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Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Wargaming => Topic started by: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 04:05:51 AM

Title: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 04:05:51 AM
Having started looking at the rules for RAF:Battle of Britain and realising how easy they are to read and how fun the game looks, I've decided to do an AAR on this before I do one for Blood and Bridges (apologies to anyone looking forward to the B&B one - but I will get back to it).

I've got my boards mounted and really looking forward to this one. I just can't believe how easy the rules are to follow. After reading LnL rulesets for B&B and BoH - this is a very pleasant surprise (maybe I'm just thick). But things like the Sequence of play...it obviously shows you the sequence and an explanation of the sequence, but has amention for which rule section in the manual you have to go to to complete the phase.

My enthusiasm for the ease of these rules may be premature - but my initial look through them gripped me with excitement.

I'm going to be playing RAF:Battle of Britain EAGLE:German Solitaire game. The scenario will be the one day Prelude to Eagle Day which the rulebook suggests will take a new player around 4 hours. You can likely multiply that by 5 with an AAR, what with writing up and pictures.

Startup layout coming soon.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: MikeGER on November 17, 2013, 05:51:46 AM
+1 8)
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 06:07:25 AM
Well, I had hoped to get the board setup and take a few pictures, but unfortunately I forgot all about the counters - and how "mental" you lot are about the corners! So I've spent the last hour cutting out the counters and trimming the corners - and this has left me no time to setup the board

If I can start this today, I will. If not, I expect the first pictures and descriptions will come starting Monday.

As an opener

Prelude to Eagle Day
Card Preparation
Set the Target Deck, Raid Event Deck and Day Event Deck into accessible piles (German Strategy Deck are not required for this scenario)
Remove Target Cards 35-60 and Raid Event Cards 132-134 from the piles.
Shuffle each deck and place face down

Unit Placement
Place all 27 Hurricane and Spitfire counters full strength up in their respective sectors (but not Blenheim Sqns)
Place all 77 Gruppen counters full strength up in their assigned air bases

Target Priorities
Place the Priority Markers on the Target Priority Track as follows

Other Marker Placement
Put the Clock marker in the 0600 space in the Clock
Place the 7 time markers on the Raid Planning Track
Detection Marker on the Detection Track
Day marker on August 11 box
Victory Point marker on the 0 box, British Side (+) up

Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: bob48 on November 17, 2013, 06:10:20 AM
Good stuff JD. This has got my interest up.

..well done on the counter corner cutting......... ;)
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 06:15:23 AM
This is a Luftflotte 2 South Target Card
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131117_110612_zps0e7a3087.jpg&hash=ae8da6584490c5775716d0e857c9379aed916cc3)

This is an Event Card
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131117_110624_zpsf3cea200.jpg&hash=b628a7073004f04ceb1da60a2fc10b4654e769d2)

And this is a Day Card
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131117_110638_zps74ea61d8.jpg&hash=4e6bbf0733e7166c18e5f72fa36e3b5698b0b743)

I'll explain about them when I come to use them in game.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 17, 2013, 07:57:26 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 06:07:25 AM
Well, I had hoped to get the board setup and take a few pictures, but unfortunately I forgot all about the counters - and how "mental" you lot are about the corners! So I've spent the last hour cutting out the counters and trimming the corners - and this has left me no time to setup the board

Who, us??   ???   ;D

Looking forward to this AAR, more so than B&B actually.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: MengJiao on November 17, 2013, 08:09:30 AM
Quote from: bob48 on November 17, 2013, 06:10:20 AM
Good stuff JD. This has got my interest up.

..well done on the counter corner cutting......... ;)

It does look like it will be fun.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Nefaro on November 17, 2013, 02:08:10 PM
That reminds me.. I need to pick up new toenail clippers for counter cutting.  My copy should be showing up Monday or Tuesday.  ;)

Looking forward to the AAR.   Snap to it!  :P
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Bison on November 17, 2013, 04:47:30 PM
Quote from: GJK on November 17, 2013, 07:57:26 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 06:07:25 AM
Well, I had hoped to get the board setup and take a few pictures, but unfortunately I forgot all about the counters - and how "mental" you lot are about the corners! So I've spent the last hour cutting out the counters and trimming the corners - and this has left me no time to setup the board

Who, us??   ???   ;D

Looking forward to this AAR, more so than B&B actually.

I want to see photos of how he organized his counters too.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Nefaro on November 17, 2013, 08:08:22 PM
Put 'em in some old 'dime bags'.  :P
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 02:16:19 AM
Quote from: Bison on November 17, 2013, 04:47:30 PM
Quote from: GJK on November 17, 2013, 07:57:26 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 17, 2013, 06:07:25 AM
Well, I had hoped to get the board setup and take a few pictures, but unfortunately I forgot all about the counters - and how "mental" you lot are about the corners! So I've spent the last hour cutting out the counters and trimming the corners - and this has left me no time to setup the board

Who, us??   ???   ;D

Looking forward to this AAR, more so than B&B actually.

I want to see photos of how he organized his counters too.
You're a tough bunch!

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131118_071430_zpsd1b7f1b2.jpg&hash=e0eca7e2cfbb619ff02104453e52cbe9dbdfee9f)
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Rekim on November 18, 2013, 07:13:39 AM
What about the card sleeves JD?

My copy of RAF arrived last week but am not likely to start fiddling with it until later this winter. I usually sleeve cards if the game involves lots of shuffling or placing of playing pieces placed on cards. Not sure if RAF is going to qualify just yet. So far I have only glanced in the box and based on that quick inspection I figured that the RAF card decks might be smaller than a standard, so may be tricky to source proper sized sleeves for it.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 07:15:20 AM
sleeves for the cards? No...a step too far that.  ;D
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Nefaro on November 18, 2013, 07:56:11 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 07:15:20 AM
sleeves for the cards? No...a step too far that.  ;D

You gonna freeze the game box in carbonite, too?

;D
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 03:57:22 PM
First screenie...All set up.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131118_204742_zpsfbb1b728.jpg&hash=fdc05d3814005b7cc90b262f6d1aac0204ecabc8)

The might of the German Luftwaffe is poised and ready to launch the first of many days which will see raids all over southern England. The brave but few RAF pilots await the onslaught.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 05:28:07 PM
Prelude to Eagle Day
Sequence of Play

Daily Planning Phase
Night Raid Planning
Optional and not being used here

German Strategy Draw
Draw German Strategy cards based on the Victory Point total - Strategy cards are not used in the one day scenario Prelude to Eagle Day

Raid Target Selection
Draw 10 Target Cards (8 if Morning Haze is in effect because you cannot plan a raid for 0600 or 0800 with Morning Haze active)

I draw 10 - and these are the 10
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FTargets_zps82eb2f1b.jpg&hash=dfd8f7b06575be09606f1af7e3eb5b11f656e5c5)

I now have to determine which ones are valid targets.
Looking at the German Raid Priority Table I can see a matrix. So...
Industry & Cities - These are Low Priority and therefore for any with Strategy Value 1 or 2, I cannot attack, but for Strategy Value 3 I can perform a Minor Raid
Airfields - These are Medium Priority and therefore for any with Strategy Value 1 I cannot attack, for Strategy Value 2 I can perform a Minor Raid and for Strategy Value 3 I can perform a Major Raid
Ports & Radar - These are High Priority and therefore for any with Strategy Value 1 I can perform a Minor Raid and for Strategy Value 2 & 3 I can perform a Major Raid

So, having looked at these, I remove
Farnborough (city)
Southampton (city)
North Weald (airfield)
Rochester (industry)

NB - If you do not select at least 3 targets which allow for Major Raids, draw Target Cards one at a time until you have 3 Major Raids
This has happened to me - I only have 2 Major Raid targets - so I pull another card and get Rye - Radar Site

And I can perform the following raids
Minor Raid
Minor Raids allow for 1-3 Gruppen to take part in the raid
Southend (city)
Hornchurch (airfield)
Biggin Hill (airfield)
Worth (radar)

Major Raid
Major Raids allow for 1-16 Gruppen to take part in the raid
Biggin Hill (airfield)
Kenley (airfield)
Rye (radar)

And I assign them to the following times by placing them on the Raid Planning Track and putting the time counter next to them.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131118_222143_zpsccf876fc.jpg&hash=f70ede0f5f57bc45f21ca9cc173ba0479930d817)

NB - you can have up to 3 raids performed per time segment
NB - the time slots are important in that each time segment the clock is moved, RAF fighters move in varying stages of readiness
^I'm not fully aware how this will work - it seems like something that will become more apparent when I play - so hopefully I can clarify then.

More tomorrow
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 18, 2013, 05:56:04 PM
I'm doing some digging in to this game on BGG.  It's got really good reviews (I look real long and hard at any game that has a subject matter that I'm interested in AND has an average rating over 7 - this one comes in at 8.06).  I like to read the player reviews and I look for people that I either know or have read so many reviews from that I know their style and what they like.  Looking at the 10's and 9's, the people say that it's an outstanding bang for your buck value and damn fine solitaire game.  The low ratings (4's and up which tells me it really is a good game with no 2's or 3's (I discount 1's)) have the only major squabble as being that there just aren't a lot of decisions to be made.  THAT is what I look for in this AAR; are you making some key decisions or are you simply drawing cards and making rolls on charts.

BTW, this is a John Butterfield design and I've enjoyed a number of his titles, so that's another positive in my book.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 06:04:46 PM
That's very controlled of you. Unfortunately, I buy board games the same way I buy computer games...on impulse. I do some investigation, but as long as it's solitaire and has a reasonable score (above 6 on BGG) and is of interest to me, I might make the purchase. Thankfully, boardgames (that I am interested in) are not as prolific as computer games.

Actually I say unfortunately, but the only game I regretted buying was U-Boat Leader - not that it was bad, just not my cup of tea

Regarding your question re decisions or drawing cards/rolling dice - I am not there yet to let you know...I've read the rules once (more scan read than deep reading) and now I'm playing whilst going through the rules.

I like doing AARs whilst learning because you can play and go to the various ruleset for the various phases. Also if anyone around is knowledgeable, they can pull you up when you are a dork.

So I can't really tell you at the moment, but hopefully it will become apparent as I go through it.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Windigo on November 18, 2013, 06:05:40 PM
Quote from: MikeGER on November 17, 2013, 05:51:46 AM
+1 8)

and..... +1 from me too
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 18, 2013, 09:28:02 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 06:04:46 PM
That's very controlled of you. Unfortunately, I buy board games the same way I buy computer games...on impulse. I do some investigation, but as long as it's solitaire and has a reasonable score (above 6 on BGG) and is of interest to me, I might make the purchase. Thankfully, boardgames (that I am interested in) are not as prolific as computer games.

Actually I say unfortunately, but the only game I regretted buying was U-Boat Leader - not that it was bad, just not my cup of tea

Regarding your question re decisions or drawing cards/rolling dice - I am not there yet to let you know...I've read the rules once (more scan read than deep reading) and now I'm playing whilst going through the rules.

I like doing AARs whilst learning because you can play and go to the various ruleset for the various phases. Also if anyone around is knowledgeable, they can pull you up when you are a dork.

So I can't really tell you at the moment, but hopefully it will become apparent as I go through it.

I already blew through my wargaming wad this month; Rising Sun (ASL core module), The Supreme Commander and The Hunters all hit late last month or this month plus I picked up used copies of For the People and Combat Commander: Pacific recently so with the holidays coming up, I'll just have to stick to what I have for now (cue the violins).

Oh, and yes, I figured you'll learn about how involved you get as a player once you actually start playing the game - so yes, will be following along closely.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 18, 2013, 09:34:55 PM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 06:04:46 PM
Thankfully, boardgames (that I am interested in) are not as prolific as computer games.

That would make an interesting topic for another thread.  Generally I find that boardgames cover many/most subject matter more thoroughly; meaning with more games than you get with PC games.  However, if I read in to what you're saying, it's easier to pick up a PC game on the fly and give it a whirl as opposed to a boardgame which will generally consume more time prepping, learning and setting up.  If you were just a pure "collector", I suspect that you'd buy boardgames more frequently but I gather you actually play (or attempt to play) any boardgame that you purchase - which is good.  My goal is to at least try and play each boardgame that I've purchased but I don't know that there would be any way that I could possibly do that but I have been more constrained in my purchases in recent years in that I too am trying to make it a point to not purchase any game that I don't think that I'd ever get to in a reasonable amount of time.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: MengJiao on November 19, 2013, 11:47:31 AM
Quote from: JudgeDredd on November 18, 2013, 05:28:07 PM
Raid Target Selection
Draw 10 Target Cards (8 if Morning Haze is in effect because you cannot plan a raid for 0600 or 0800 with Morning Haze active)


  I'm comparing this with the Burning Blue as you go.  Of course the Burning Blue is not supposed to be solitaire so I had to randomize
things while setting up raids (eg. each "raid" had three potential targets, but tBB gives you a huge list of actual raids to pick from so that
was almost a natural extension).  In tBB the poor Germans don't have much luck if there is variable weather in different parts of the map and they hit haze or clouds; they just get lost and bomb something else at random -- which of course did actually happen pretty often in reality.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: BanzaiCat on November 19, 2013, 11:51:50 AM
I've tried to get to a review of this for a while, and while I've made a bit of headway I obviously haven't had a chance to complete it yet.

This game is a LOT of fun. I spent a lot of time playing the older version years ago.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Windigo on November 19, 2013, 12:02:48 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 19, 2013, 11:51:50 AM
I've tried to get to a review of this for a while, and while I've made a bit of headway I obviously haven't had a chance to complete it yet.
This game is a LOT of fun. I spent a lot of time playing the older version years ago.

Thats ok Puss, you're in fine company in that regard... no names but someone dropped the ball on what was going to be a kickass gold plated review of PitF... pitty
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 19, 2013, 12:03:59 PM
There is haze and patchy cloud and broken cloud in this game. You roll I believe to see the outcome of the weather.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Nefaro on November 19, 2013, 02:23:52 PM
Just unboxed my new copy last night.  Sure, the maps aren't mounted but I'm kinda glad they separated each separate sub-game's manuals up so that you don't have to constantly skip over paragraphs pertaining to a different play mode.   8)

I saw mention that the counters could be a bit troublesome to punch out, but I've not done so yet.  The artwork looks good in general, though.


Hey JD.. what made you decide to play the 'Eagle' game first?  I'm probably gonna try out 'Lion' on my first go if only because it may be easier or faster to do so.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 19, 2013, 02:30:17 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on November 19, 2013, 02:23:52 PM
Just unboxed my new copy last night.  Sure, the maps aren't mounted but I'm kinda glad they separated each separate sub-game's manuals up so that you don't have to constantly skip over paragraphs pertaining to a different play mode.   8)

I saw mention that the counters could be a bit troublesome to punch out, but I've not done so yet.  The artwork looks good in general, though.


Hey JD.. what made you decide to play the 'Eagle' game first?  I'm probably gonna try out 'Lion' on my first go if only because it may be easier or faster to do so.

I couldn't agree more about the manuals...superb idea to split them out into the 3 modes - Axis Solitaire, Allied Solitaire and 2 player.

I'm WWII German mental. Not all the bad stuff obviously. I was always enamoured with their aircraft and tanks. I always loved the German kit.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: W8taminute on November 19, 2013, 03:13:50 PM
Here we go, another AAR that I will subscribe to in order to keep track of. 

This game interested me immediately when it was mentioned here a few weeks ago.  Wish the map was mounted but other than that the quality of the materials that comprise this game look superb. 
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 19, 2013, 06:06:33 PM
Still on the

Daily Planning Phase
Bomber Assignment
I now assign bomber Gruppen. I need to stay within the Raid Size limits and (though it's not specifically mentioned, I believe the Raid Size Limits include fighters).

The limits are 1-3 Gruppen for Minor Raids and for Major Raids the max number of Gruppen depends on the number of raids being performed in a day. For me I have 7 raids happening so I am allowed a maximum of 11 Gruppen.

I move the bombers taking part to their target cards making sure Luftflotte 2 and 3 aircraft are assigned to the correct cards
NB - something that isn't clear in the rules for me is some of the cards say Luftflotte 2 South and Luftflotte 2 East - but I don't know how to determine those. The map board only has Luftflotte 2 slots - no South and East segments.

NB There's very possibly importance on which aircraft to assign to your raids. I expect that is quite important due to Bombing Strength and Combat Rating. I didn't take account of this - I just threw aircraft into the mix - but I expect (GJK) that this is one of the important decisions you will have to make and I hope my lack of doing so is displayed to you in all it's glorious failure  ;D

Fighter Assignment
After assigning bomber Gruppen, I assign fighter Gruppen for the first 3 Time Slots (not targets) only.

These are my raids with my bombers and fighter escorts.
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131119_214756_zpsf2df21bf.jpg&hash=87753caa69f2a8c1452911108fea5016e7f6c8ca)
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131119_214804_zps7ffe3f45.jpg&hash=3d87b50c5a94e3d6cc27d139e9f1c4b471ac0f8e)
NB Point to note about the target WORTH - it is in 4/10 (Sector 4 Group 10 - Middle Wallop) and that sector is outside Me109 range. However, the rules state you can still assign Me109 escorts but they will be placed in the Channel Patrol Box...I don't know about the significance of this yet (presumably they can be intercepted quicker possibly?) - but it will become apparent when I get to that stage. It sounds like a potential "penalty" for the German player though.

Night Patrol Assignment
Optional and not being performed in this game

Repair
Skipped on first day for obvious reasons  ;D

Time of Day and Weather Forecast
Put the Time counter on the clock relating to the time of your first raid (for me that's 0600)

Next is to Roll for Weather
Roll one die for each Luftflotte and consult the Weather Table. I roll a 1 for Luftflotte 3 which gives me clear weather in that area (no counter placed) and I roll a 6 for Luftflotte 2 which gives me Broken Clouds...I'm sure that won't be good.

Here you can see I've put a Broken Clouds counter on the map in Luftflotte 2 and left Luftflotte 3 empty showing Clear Skies
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1160.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fq499%2Fwmar1967%2FBoard%2520Games%2FRAF%2520Battle%2520of%2520Britain%2F20131119_214659_zps1eed3b3e.jpg&hash=250bf7d6488d1d4b2e322cd979f16c52a97368cc)

I have no Luftflotte 2 bombers left. Six of my seven raids were in Luftflotte 2! I didn't have enough bombers and filled each of the raids up to their maximum 11 Gruppen with fighters.

Sorry it was a bit short tonight - but football was on (well done Germany  ;D )

More tomorrow
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Nefaro on November 19, 2013, 07:57:00 PM
Whomever bitched about the counters not being punched well, on Boardgamegeek, were right.  This has to be one of the worst, if not the worst, counter-punching experience I've had with a wargame. 

It was a fight to get the damn things out in one piece and a bit nerve wracking.  I actually had the backside paper peel off on one of my Blenheim counters.  Luckily the paper was in one piece so it was an easy Elmer's glue fix.  :-\  After that, I had to use a modelling knife to ensure the rest didn't put up as much of a fight.  They were still goddamn messy and worrisome.. definitely had to clip the corners afterward.   I've never had to use a razorblade just to get all the counters out of the counter sheet before.  Perhaps I just one of a few people to get an exceptionally bad counter sheet?  I am glad there was only one.

Other than that, everything looks pretty good.   I hope they demand better results on their counter sheets from the printer in the future.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 19, 2013, 09:21:57 PM
JD: Regarding the ME109's and the Channel Patrol Box.  Seems to me that the 109's range only allow them to escort up to that point and then afterwards the bombers will need to fly on to their targets unescorted.  Suppose that will come out as your game progresses.

Nefaro: I have a sharp pair of stainless steel scissors that I use to carefully cut all of my counters from the sprue's.  I first cut out the section of counters and then cut the separate strips and then the individual counters.  Seems to work better for me than a hobby knife personally.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 19, 2013, 11:25:42 PM
scissors wouldn't have done it...hammer and chisel would be more like it lol
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: ArizonaTank on November 20, 2013, 04:24:52 AM
Quote from: Rekim on November 18, 2013, 07:13:39 AM
What about the card sleeves JD?

My copy of RAF arrived last week but am not likely to start fiddling with it until later this winter. I usually sleeve cards if the game involves lots of shuffling or placing of playing pieces placed on cards. Not sure if RAF is going to qualify just yet. So far I have only glanced in the box and based on that quick inspection I figured that the RAF card decks might be smaller than a standard, so may be tricky to source proper sized sleeves for it.

What's a good source for card sleeves?
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 20, 2013, 04:35:06 AM
Re card sleeves, my current experience is that I don't use my games enough to worry about the cards. I do about "folding maps" and especially paper maps which is why I took the very sensible advice to mount them myself behind perspex.

This may change though as I seem to be moving slowly away from PC gaming and play more boardgames

What's funny, and it was mentioned here (I think), is that for me the board game experience is all about the physical things. The cards, the dice, the look, the maps...and even setting up - but I cannot ABIDE setting up in a computer game. Nothing turns me off faster in Combat Mission Shock Force than loading a scenario and having to spend an hour moving everything before I can start playing. That is exacerbated by being so finicky about how to do Linf of Sight, get down to ground level for EVERY unit, see what they see, move them and repeat until you get the optimal position!

I think I'm going to create a new thread for the Germany Eagle Prelude to Eagle Day Scenario AAR. It's my own fault...by doing it piecemeal it just invites questions and debates re the game or anything else really and kind of breaks up the AAR.

Has any moderator got a problem with me doing that?
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 20, 2013, 06:46:22 AM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on November 20, 2013, 04:24:52 AM
What's a good source for card sleeves?

My FLGS gets shipments of the "Mayday" brand of sleeve (an example here, this isn't my FLGS):

http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=58366&ref=goog&gclid=CO7B6rqk87oCFa5r7AodayAADw#.UoygP-WeTO4

At the store, they have a printed list of many of the most popular games and what size sleeve the game uses, which is very handy and nice of them to do.  Here's a similar list that I've found on BGG:

http://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/102880/card-sleeve-sizes-for-games-a-not-yet-comprehens
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Rekim on November 22, 2013, 04:26:00 PM
Quote from: ArizonaTank on November 20, 2013, 04:24:52 AM
Quote from: Rekim on November 18, 2013, 07:13:39 AM
What about the card sleeves JD?

My copy of RAF arrived last week but am not likely to start fiddling with it until later this winter. I usually sleeve cards if the game involves lots of shuffling or placing of playing pieces placed on cards. Not sure if RAF is going to qualify just yet. So far I have only glanced in the box and based on that quick inspection I figured that the RAF card decks might be smaller than a standard, so may be tricky to source proper sized sleeves for it.

What's a good source for card sleeves?

I'm no expert when it comes to card sleeves. To date I've used what I find on the local store shelf, which is usually Ultra Pro brand. I usually bring a card with me to help with selecting the proper size but have walked away empty handed on occasion.There are some games that I am still trying to source sleeves for (Tokyo Express, Up Front). From a quick peek in my RAF box I got the impression that the cards may not be a standard size and might prove tricky to sleeve. In fact, the RAF cards appeared to be similar in size and shape to the Up Front action card deck.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 22, 2013, 04:47:25 PM
Per that BGG link, RAF uses:

Number of Cards: 165
Arcane Tinmen Sleeve Size: Large (AT-10402) 59 x 92 mm
Fantasy Flight Sleeve Size: Standard European 2 5/16" x 3 9/16" (59x92 MM)
Mayday Sleeve Size: Standard Euro 59 x 92 mm
Swan Panasia Sleeve Size: SWN-025 60 x 92 mm
Ultra Pro Sleeve Size: Standard European 59 x 92 mm

For Up Front, I used:
Number of Cards: 162
Mayday Chimera 57.5x89

Which give a real nice fit.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: BanzaiCat on November 22, 2013, 05:02:25 PM
Quote from: GJK on November 22, 2013, 04:47:25 PM
Which give a real nice fit.

That's what she said.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Rekim on November 22, 2013, 08:02:03 PM
Quote from: GJK on November 22, 2013, 04:47:25 PM
Per that BGG link, RAF uses:

Number of Cards: 165
Arcane Tinmen Sleeve Size: Large (AT-10402) 59 x 92 mm
Fantasy Flight Sleeve Size: Standard European 2 5/16" x 3 9/16" (59x92 MM)
Mayday Sleeve Size: Standard Euro 59 x 92 mm
Swan Panasia Sleeve Size: SWN-025 60 x 92 mm
Ultra Pro Sleeve Size: Standard European 59 x 92 mm

For Up Front, I used:
Number of Cards: 162
Mayday Chimera 57.5x89

Which give a real nice fit.

I guess that means the RAF cards are a standard size. Great. Thanks for the info GJK.
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: GJK on November 22, 2013, 08:42:09 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 22, 2013, 05:02:25 PM
Quote from: GJK on November 22, 2013, 04:47:25 PM
Which give a real nice fit.

That's what she said.

Either you're sleeving the wrong card my friend or you are mistaken as to which forum you are on.  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: W8taminute on November 22, 2013, 08:55:14 PM
Quote from: Banzai_Cat on November 22, 2013, 05:02:25 PM
Quote from: GJK on November 22, 2013, 04:47:25 PM
Which give a real nice fit.

That's what she said.


Banzai!!!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.texas-asl.com%2Fimages%2Fbanzai%21%21.png&hash=6e5c6f5c745ff126556ee0bbd4a4fe47afc29a16)
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: BanzaiCat on November 22, 2013, 10:09:12 PM
I think it's time for sleep...at first glance I thought those counters said "BANZAI MILF."

Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: Staggerwing on November 22, 2013, 11:05:26 PM
If only...  :-\
Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 24, 2013, 08:40:49 AM
I am making progress on my AAR and I will post it when complete as opposed to in sections - just wanted you to know I wasn't giving up. There's a lot of reading and charts to view.

The rules are superb. They really are. Very clear and concise and when you are going through the play sequence, where further explanation is required the section explaining it is listed - and it's complete - no confusion at all.

This is the way to write instruction manuals!  ;D

Title: Re: RAF:Battle of Britain AAR
Post by: JudgeDredd on November 24, 2013, 08:42:10 AM
Oh - and by the way - I looked at a couple of bits of this video and it looks pretty good.

Nefaro - as you are doing the LION scenario, you might want to watch

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Caj6nt1n1vU