B-17, Queen of the Skies - Looking for an upgrade!

[DennisS]

I played B-17, Queen of the Skies until my fingers bled, and I got carpal tunnel from rolling the dice. To this day, I have all seven cards completely memorized. Seriously. I have thorough and comprehensive statistics on more than ten THOUSAND missions ran.

So...from looking at Boardgame Geek, there is another game, B-29, which appears to have similar mechanics. Any reviews on this one?

For the B-17 game, I re-worked the target list to add in 200 additional targets, and an elaborate RPG system for the crew (individually named and tracked). I am looking for something a little more than B-17, and I am thinking that this may do the trick.

Thoughts?

[Staggerwing]

IIRC there was both a B-24 variant as well as an Avro Lancaster one.

[jomni]

I don't have B-29  but it's a decent upgrade.  It adds fuel management.
The B-29, while high-tech during it's time, was prone to several failures.

[Jack Nastyface]

I've seen the B-29 game out-of-the-box but didn't play it.  It looks fairly well made and has some different features than the original B-17 QotS.  There is also a Korean War mod for the B-29 game.

I believe there is also a new version of B-17 being developed by the B-29 games guys...can't remember the name right now...but I think it aims to include some new features like seconday target decisions.

[Jack Nastyface]

Dennis,
From your player experience, what is the most-dangerous crew position in the B-17?

I've played probably 100+ games, and for some very odd reason my greatest KIA's were in order: navigators; co-pilot, waist-gunners.  I also only rolled 1 bip.

Also also....can I PM you regarding something I've been toying with for a B-17 report out?

Yours at the IP,

Jack Nastyface

[DennisS]

Dennis,
From your player experience, what is the most-dangerous crew position in the B-17?

I've played probably 100+ games, and for some very odd reason my greatest KIA's were in order: navigators; co-pilot, waist-gunners.  I also only rolled 1 bip.

Also also....can I PM you regarding something I've been toying with for a B-17 report out?

Yours at the IP,

Jack Nastyface

I kept elaborate statistics, every would and death, over many thousands of missions. I can tell you exactly.

For the B-17 variants that did NOT have the twin nose cannon, the bombadier and navigator took fearful losses.

I have had many, many BIP, as well as runaway engines, and fires. Hits in the bomb bay are always fun, when you haven't dropped your bombs yet.

I have hit 100% bombs on targets exactly once, 90%+ many times.

Go ahead and PM me..I know this game like no other game, ever.

[Fitz]

Played B29. If you got carpal tunnel from B17, then plan on your arm becoming completely paralyzed from B29. Much more involved, concerning fuel, navigation, equipment failures, etc.. However, I think there's a Vassal out for it. Currently out of print, but I hear someone is doing a reprint.  I gave up on it and sold mine, but if it comes out again, I may give it another try as a Vassal would help a lot. That's the only way I would play it.

John

[Rekim]

Speaking of B-29, I just noticed it's up for reprint. This year according to the website. I just pre-ordered it for $40, no money down

http://www.legionwargames.com/legion_b29.html