Dogfight Over France!

A Most Suspicious Breakfast

The skies were clear over the Western Front— clear except for the enormous roaring monster that was a German Gotha bomber. The great beast was on a typical mission— to bomb a bridge and a factory deep in Allied France. Though quite well armed, the commanders had spoken, and two escorts rose along with her— none other than the Red Baron himself, once again in the cockpit of his beloved crimson triplane. He was joined by an older, yet capable Albatros D.III, a brother in its markings to the the Baron’s own pride and joy. There had been a slightly “off” taste to the morning’s sauerkraut, but neither the Baron or his wingman thought much of it. One accepted what one had here on the front, and a fine wine had washed it down all the same.

But as they approached their mission’s target zone, the aces began to doubt their vision and their decision to fly the mission. Oh, the three rising Allied attackers were not a problem— they were two-seater fighters, a threat to the bomber, of course, but no match in maneuverability or speed for the German fighters. But that fourth...object...racing in from the south...how did it fly? Who—or rather what—was its pilot? Mein Gutt! What was in that sauerkraut???

World War One Flying Ace with Favorite Beverage.

A New, uhm, “Plane” for the Dawn Patrol.

It was time again for yet another evening of Wings of War/Wings of Glory, this time at Commandant Will’s domicile. And as promised, I had a surprise up my sleeve (okay, in my miniatures box).

Yes, that’s exactly who it looks like. The Red Baron’s greatest nemesis (if he had only known)— or maybe just the result of some bad sauerkraut— the Famous World War One Flying Ace...Snoopy, and his trusty Sopwith Camel...uh, red doghouse.

(Where did he come from? How did you make him? Where do I get one? Well, that’s a different blog.)

For the purposes of the game, Snoopy was a standard Sopwith Camel (Barker’s plane being the one I replaced). I attempted to argue that Snoopy’s guns, being imaginary, could not be jammed. To which Captain Michael replied, “Snoopy’s bullets, being imaginary, shouldn’t do damage.” So I waved away the former if he would wave away the latter, and we got on with the game. (Really, Michael, you were supposed to be my ally, as you were flying British planes!)

So, after quaffing burgers with root beer (the drink of choice for the World War One Flying Ace), we took to the air.

The Dogfight Begins (Pun Intended)

First strike to Snoopy!

As you can see, the Red Baron and Snoopy encountered each other from the start. A brief burst from Snoopy’s paws...uh, guns...and the dogfight had begun.

He was trying to read the lettering on the tires.
(And apologies as I have no idea what the German is for "beagle.")

Initially, Snoopy and the Red Baron engaged in incredibly tight maneuvering, too close for either to get off a shot. The Crimson Albatros turned in to aid the Baron, a tactical error for the Germans as this fight was not actually about Snoopy, as awesome as he of course is. The Bristol/RH4 trio closed in on the Gotha, taking fire from the giant’s two guns, but responding with their own— and also catching the Albatros in their fire as well.

Snoopy takes a hit! (But Albatros makes a mistake...)

Nice flying, Snoops!

Snoopy, knowing the Gotha would require a lot of bullets to down, and unable to get a bead on his nimble nemesis, decided to go straight for the bomber. He quickly realized this was a mistake, as he wound up behind the Bristols and unable to fire through them at the bomber. Perhaps, the beagle thought, maybe his true job was to harry the German fighters and protect the Bristols while they did the task of taking out the Gotha.

A Bridge Too Close.

In the meantime, the Bristols were doing a good job of that, as a lucky strike killed the Gotha’s rear gunner, leaving the beast unable to bite the hunters on its tail. Despite this, the bomber reached its first target, a bridge that clearly served as a key supply route for the Allied lads in the trenches. Unfortunately for the Germans, bad luck continued to rule their day, as the first load of bombs were only capable of dealing partial damage to the bridge. The span would require a second pass, a dangerous delay considering that a second target also needed to be struck.

Meanwhile, Snoopy showed just how skilled he was as a pilot, executing a swift Immelmann turn to race back directly at the Red Baron. Snoopy took serious fire at this point (“Curse you, Red Baron!”), and was much concerned about the continued airworthiness of his doghouse (9 damage against a max of 13).

Brief action interlude! With awesome special effects! And one killer 'stache!

Brief inaction interlude!

Quite a fight and mighty tight!

The Bristols/RH4 continued their pursuit of the Gotha, pouring heavy fire into the behemoth of the skies, and taking fire both from it and the Albatros, and even the Red Baron (it had become quite a tight little scrum at this point). 

Back to the shooting!

Everybody dance now!

It's raining lead!

 The Albatros, however, fell away, struck down by the rear gunner of a British Bristol. 1st kill to the Allies!

1st kill! The flying half & half cookie takes out an Albatros!
(Oh, come on. That's exactly what that Bristol white & brown color scheme makes you think of, isn't it?)

Snoopy Comes Out On Top!

And then, quite unlike his typical experience chronicled in comics and television, Snoopy achieved his ultimate dream— he downed the Red Baron! Yes, the dreaded scarlet triplane plummeted from the skies, pursued by the triumphant barking of the brave beagle.

Baron down! Baron down! Bark bark bark bark bark!

Snoopy executed a victory barrel roll over his fallen foe as he sped now to aid his comrades against the lumbering Goliath— but there was no need. The steady British flyboys had done their work. The Gotha too was gone. The bridge was intact, the munitions factory in no danger. Snoopy and the lads had saved the day!

And a Round of Root Beers for Afters

This was quite an enjoyable evening. The group got a kick out of Snoopy’s appearance in the game, and I had a lot of fun flying him, hamming it up, “firing” my arms at the enemy, and making appropriate Snoopy sounds throughout. Will even pulled up the classic novelty song Snoopy and the Red Baron as the theme music for the night.

A Little Artistic Serendipity-Dog

As for Snoopy’s “banking” turns visible in the photographs, these came about by happy accident. The inside of the doghouse contains styrofoam, as I hadn’t had time to come up with a more substantial way of attaching the post from my Sopwith Camel base. Instead, the styrofoam is simply jammed on the post, with friction holding the assembly in place. As a result, a little accidental nudging caused Snoopy to appear to “bank” (and also allowed him to be easily straightened, too). I quite like the effect. I suppose in the long run I’ll need a more permanent and durable fix, but having Snoopy appear to fly was a fun little element for the game.

Up next: How I “Made” Snoopy, or Quick and Cheaply Letting Someone Else Do the Hard Parts.

But for now, thanks for reading!

--- Parzival