Dawn Patrol using VASSAL

Kirk · 2 May 2007, 09:49 AM

For anyone interested in this great game from years past, it has jumped into the 21st century with the creation of a VASSAL module that allows it to be played online realtime or via e-mail. We're in the initial stages of getting weekly online games going as well as e-mail games. If you're interested, head on over to the "VDP" (VASSAL Dawn Patrol) section of the Indy Squadron forum at: http://sopwith21.proboards92.com/index.cgi?board=vassal and join in on the fun.

As is the case with many VDP players, we're all still in learning mode because many of us simply haven't had the chance to play the game face to face with anybody before. So even if you're new to DP, don't hesitate to come over and check us out.

Kevan · 8 May 2007, 09:02 AM

Further to Kirk's post, there is a game scheduled for this Thursday (May 10) at 8:30pm CST. Thursdays seem to be shaping up to be our regular weekday gaming night, and we've been managing to get together weekend games too.

For those who can't make the schedule games, there is also the option of playing by e-mail. We have one e-mail game going already, and a second is currently being set up.

The Vassal module has been updated with tons of new planes and counters, and we're continuing to work with it. More planes will be available in a few weeks, and we're also working on new maps for custom scenarios. More information is available in the Vassal Dawn Patrol (VDP) sections of the website and forum at www.indysquadron.com.

Kirk · 8 June 2007, 05:08 AM

It appears the Dawn Patol games using VASSAL have really started to take off. Last nights game (7 June) featured seven players, three of us in SE-5a's against a mixed bag of three Albatri and a Pfalz. Fun game, although after my Lewis jammed and my engine started to smoke I had to beat a hasty retreat into the clouds to escape.
There is a new VASSAL module planned for Dawn Patrol in the near future that will feature a bigger board (the one that comes with the game isn't anywhere near big enough) and upwards of 300 different aircraft counters to use.
Come join us some Thursday evening. You don't even have to play if you don't want to. With VASSAL if you just want to come in and watch to get a feel for the game you're able to do that.

Kevan · 15 June 2007, 06:26 PM

On June 21st, we will be starting a campaign that should last through the summer months. Based over the western front in July, 1917 it will feature a mix of dogfights and two-seater missions that start with SE-5s vs Albatros DIIIs (escorting Brisfits and D.F.W. CVs for the two-seater missions), with the introduction of the SE-5a and Albatros DV as the campaign progresses.

We will be using the newly redesigned Vassal Dawn Patrol Module v1.2, featuring larger maps and improved graphics.

Fly-ins are welcome in any game, even after the campaign has started. Games usually start Thursdays between 8 and 9 CST.

For more information, or to sign up your existing pilots for the campaign, head on over to the forums at www.indysquadron.com

Kirk · 6 July 2007, 09:36 AM

Last nights (Thursday July 5) weekly gathering saw three separate missions flown. The first pitted a pair of SPAD XIII's against a Fokker DVII and an Albatros DVa. The Fokker got in a quick shot on a SPAD and killed its engine, sending it gliding back toward it's own lines. The second SPAD hung around for only a couple more turns before using it's speed and dive capability to head back to the aerodrome with the Huns disappearing behind him.

The second game of the night was a game for the campaign Kevan describes above. In this one an SE-5a escorted a Bristol F2B which was attempting to do some artillery spotting. They were met by three Albatros's and it looked like it might be an unfair fight. As luck would have though, a first shot by the SE critically wounded a German pilot and set his plane on fire which evened the odds. On top of that a late comer to the game flew in with his SE-5 to lend support to the Allies. Unfortunately only a couple turns later a shot into his engine saw it exploding in flames. The two remaining Brits soldiered on until the SE pilots Lewis ammo ran out and the Bristol had taken too much damage. They both headed home to regroup and fight another day.

The third game of the evening saw a pair of Sopwith Camels dueling with a pair of Pfalz DIIIa's. The Sopwiths darted and danced around their less nimble foes and did some damage, but then both British planes jammed their guns. The two German pilots then took the opportunity to escape and head for home, using their great diving ability to advantage.

All in all a great night of playing Dawn Patrol online. If you've got a copy of Dawn Patrol gathering dust on a shelf somewhere, drag it out and join us. It's a great time and I'm sure you won't regret it.