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#4482495 - 07/12/19 09:23 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Looking good and fire away with your own pics and observations anytime, Adger, this is a thread with a story but also for anyone who wants to drop by to share their experiences with BoB2.

Yes your grass looks greener than mine! smile I don't think I have a terrain mod applied. I don't suppose you have increased the Gamma setting in the options screen, which darkens things and may increase colour saturation a bit?

Some suggestions I should have mentioned:

1. With 2.13, the external view can't be zoomed in close, like stock could. To give a closer minimum zoom (while using Ctrl+ rather than just +, to avoid fisheye effects) edit this line in bdg.txt:

External_View_Starting_Distance = 1.500000 #Sets the starting distance from the A/C in external view NOTE: set to 1.3 to get the old distance

1.500000 is I think what I changed the original entry to. This is discussed here, in case I'm mis-remembering: https://a2asimulations.com/forum/vi...p=445506&hilit=external+view#p445506

2. Edit bdg.txt to check that this setting is ON, not OFF: RAF_Breaksoff_Before_France=ON If left OFF, RAF squadrons will pursue over France, which isn't a realistic default.

3. Crank all the graphics settings (on both pages) up to the max, except particle density, which it appears is best left at medium (one notch down). If you get the view low down juddering when you pan around, reduce object density one notch (from full to high or something like that).

4. In settings, turn off use desktop resolution but set both 2d and 3d resolution to your desktop resolution using the drop down list for each, even if one has an exclamation mark against it.

5. Leave collisions on, but turn friendly collisions off.

6. If you get distant terrain texture shimmering, have an Nvidia card, and nothing else works, use Nvidia Inspector to create a profile for the game and apply 4x sparse grid supersampling, as mentioned here: https://a2asimulations.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=68107

7. I have wind effects turned off, which I think helps stop nearby aircraft jumping about a bit much, tho I may be wrong.

8. Use elevator trim to stop the rattling and shaking out-of-trim effects, when on finals.

There all kinds of things to get used to, which you may remember, like engines surging for a while after you throttle back, and the very different approach to radio comms compared say to IL-2 46. And unlike the original Rowan BoB, AI can see through the clouds, sheets having replaced with volumetric ones, tho I have not noticed any practical impact from that. Anyway have fun and I hope you graduate from the single missions to campaign - things are pretty hairy at the moment and we badly need every man who can fly a fighter!


SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
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#4482501 - 07/12/19 10:17 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Adger Offline
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Wow thanks for the brilliant help and advice Lima,yep I do think there's a terrain mod installed and il definitely have a play around with the gamma settings. Is there anything to help with the water mate? Is it me or does it look a little flat compared to some other sims?.

Yep I'm starting off nice and steady..assigning flaps/gear to joystick buttons etc. Also practising take offs and landings but I can't wait to jump into the campaign I've some free time later I'm hoping to grab a few hrs on the sim.

What a great job it looks like they've done with 2.13,only had a couple of hrs so far but it looks and flys really good. Again thank you 33Lima your sound advice is very much appreciated mate.


They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
#4482508 - 07/12/19 11:51 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Hi Adger, yes the BoB2 water does look flat compared to other sims with bump-mapping or whatever it is, unless you get low and then you can see the waves...

[Linked Image]

There are some mods on the long, unsorted 'Subscriber mods' thread on the A2A BoB2 forums, like in tis thread...

https://a2asimulations.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=12021&start=990

...tho I'm ok with stock. I think these are flat, non-reflective textures which replace those used by default if you drop your water option to the lowest level. Which you might want to try anyway, to see if you prefer it.

I would also advice in options dropping your target size to the smallest setting, which partly compensates for being less easy by making it possible to pick out specific target areas like engines.

If you find R/T calls like 'They're shooting at us!' tedious, there is a mod which eliminates those without touching the others,

You'll notice that with BDG updates, the Ops Room map is a zoomed out representation of the actual countryside, on which you can see where to the west and north the terrain textures become more generic. Unlike the real ops room maps like the one at Uxbridge, which I snapped on a visit a couple of weeks ago while sitting in the Controller's chair...

[Linked Image]

I think stock BoB2's map is more like the real one and I might go hunting for a way to revert, having seen the real thing!

Attached Files shot_532.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/12/19 11:51 AM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4482514 - 07/12/19 01:52 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Adger Offline
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Brilliant stuff,great pic from Uxbridge mate..and again a massive thank you i can honestly see myself spending some time with this sim. thumbsup


They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
#4482551 - 07/12/19 06:39 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Lima your AARs bring back good memories of BOB1&2 and even old Mig Alley. The dynamic RAF and LW campaigns have learning curves of their own. For the RAF it "seems" simple: Preserve pilots, ac, the ability to manufacture . For LW tougher choices : Strike the airfields? maybe Radar? Wear down the RAF? How about manufacturing-type ? or fuels? I've lost two LW campaigns in earlier verisions. ..very intense. I did somewhat better with RAF. One thing I'm certain it paid for me to fly at a commander level in 3D and direct the fighters.

I'm looking forward to trying a full campaign in v2.13 when i get a block of time. I know it still has a few issues, but some quick flights have indicated that the LW AI raids are better coordinated than in the past and their unengaged escorts break contact and sweep the nearby RAF airfields. It's really tough to survive many missions in my hurricane. smile

#4482576 - 07/12/19 08:30 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Thanks for the positive feedback, guys. Have you tried the Single Pilot Campaign, Vox? I'm in no rush to finish the RAF commander one, which has held my interest for over seven months, something I can't say for any campaign in any other flightsim. I could progress faster by accepting fewer offers to fly, but I'd rather fly!

[Linked Image]

And if that wasn't enough, I owe to BoB2 a significant recent increase in my modest library on the Battle, plus the incentive to visit Bentley Priory last month, and to stand where Dowding stood, nearly 80 years ago ...

[Linked Image]

...and look out over the same gardens, towards the capital of the country he worked so hard to save, during the battle this great sim helps bring to life [cue Battle of Britain movie theme and closing titles],,,

[Linked Image]

Attached Files shot_550.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/12/19 08:42 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4482656 - 07/13/19 02:53 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Vox Offline
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Quote
Have you tried the Single Pilot Campaign
.

Yes but not recently. I use the one life rule so I don't last long. The AI commanders often engage from a bad position and then disengage too slowly. I should give it ago again with the new version maybe repeat a Me110 SPC 😀

I generally play the "Combined Commander/Single player Campaign" as its now called . It's a bit of a steep learning curve handling all the different menus but it makes a interesting game. I'm definitely more of a single player who prefers campaigns.

Here is a example of RAF/Hurricane play: First, I set up my preferred Hurr squadrons. so I will be automatically given the choice to fly when they take-off. I also note all squadron dispositions, timings, move squadrons etc. Then I start the clock.....

I watch the Luft raids build slowly over the French coast while trying to guess their targets and strength from radar. I take my time. In past versions, the Luft AI could be counted on to poorly coordinate some raids. This did keep you guessing of exactly who would show up to the party. In the newer version 2.13 the raids seem better coordinated but I have read that some variablity has been worked in, so I hope it continues to keep me quessing .

As the clock continues ...the raids near the coast and their makeup from air patrols and ROF coast watchers gradually becomes clearer. I launch initial intercepts whose purpose is to strip the escorts. Fuel use by Bf 109 is better modeled now so that becomes a tactical consideration. Sometimes a 109s will be seen sweeping ahead or flanks of the raid.
Usually i send up spits first. I set their waypoints, ETAs, and altitudes to engage the escort first. I launch Hurr groups too; but keep them behind so they engage after the spits take on the escorts. I want the Hurr's to have a clear shot at the bombers. The bomber type (i.e Stukas , ME110, Heinkel, Dornier, Ju88) will determine tactics too. Like i said its a bit of a learning curve.

When all intercepts are on their way, I exit 2D map, and launch my flight of 6 Hurr in 3D. Flights of 6 are easier to handle. I maneuver my flight staying near but a distance from the raid watching the actions unfold while keeping an eye out for escort.

Finally when I feel my flight has a clear shot at the bombers, I move to attack (preferably up sun) using the com and the padlocking system send my wingmen on there way . ( I use TrackIr5) . After a few bombers are destroyed - I'll disengage quickly. I think the AI often stays engaged too long inresulting in rather bizarre 3D tallies. Then I head for home but watch for "freie Jagd"!

Luft campaigns are a whole new interesting topic and very challenging since you are on the attack and RAF AI is on the defense. AI always do better on defense.

One thing I'm certain is that there is a lot of diversity in the missions, ac, etc built into BOB's dynamic campaign. It has gotten better over the years through the hard work and skill of the BDG members! 👍

#4482854 - 07/15/19 02:55 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Stop It! All of you, just stop it!!! I have BOB II WOV sitting right here right now and I want to install it so bad, but I do not have time to dedicate to learning and coming to grips with it at the moment. I have to many irons in the fire between books, sims, projects in the works, not to mention Real Life and excessive exercise. Would you all please just stop it! cuss
It all sounds to good and looks to good and you are torturing me. Please have mercy???? rolleyes

S!Blade<><

#4482903 - 07/15/19 03:53 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Interesting stuff, Vox. Not only are there different flavours of campaign, but different ways of playing them, from total laissez-faire at the 'strategy' level, to playing only as a strategy game, with various options in between.

And sorry Blade, can't stop! No turning back now - there's too much at stake - "...Christian civilisation...our own British life and the long continuity of our institutions and our Empire"! Like the man said!

And thanks to Felizpe over on the A2A BoB2 forums, I've now been able to revert to the more historical, pre-BDG 2.13 version of the Ops Room map. I've one more report to write up for 15 August, then the new map will be in use.

[Linked Image]

As the map shows, Dover and Dunkirk Chain Home stations have been clobbered, but mobile units have been deployed to plug the gap (you can see the 'teleprinter' confirmation of one of the WAAF's announcements on that score) so we are still very much in business!

Attached Files retro map.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/15/19 04:06 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4482952 - 07/15/19 09:39 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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It's early evening and some final skirmishes are being played out, as some late-arriving squadrons harry the retrearing German raids. One such skirmish gives me my final sortie of the day, flying with 610 'County of Chester' Squadron...

[Linked Image]

...as we pursue a raid south towards the French coast. I say 'skirmish', but as these pictures show, a skirmish in BoB2 is liable to be on a scale significantly larger than the biggest fights seen in other sims.

[Linked Image]

These aren't the only Huns around, however. There's yet another large raid behind us, apparently on a similar course.

[Linked Image]

For a few seconds I hesitate. I'm concerned that the boss is going to have us chase the Huns up ahead, who will be over France by the time we get to them. But somebody reports the others, now at our six o'clock position, and we are ordered to go for them. Much more sensible. 'B' Flight, which includes my Green Section, is detailed to take the fighters. Why, thank you so much, boss!

I stay roughly with the squadron for the turn. As I come around, I can see that one of the groups of escorts, above what must be the Hun bombers, has split up, dropped down and is clearly coming to get us.

[Linked Image]

Next second, we're in a serious dogfight with a bunch of 109s. Well, I suppose that saves us the bother.

[Linked Image]

I manage to get some hits on the one I single out, who appears to be on his own.

[Linked Image]

Down he goes! I roll inverted to keep an eye on him without the engine conking out from negative G, which of course BoB2 models.

[Linked Image]

The 109 levels out and my tail being clear, I feel compelled to have another crack at him.

[Linked Image]

He banks left...

[Linked Image]

...and again, goes down. I turn back and leave him to it, for on the air, I can hear that the dogfight is still in full swing. Furthermore I don't plan on being shot down due to target fixation, not today, thanks.

[Linked Image]

I see the 109 porpoising as if trying to level out. And he suceeds! Last I see of him, he's flying straight as a die, back under control and approaching the coast near Cap Blanc Nez, close to the port of Calais. Probably, he's headed for the oval grass airfield you can see to the right of my Spitfire's raised wing.

[Linked Image]

Drat! But there's no way I'm going to lose precious altutude for the sake of a risky chase over enemy-held territory. Not while I have other matters to attend to...specifically, the air battle I have just left, back across the Channel.

...to be continued!

Attached Files shot_326.jpgshot_327.jpgshot_325.jpgshot_329.jpgshot_330.jpgshot_331.jpgshot_332.jpgshot_333.jpgshot_334.jpgshot_335.jpgshot_336.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/15/19 10:16 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483030 - 07/16/19 08:45 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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I turn back north to the South Coast, roughly in the direction of Dover. Keen not to be crept up on, I keep a good look-out. The skies seem clear now, apart from signs of an air fight over to the east, off Dunkirk I think.

[Linked Image]

I call up the boss and ask where the squadron is. This comes back rather more quickly, more unfailingly and possibly more accurately than it really should, but you don't have to use such facilities if you don't want to. I rarely do unless the boss has called the boys home and I want to rejoin them. Today, I use it to confirm my belief what the air battle to the east isn't our lot. Which it isn't - they're reported to be a few miles north. About where I was headed anyway.

Seeing some fighters milling about as I near the coast, I take this to be the squadron fighting the original 109s, which is still generating some R/T calls.

[Linked Image]

As I close in looking for targets, I realise they are all 109s. The Huns look to be trying to reform, settling on a course which presents me their tails. This is not an opportunity to let go begging. I select a Messerschmitt that's still behind the rest of the bunch and rejoining slowly. I close in quickly.

[Linked Image]

Too quickly. This is one of those times when taking pics and accurate flying conflict, and the latter loses. I overshoot, getting in only a short burst which seems to do little or no damage.

[Linked Image]

As it happens, the 109 is Red 14 from 2/JG52, flown by Uffz Leo Zaunbrecher, which force-landed in a field at Mays Farm near Lewes in Sussex on 12 August 1940, the pilot having been wounded. It further happens that the last Revell 109E I built I finished in this very scheme; it might still be in a box in the loft.

[Linked Image]

I break sharply and find myself more or less astern of the other 109s. Again, I can hardly let this pass. So I don't.

[Linked Image]

This time, despite the risk that Red 14, now lost to sight, will catch me, I do rather better. In fact you can see that my victim is Red 10. The pilot bails out, so no doubt about this one.

[Linked Image]

I could have another go, but decide not to. In BoB2, escorts on their way home seem prone to ignoring attackers. I don't intend to confirm if this lot are in that category, or just haven't woken up yet. Apart from anything else, the odds are too high if a fight were to develop.

[Linked Image]

So home I go. I get a course for base but it's a long way off, so I decide to drop in at a nearby airfield. I come in over the coast above Dover. BoB2's dynamic campaign being what it is, the port area having been 'blitzed' earlier, it still looks 'blitzed'. Note the Chain Home RDF/radar station above my wing on the left as you look at it. This has the correct number (four) of transmitter towers for 1940, plus to their left, the four smaller receiver towers, arranged in a rectangle as they should be.

[Linked Image]

Well inland and skies clear, I open the canopy, come back around in a wide circle, and start looking out to the west, for the airfield at Hawkinge.

[Linked Image]

I haven't posted any cockpit shots, so it's time to rectify that. I'm not sure if this is stock or modded - the green tint to the instruments makes me think 'modded'. Apparently, authentic Mark I Spits of July-September 1940 vintage should have two separate fuel gauges, one for each tank, the single one here being more a 'Mark II onwards' thing. At any rate, it/they should I think only give a reading when you press a button. Still, it's a pretty good effort as cockpits go, and click-able if you like that sort of thing. Which I don't.

[Linked Image]

Knowing roughly where Hawkinge is, I start a turn onto a long approach from the east, into the prevailing westerly wind. You can check wind strength and direction on the R/T. At the moment I'm more concerned to avoid the Dover balloon barrage.

[Linked Image]

And there's Hawkinge! It's a grass airfield with dark, camouflage-painted hangars to the north. In BoB2, airfields generally look very like they did in real life in 1940, as comparison with available sources will confirm, with perimeter tracks, runways if concrete, and the placement of buildings and blast pens all authentic.

[Linked Image]

I come in looking for signs of damage, but don't see any, because I am soon pre-occuplied simply trying to get down. You can see in the pic below that I haven't got the trim right, as my elevators are fully up to prevent my nose from dipping. I land so rarely that I'm out of practice, and needing to check my key mappings - most of my landings of late have been in Cliffs of Dover. You can also see that the little upper wing hatches for the flap linkages are modelled in BoB2, as apparenty are the little undercart position indicator rods. Only in the external view, the internal one being a separate 3d model, not having had this feature implemented.

[Linked Image]

Trying to land, I find that I don't have any upward elevator deflection left, when I find I need to drop the tail onto the grass. Coming in a bit fast and a bit nose down, I crack up. At least I think that's what happens, as I don't recall running into a crater.

Pity about that. If I'm going to make a habit of this landing business in BoB2, I'll need to practice some circuits and bumps in one of the training missions, as well as checking my key mappings.

Anyhow, 15th August has come to an end, and the 'headline' I'm presented with is that it's seen another record score for the RAF. Another record claim, anyway. By which standard, we are about 260 Huns claimed down, against just over 200 fighters lost on our side. Replacements are not quite keeping up, so clearly, this can't go on indefinitely, even if we are not significantly over-claiming. Which we might be, as BoB2 models 'fog of war'. At any rate, it's now 16th August, and while our backs are clearly to the wall, we are still very much in business.

Attached Files shot_337.jpgshot_339.jpgshot_340.jpgshot_341.jpgshot_343.jpgshot_344.jpgshot_345.jpgshot_346.jpgshot_347.jpgshot_348.jpgshot_349.jpgshot_350.jpgshot_351.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/18/19 10:16 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483428 - 07/20/19 12:06 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Excellent as always! If only there were more hours in the day!


The older I get, the more I realize I don't need to be Han, Luke or Leia. I'm just happy to be rebel scum...
#4483445 - 07/20/19 02:16 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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go get em 33 lima good pics

#4483464 - 07/20/19 09:49 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Thanks guys!

Next mission report coming up later today. It would have been about this show...

[Linked Image]

...except that my mouse (which I use to look around) was sticking, requiring a quit, to do a bit of fiddling in the options screen. So instead, I ended up meeting lots of these interesting people...

[Linked Image]

How that went will be the subject of the next instalment.

Attached Files shot_356.jpgshot_381.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/20/19 09:58 AM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483532 - 07/20/19 08:37 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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33lima Offline
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It's the morning of 16th August 1940 and the WAAFs begin to announce new raids, whose plots appear on the table. The situation develops rapidly. By 08:09, Hostile 801, crossing the Channel, headed just east of the Isle of Wight, has been joined by three other plots, all coming across the Strait of Dover from the vicinity of Calais. I authorise additional squadrons scrambled and wait for the fun to start.

[Linked Image]

It starts with 266 Squadron running into the raids nearing the Dover area...

[Linked Image]

...which are criss-crossing the skies up ahead, as they turn towards different coastal targets...

[Linked Image]

The raid the boss leads us against seems to be Heinkels with an escort of Messerschmitt 110s. Our 'B' Flight is ordered to go for the escorts, who turn into us. Except for one of their number, who pulls up sharply out of formation. What's his idea, then?

[Linked Image]

Before I can get in range, a bunch of Heinkels, banking - or should that be, a bunch of banking Heinkels - comes in from the left.

[Linked Image]

I steady up for a deflection shot at the Heinkels as I pass, intending to pick up on the escorts after I've passed through.

[Linked Image]

But by this time, I've realised that mouselook is hitting some hard stops. In frustration, but knowing the wargame AI will happily fight the battle without me, I quit the mission to fix it, which takes a bit of fiddling with the control options - probably messed up after some tweaking I did last night. Bit of an anti-climax, that!

But not for long. There's so much going on that it's not long before I get another offer to fly with another squadron that has sighted the enemy. And I'm happy to await the next call, rather than jump back in with 266 in the middle of a combat.

Here's the situation at 08:19. WAAF voices have just announced the destruction of my airfields at Hawkinge and Westhampnett, over to the west! Hostile 801, whose escort is now being plotted separately as Hostile 807, has bombed before the three squadrons coming down from the north have been able to intercept.

[Linked Image]

I jump in with 64 Squadron when at last it makes contact. By this time, the raid has clearly done its dirty work and is flying back to the south, over the western end of the Solent. That's the body of water between the South Coast and the Isle of Wight, visible on the left. I'm at the head of Green Section, with the rest of 64 out of shot over on the left.

[Linked Image]

There seem to be two, possibly three groups of bombers, with a cloud of escorts above. This is going to be interesting!

...to be continued!

Attached Files 0809 16 Aug 40.jpg0819 16 Aug 40.jpgshot_352.jpgshot_353.jpgshot_354.jpgshot_355.jpgshot_357.jpgshot_358.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/20/19 08:47 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483563 - 07/21/19 02:49 AM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
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Atlanta, GA, USA
Dam(add your own 'n') look at all of those escorts. Check Six Sir! Quite often might I add. That is a lot of Hostile groups reeking havoc everywhere. What kind of frame rates do you get Lima33? Does it run smoothly or do you have stutters? How about in the middle of the big furballs with planes everywhere?
Really nice pictures and good write ups as always. I am really enjoying your reports. Keep grinding away Sir! yep

S!Blade<><

#4483587 - 07/21/19 12:02 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
Hi BM! I have an i3 3.4GHz, 8GB of some sort or other of RAM, and a 1.5GB GTX580, so nothing special. BoB2 is on an SSD along with Win 7 (to avoid the end of mission CTDs that happen with Win 10 - n/k yet if Win 10 1903, being rolled out currently, will help at all with that) which likely helps avoid any hesitations when stuff is loaded. In BoB2 I have everything maxed out (which I don't think affects aircraft numbers ie you don't have to reduce formation sizes to get better FPS) except particle density which as frequently recommended is left at Medium. I haven't actually checked FPS because gameplay is completely fluid, except (i) since recently upping ground object density to the highest setting '(Full' in stead of merely 'High'), panning around rapidly at low levels with lots in view is a little less smooth and (ii) in some of the historical missions with literally hundreds of aircraft in view at the same time - think of those paintings by Gordon Olive in 'Spitfire Ace' - I have noticed the occasional hiccup when a really big formation switches from (I think) the lowest LOD models to the middle-distance one. The latter effect I have not seen in any campaign mission so far, all silky smooth. Rendering much larger than normal formations was always one of BoB's and now BoB2's strong suits. In the early days, formation behaviour could look a bit robotic sometimes eg when turning but these days - I play with the BDG 2.13 update with 'multiskin' enabled - this is now just fine.

Last edited by 33lima; 07/21/19 08:16 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483590 - 07/21/19 12:31 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
Rather than waiting for the boss, I padlock one of the enemy formations and use the radio menu to report the Bandits. About this time, I notice two things. First, the cloud of escorts above the raid straight ahead of us has reversed course and is now moving up on our right. Second, there is what looks like another raid further off to the left, followed by more escorts - the latter are just visible inside the left frame of my armoured windshield (which incidentally is rendered with a slight greenish tinge, a nice touch). The big worry of course is those escorts on the right - I can tell escorts from RAF fighter formations in BoB2 because the RAF formations are flatter.

[Linked Image]

As usual, the boss orders 'B' Flight, which includes my Green Section, to tackle the escorts. Who are equally keen to tackle us! I bank towards them. They look to be in squadron strength, and as they close in, I fancy I can identify them as Messerschmitt 110s.

[Linked Image]

A quick look left and my composure evaporates. The others have pulled out to the side. I'm the only idiot who is going head-to-head with a bunch of the most heavily-armed fighters in the enemy's arsenal.

[Linked Image]

Happily, these Huns seem more interested in trying to cut off the rest of the squadron, than in tackling the lone fool straight ahead.

[Linked Image]

I escape destruction by breaking right and come around behind the Messerschmitts. This works out quite well - better than I deserve, really - and I race after a 110 which has drifted off to the left, away from the others. However, my attention is distracted by a string of aircraft at about ten o'clock level. Not the distant group a bit higher up at eleven o'clock, that other lot, over on the left just above the horizon.

[Linked Image]

Crikey! More 110s, and four of the beggars are closing in fast!

[Linked Image]

I begin a hard left break, into and under them...

[Linked Image]

...and again, manage to turn the tables...

[Linked Image]

The Huns break left and I cut the corner, after them, ignoring some desultory fire from their gunners but with the odd glance in the mirror. The other four in their group were last seen still heading south, but you can't be too careful.

[Linked Image]

I pick the machine on the inside of their formation who rolls left and down when I get some hits from my first or second burst.

[Linked Image]

You'll do, I tell myself, and roll after him!

...to be continued

Attached Files shot_359.jpgshot_361.jpgshot_363.jpgshot_362.jpgshot_364.jpgshot_365.jpgshot_366.jpgshot_367.jpgshot_368.jpgshot_369.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/21/19 01:26 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483635 - 07/21/19 07:29 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
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33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
The 110 that I winged levels off and makes a run for it. Not a great move, for I have little trouble catching up with him. His mates seem to have left him to it.

[Linked Image]

However, he's by no means beaten yet. The split second I open fire, he pulls up hard, to the left.

[Linked Image]

I come after him cautiously, satisfied to match him move for move while slowly closing the range. Soon, we're back over the Solent.

[Linked Image]

After a couple of bursts, the crew suddenly bail out and the Messerschmitt rolls over. Got him!

[Linked Image]

The stock BoB2 cockpit reflection effects are visible in this view through the canopy. There is a mod to remove this, but I rather like the effect, and it's less conspicuous during gameplay that screeenshots might suggest.

[Linked Image]

There goes the Hun! One less to worry about. But there are plenty more, where he came from.

[Linked Image]

...to be continued!

Attached Files shot_370.jpgshot_371.jpgshot_373.jpgshot_374.jpgshot_375.jpgshot_376.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/21/19 07:31 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

#4483743 - 07/22/19 06:18 PM Re: BoB2 screenshots - the RAF campaign [Re: 33lima]  
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
33lima Offline
Senior Member
33lima  Offline
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,712
Belfast, NI
Turning to clear my tail, I can see a few pairs of distant specks over the coast, east of Portsmouth, possibly aircraft chasing one another. As I turn to investigate the nearest pair, another aeroplane crosses my path, closer in, flying left to right.

[Linked Image]

It takes a split second for me to identify him as a lone Hurricane. Before resuming my search for targets, I check my mirror, and get a shock. There's three aircraft back there, nearly right behind me.

[Linked Image]

Something - possibly stupidity - tells me not to push the stick hard over and break instantly. A split second is all it takes to reveal that the three aircraft are crossing behind me, not chasing me. Phew! I watch them disappear from view.

I turn away from the lone Hurricane that's still up ahead, but almost immediately realise I'm not looking at the same aircraft. In fact it's a Messerschmitt 110, possibly chasing the Hurricane!

[Linked Image]

This won't do! I reverse my turn and chase the 110. A short burst forces him to change direction, thereby saving my comrade-in-arms a spot of bother. After another rattle, The Hun banks left and goes down.

[Linked Image]

I watch him go, suspicious that he'll manage to pull out, as he doesn't seem too badly damaged, isn't on fire, and nobody has bailed out. You can just about see him in the pic below, against the small, square patch of wood just above the centre of the screen.

[Linked Image]

I have a quick look around before continuing to watch his descent, and see another apparently solitary 110. He's flying away from me and I decide to go for him, rather than worrying over my last target.

[Linked Image]

This fellow is on the qui vive and sees me coming. He breaks hard right and the chase is on again.

[Linked Image]

He rolls past the vertical and corkscrews underneath me. I follow him, spiralling even more steeply down. My speed builds up rapidly - the Spit is a very slippery aeroplane. I'm going so fast that my controls respond sluggishly - BoB2 is very good as simulating this, and it can give you a right old fright when it happens. It is really scary. I just about succeed in pulling up without going into the deck, and am lucky to be able pick up where I left off, with the Hun.

[Linked Image]

I hit him hard and he rolls right - and goes down.

[Linked Image]

By this time, we're close to the Coastal Command airfield at Thorney Island, whose air defence people have been banging away rather indiscriminately. I exit stage right, in a climbing turn.

[Linked Image]

Looking around for the Hun's crash site, I'm more than a bit miffed to see that he's actually heading back out to sea at low level, albeit trailing a wisp of grey smoke. You can just about see him in the pic below, to the left of my right-hand windscreen frame, just in from the sixth nut from the bottom.

[Linked Image]

Fair enough. If it's another attack you want, I'm your man. I check behind - all clear - and go down after the Hun.

[Linked Image]

I pull up from under his tail when close enough, and let fly. You can see one of my tracers in the next pic, which I somehow managed to take without altogether wrecking my aim. Incidentally in 'Spitfire Ace', Gordon Olive mentions a couple of times that RAF fighters during the Battle - he flew Spits with 65 Squadron - didn't use tracers, unlike the Germans, and you could only tell another RAF fighter was firing from the dark smoke, burnt cordite presumably, it left in a trail behind. Not sure about that but there it is.

[Linked Image]

Anyway, the 110 banks left and again, goes down.

[Linked Image]

This time, there's no doubt about the outcome. If anyone got out, I didn't see them.

[Linked Image]

Job done. Home, and tea. This time, I deserve it (with apologies to the BoB movie for borrowing one of their of many little midget gems of RAF dialogue). A check on the R/T confirms the others are also homeward bound but base is a fair way off - West Malling, if I recall right. I'm short for time, so rather than risk spoiling it all with another one of my 'wizard prangs' at the nearest airfield - Thorney Island, with its enthusiastic Ack Ack gunners - I quit the mission. The adage 'Get out while you're ahead' has always been a big influence on my life.

Just to stop me from getting too pleased with myself, I recall how these first raids of the morning have completed the destruction of two of my coastal airfields, amongst other damage. Further east, two RDF stations are still out of action and relying on mobile sets plugging the gap (yes, BoB2 does model this). How long all this lot will be out of action, I don't know. A few 110s knocked down personally doesn't seem like a great exchange. But I'll take stock later. The day's not over yet, not by a long chalk.

Attached Files shot_377.jpgshot_378.jpgshot_379.jpgshot_380.jpgshot_382.jpgshot_383.jpgshot_384.jpgshot_385.jpgshot_386.jpgshot_387.jpgshot_389.jpgshot_390.jpgshot_391.jpgshot_392.jpgshot_393.jpg
Last edited by 33lima; 07/22/19 06:34 PM.

SimHQ Battle of Britain II screenshots thread
CombatAce Mission Reports
"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." (attributed to Marcus Aurelius)

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