Moggy asked me to make a utility that loaded frontlines so that he could test a collection that he has for Dunkirk.


In all forms of EAW the frontlines are stored in the "frntline.dat" file, and this file contains 20 individual ones numbered 0-19.
Only four are used for single missions.

In the default EAW ETO theatre
1940 uses #0
1943 uses #0 (no invasion yet)
1944 uses #8
1945 uses #12

Some time ago we got the 1.28 series of exes to read and use a "frontline.mpf" file, if one is present in the theatre or root folder.
It has the four numbers in it, so the default is:
0
0
8
12

This opens up several possibilities. I have one which is:
0
0
8
19
In #19 much of eastern Europe is in allied hands, reflecting the effect of the Russians in 1945.

You can make a static frontline using:
10
10
10
10
All years use frontline  #10

To do the job I had done something similar when I wrote the FAWManager for Per's Finnish Air War, so I was able to produce just what Moggy needed


This one is running in my FAW150 folder, and I can load any of Per's original frontline to use in single mission or multiplayer games


However, the utility is really adaptable, and is not just limited to frontlines. 





In my "SPAW2019FinalCut" folder I have the option of using the default version, or two different multiplayer versions without the need for separate theatre folders.

I have the old 'Frontlinemover' utility from way back in the day working with my 1.60 install. As far as I can remember, there are two versions available on TallyHo but it is the older one that works. If you remember, it comes with a little map that shows the location of the frontline. Of course, it only covers the Western Front.

Edit: Looked it up. The old Frontlinemover utility was made by Dave Joyce, also known as mane_raptor. The version that works for me is 1.1.

This is another variation in my Default ETO folder



The set-up is always like this wirh a "DateRelated" folder and the "FLSwitcherV3.exe" program in the theatre folder


"DateRelated" folder contains the folders listed for selection:


In this case the "0000" folder contains a "Frontline.mpf" file with the data
0
0
0
0

....... and the "0019" folder contains a "Frontline.mpf" file with the data
19
19
19
19

So selecting one puts a "Frontline.mpf" file in the theatre folder that the exe will use.

I can use it to use/view any one of the 20 frontlines.

If anyone wants a copy please let me know