RAF Pilots Unite! Syndicate Server

[bw_wolverine]

It'd be great to have a group of Spitfires and Hurricanes form a wing tonight. All of these lone wolf sorties are starting to deplenish our ranks!

I'm calling out RAF pilots who wish to form up and make a fighter sweep tonight on the Syndicate Server. Let's form up over Dover castle and take the fight to those huns across the channel.

If anyone is interested, join the Syndicate Server around 8:30pm EST tonight and we'll leave the English coastline around 9:00pm after forming up.

Don't worry if you don't have vent or teamspeak or whatever. Just be in the air over Dover at 9:00pm tonight and form up on whoever is there first.

Tally ho!

EDIT: As a courtesy, I hope any Luftwaffe pilots reading this will allow our forming up and not attempt to crash the party early so to speak. Thank you in advance.

[FFCW_Urizen]

too bad the server´s on the other side of the world, i might be crashing the party (in this case, not because of flying for the axis, but because of crashing into wingmates) :D .

[ATAG_Septic]

21:00 BST? I will be there if the erks can get my kite in good order :)

[bw_wolverine]

Dover radar has picked up indications of a large formation building in France!

All pilots scramble! Scramble!

[CaptainDoggles]

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060203224147/uncyclopedia/images/2/2c/Luftwaffle.jpeg

[Das Attorney]

lol :)

[klem]

8:30pm EST (1:30am UK) is a bit late for me but a couple of us were there around 9 til 11:15pm UK time. Got a few kills, no deaths :)

Looking forward to some more organised action. Have to say LW made a nice raid on Dover around 11pm UK time.

I also asked on the LW thread: Is there a stats page for Syndicate server?

[klem]

Guys, I was just posting in the LW thread about last night. I'd like to get involved in some organised flying on Sunday night around 8pm UK time, presumably on Syndicate server.

Anyone else?

I guess we'd use the Syndicate Ventrilo server to meet up?


EDIT: I just posted a general invite on the main forum.

[Redroach]

I'm at the process of converting to the blenheim and, as of now, try to tackle bombing accuracy and more precise navigation skills.
If I finally join you guys on Syndicate, I'll expect escort to france and back! :D

[klem]

I'm at the process of converting to the blenheim and, as of now, try to tackle bombing accuracy and more precise navigation skills.
If I finally join you guys on Syndicate, I'll expect escort to france and back! :D

Well, I'll be there along with at least one other 56 member and quite possibly a couple more. So we can definitely escort you if the RAF are on the offensive but we're more likely to be on defense if the LW turn up.

No idea if this will get off the ground but we can only encourage and hope.

Lets see if there are any other takers :)

If there aren't we can run a bombing mission/escort on their miserable airfields or some other target.

[Redroach]

Heh, okay. I checked out the conditions for Blens on Syndicate lately - the official targets seem to be some ships near Boulogne. Given the fact that Blenheims will likely never be able to bomb with such precision, I'd rather go for LW airfields as well - in fact, that was my original intent :D
Flying as 'DeMolay', btw

P.S.: How long do bomb craters last on airfield runways? :rolleyes:

[Blackdog_kt]

That's a good question...i've seen first hand the damage that results from taxing over one, but i don't know how long they last.

As for attacking ships it's not unheard of for Blenheim's to go skip-bombing, check this picture from the wikipedia article:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Blenheims_flying_low.jpg


Generally speaking, the RAF was a bit more "free-form" in its bomber tactics than the usual level bombing in formation thing that the LW and USAF had going for the most part (probably due to their weaker defensive armament) so don't be afraid to use their slightly unconventional but still historical tactics.

I've read accounts of diving attacks by Hampdens in night raids, bombers navigating almost solo to the target, pilots having a choice on their take-off time (within a reasonable timeframe of course), etc...it all points to the fact that they were trying to spread the bombers out and make them harder to detect, then they would try to hit the target the best way they could and if a formation is not an issue, dive bombing is perfectly valid.

After all, it does have a ring-and-bead gunsight available. Proper detonator and bomb delay selection to avoid blowing yourself up is another matter though ;-)

[Redroach]

yes, you're right, skip-bombing may very well work. But I'm not much into that, I prefer level bombing.

As for the sight and fuzes, I'll have to extract more knowledge from the guys in the gameplay thread - see you there :D

[jojovtx]

I thought level bombing was broke? Can't even release bombs but from the pilots position. I would love to take a HE111 out for some med alt level bombing sorties. But I for the life of me can't get it sorted.

[Blackdog_kt]

Level bombing works if you have automatic bombsights like the He111 does. Check my sticky FAQ thread on the main page for a long-winded explanation :-P

What doesn't work is manual bomb release via joystick/keyboard buttons if you are not sitting in the pilot's seat. You can still click on the switch in the bombardier's cockpit though and the bombs will drop, or switch back to the pilot's seat and press your stick button.

I prefer the first method, simply zoom out a bit with the FOV keys just before it's time to drop and click on the switch.

[klem]

We had a go at an organised event tonight around 9pm UK time but really we needed more time in advance to organise numbers, comms etc. which can be done on the forum if we make the effort.

I don't think our small group of four ever ran into SYN_Bliss's group but the server was quite busy (50+) and we had enough fun. We were stuck on TS as our guys don't have Vent yet (I'm working on that) but I think at least one other group was trying to work together. Its a bit different from our usual squad size of 10-12 but I hope that will change with the patch(es) and we'll get our numbers up again. Also hope to tie up with other guys in the future.

Thanks for the server and the opportunity Syndicate.

[Redroach]

also logged in for a short while, and took my blen over to france to bomb an airfield. I couldn't assess the damage done as I was quite busy with a me109 on my tail :D
I got shot up pretty badly (even lost the port engine and the rest of the wing was on fire...btw, how to use the fire extinguisher on the blenheim? :rolleyes: ) and had to ditch in the channel - but my tail gunner got the 109 as well! yay!
'twas fun so far, though I could really use an escort ^-^

Btw: @SYN admins:You should make an exception and let the blenheims spawn on the runway plx. Taxiing with blens is a nightmare, engine-temperature-wise :rolleyes:

[Blackdog_kt]

I have mapped a key to the fire extinguishers, but for multi-engined aircraft i think you need to select each engine individually and then press the extinguisher key (at least that's the way it was in IL2). That is, unless there's separate keybindings available (extinguisher 1,2,etc listed separately in the commands).

Generally speaking, that's how every "generic" command works with more than one engine (it's the same as the engine start, we select the engines first before pressing "I").

I also seem to remember there's a couple of handy buttons right on the starboard side of your instrument panel, press F10 to enable the mouse cursor (if it's not already on) and just click on it :-P

That being said, i doubt that they would be of much use with a full wing on fire. I think they are contained in the engine nacelles for taking out the fire before it spreads, but if it reaches the wing fuel tanks there's not much left to do.

[JG52Krupi]

Yeah the only way to stop that kind of fire is to blow it out by diving.

I had two fires on my 109 last night both on the right wing but my elevator was hit and I had to try hard to force my aircraft into a dive and watched them get blown out fantastic stuff.

[Redroach]

I also seem to remember there's a couple of handy buttons right on the starboard side of your instrument panel, press F10 to enable the mouse cursor (if it's not already on) and just click on it :-P


that's what I was referring to - but they don't seem to work out-of-the-box. I didn't expect the fire going out (as you say), but there's no confirmation whatsoever - no message, no "button depress animation" or such, so I doubt I got them to work.
From the looks of it, those buttons seem to be covered by some rubber cap. Maybe there's the trick somewhere.

[JG52Krupi]

that's what I was referring to - but they don't seem to work out-of-the-box. I didn't expect the fire going out (as you say), but there's no confirmation whatsoever - no message, no "button depress animation" or such, so I doubt I got them to work.
From the looks of it, those buttons seem to be covered by some rubber cap. Maybe there's the trick somewhere.

Yeah I was looking at that the other day I might make a engine fire mission and experiment with it.

[bw_wolverine]

I'll be back flying and helping to organize larger group sorties soon. I'm putting some finishing touches on my first CloD film (my first film ever actually) and I'm getting crazy about trying to fine tune it.

[klem]

Last night Blues were practicing hard their bomber formation attacks on shipping, Hawkinge etc.

We need Reds to oppose them. Unfortunately I'll be away next wekend but I'll be on the Syndicate server and Ventrilo on Wednesday around 7:30 to 8 pm UK time if anyone is interested in getting this underway. We need to get some numbers together and talk tactics for next Sunday.

Hoping we can get this sort of thing going in reasonably large numbers so if you fancy this kind of scenario, jump in!

[McFeckit]

I'll be on tonight and tomorrow once i've got Ventrillo setup.

[klem]

There should be 4 or 5 of 56 Sqdn on tonight (Wednesday) but we could do with a dozen or so guys all together.

Sign up! Well, turn up. We can't let the Blues have it all their own way :)

Syndicate Ventrilo at 7:30pm or shortly after. Hoping to 'go' at 8pm.

[SEE]

Tried and tried but no luck getting in :(. Might have more luck on Sunday.

[McFeckit]

Thanks Klem for teaching me about Whisper on Ventrilo this eve, very informative. I only wish I could spot the enemy better - must eat more carrots! Will try to make Sunday eve but it'll have to be after 9 as my son needs his evening bedtime fix of Harry Potter.

[klem]

Tried and tried but no luck getting in :(. Might have more luck on Sunday.

You weren't alone SEE - unless you were on line as Angelo, he couldn't get in either even though he had been on the server earlier. There were about 41 of 128 on when he tried.

Thanks Klem for teaching me about Whisper on Ventrilo this eve, very informative. I only wish I could spot the enemy better - must eat more carrots! Will try to make Sunday eve but it'll have to be after 9 as my son needs his evening bedtime fix of Harry Potter.

np McFeckit, it was good flying with you. By the way when it comes to setting compass you need the additional(?) controls info window. If it helps I posted here:
http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/showthread.php?p=311744#post311744
my [ChatWindow] settings, how to do it and what it gives you. You may find it interesting.

There were an encouraging number on Syndicate Ventrilo last night although several may have just been listening. Hope we didn't hog the channel, Sunday will call for some comms discipline :) I also hope they were there in response to this 'call to arms' and will be there again on Sunday :)

Guys, I can't make Sunday myself due to long-standing Family stuff but some of the other 56'ers will be there. This is not a '56' event, we just jumped onto it when the SYN guys suggested it, you don't need to belong to a Squad to join in. It will at least be a good first try.

I don't know how much the Blues will tell you of their intentions but it may come down to watching the spawn messages carefully around the time they launch (you should be co-ordinating that with the Blues - JG52Krupi is your man on the Blue side) and the occasional RDF messages. I would suggest you form at least pairs, maybe sections of four, some of you will know all about that and can help those that don't. Recce the channel along four or five patrol lines if you have no idea where they are coming from. Try to maximise forces before engaging, if there's time. Rest of you converge on the fight.

Kick-off time isn't confirmed but I would suggest 8pm UK/9pm Euro time and to get there about half an hour earlier to get organised, sort out pairs and comms, etc.

Hope this works out ok. I strongly recommend you let one person organise you on the night, perhaps one of the other 56'ers (56RAF_Talisman, 56RAF_phoenix, 56RAF_Dutch or our C.O. 56RAF_witch, if he can make it, all know this stuff).

Step up Guys and have a good time!

[5./JG27 Lehmann]

Good fun on Syndicate last night, shot down 6 109s across 2 sorties with my wingman, ~S~ Krupi, Jamz et all :)

[SYN_Jed]

should have a good number of SYN guys patrolling tonite :)

[SEE]

You weren't alone SEE - unless you were on line as Angelo, he couldn't get in either even though he had been on the server earlier. There were about 41 of 128 on when he tried.



That was me....very gutted too! I didn't think having SEE as a ventrillo call sign when flying with a squad was a good idea :grin:. Tried today and no problems getting on to the server so going to try again tonight and join the Syn guys. Hope to catch you and the the other forum members the weekend. Still, I enjoyed just listening you all why I vainly attempted to solve why I couldn't log in.

[SYN_Per]

I'm joining tonight as soon as my son is off to bed!

[Redroach]

hey, I'll try to be on tonight, too. Though I could use some general intelligence beforehand... I'm still trying to be the bomber guy who interrupts LW operations in my blenheim, and therefore... which LW airfield is, generally speaking, the most active one? So that I can concentrate my efforts on that one first.
Maybe I should even do some recce flights in advance :rolleyes:

Anyway, the most direct route to the LW's nests seem to be very dangerous - I get spotted and intercepted just about every time, even by AI BF109's on occasion. Maybe I should change my approach and/or get an escort fighter or three :)
If anyone is into airfield bombing operations in the blenheim, too, feel free to join my Gold squadron (consisting of myself as Gold One as of now :rolleyes:).

P.S.: Can we make somewhat 'advanced' use of the chain home radar system? I know that new enemy formations are regularly reported via radio, but is it possible to squeeze out even more use of the radars? I'd guess that we are currently limited to just that because of technical reasons (missing AI communication and the like), but maybe someone has found some secret :)

[Blackdog_kt]

So, you'll be cratering runways in the Blennie?

The magic words are "long delay fuse": there's some crazy stuff in some of the detonators, you can set 6 hours of more or delay, enabling you to technically get kills in the event of a lucky blast when you're not even logged into the server :-P

For practical purposes of airfield denial during a couple of hours event though, you might want to go with something more practical like half an hour or so ;-)

[Redroach]

Heh, I just came back from doing a bombing mission - I went for the airfield south-west of calais (loaded 2x500lbs). My plan was to approach from the south, so I went from Littlestone (Blen's home airfield) to Le Touquet, proceeded eastwards and then set a northerly course towards Calais. Despite my beginner's level in Navigation, this worked surprisingly well! :D
Sadly, though, I must have done something wrong with my bombs... after releasing them, I circled repeatedly over the target and couldn't spot any explosion, smoke or something :( . So there's still some educational work for me ^-^
After heading out to the channel, I somehow lost my elevator... it just didn't work anymore. But I got home and managed to land (a bit roughly) on my home airfield - after ending the mission, I could look at my plane via external view and I spotted several holes in the fuselage; just under the elevator and on both sides, so a flak must have gotten me.
It was quite fun tonight, so the next step is to figure out the bomb thingy and to start to communicate with the red guys on vent (I was on the server and thought they were all native english speakers, so I was a bit shy for today... ;) ).
Cya next time ^-^
P.S.: Achieving good accuracy may be a major task as well with the blenheim. Perhaps there are really more blenny pilots to be found, so we can up our chances on a direct hit onto the runway :D