fields of War: Fifty Key Battlefields in France and Belgium. Electronic medium offering the opportunity to present more information.
Right now I am focusing upon Jeanne d’Arc because this year is the 600th Anniversary of her birth. Later I will be focusing upon the three wars between Germany and France. The Virtual Battlefield Tours will also be repeated on my web site. I hope you will find the posts interesting. You can register to be informed of updates by using the RSS feed. You can also use the “Categories” drop down on the right side to select specific topics of interest. You can find it at : www.frenchbattlefields.com/blog. Come on over and comment.
Speaking of electronic medium, my book is now available in eBook format from Amazon for Kindle devices and from iTunes for Apple devices. In addition, there is also a CD-ROM version (pdf file) which contains all of the original text and graphics with an additional 800 period and contemporary photographs inserted into the text. It is available from my website only for $12.95. Sorry for the commercial.
Best Regards,
Robert Mueller
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