Game Flow and Rules
 

• You will need to own the game (B-17 Queen of the Skies) or Preston McMurray's emulator to play. You may be able to find copies still in stores, or can try to find a copy on ebay.
  

• If you wish to join our group, send me an email using the form link at the bottom of the page. You will be placed on a reserve list if there are currently no openings.
   
• We have already flown three campaigns, comprised of 25 missions each. The Archived files of those campaigns can be found here.
   

• All rules in the standard game, plus errata published in the General, will be used. The following exceptions are noted:

  • The mission briefing will be posted on this site with all necessary information to fly the mission. Each player will be notified via email when the new mission is posted. Each player will have 10 days to complete each mission.
     
  • There is no need to roll for target, formation position, lead or tail, modifiers per zone, air cover per zone, weather (target and base) or flak. These will all be determined by the CO and will be posted on the mission for today page.
     
  • We will use Random Events when rolling for enemy waves.
     
  • At the player's option: Spray Fire
     
  • At the player's option: German Fighter Pilot Status
     
  • We will use the fuel tank fire rule which states: When a fuel tank fire occurs, an additional die roll be made with the following results: 1- fire out, plane out of formation, roll for leakage, 2- fire continues, roll for leakage, out of formation, must re-roll in all subsequent zones, 3-4- controlled bailout, 5-6- uncontrolled bailout.
     
  • We fly 1 mission at a time.
     
  • We will use the expanded target list. A strategic map is also available for the expanded target list. Fighter protection will extend to all zones. Allies are now flying fighter squadrons off the continent, extending their range, along with the improved drop tanks.
     
  • We are using the B-17G since our missions are now flown in mid-late 1944. The improved sights for the tail gun will not be used until introduced in 1944.
     
  • Since we are using the expanded target list, as a reminder the following rules are in effect: 1. Bombers in LOW FORMATION ONLY receive a +2 modifier die roll when determining number of enemy fighter waves while in a ZONE OVER GERMANY. This supersedes the modifier in the Zone Gazetteer for the mission.
     
  • While the 8AF and SHAEF rejected the establishment of heavy bomber bases on the continent for logistical reasons, 8AF support and service units began to arrive as early as July 1944. First were communications and fighter control units, but as the progressive liberation by the Allied armies  of most of France and Belgium made it possible for many 8AF bombers and fighters handicapped by weather, damage, or lack of fuel, to land or crash-land in friendly territory, 8AF Service Command personnel and units assumed the salvage and maintenance role the 9AFSC could not effectively perform. 

    Any crippled bomber which cannot reach England, or would be forced to ditch at sea, if in a gazetteer zone designated /F or /B, is allowed to land in the continental zone with a –2 landing modifier (in addition to its  other accrued landing  mods). The plane is not salvageable in a reasonable time, so the surviving crew could return next mission, but the bomber is lost.  All Chart G-9 and G-10 procedures and modifications apply except G-10(c), (d), & (j).
     

  • George Martin has been kind enough to make up new Mission sheets for the B-17F and G incorporating the new rules for the chin turret and extra ammo. Versions for each squadron, plus a standard sheet are available in both 8 1/2 x 11 and A4 size.
     
• Remember, your mission parameters will be set and posted. You will be responsible for rolling for enemy waves appearing, rolling for flak hits (remember, flak intensity is already set) and dropping your bombs.
   
• When the mission is complete, each player will fill out the mission completion form. Included in this should be:
   
  • On or off target and percentage
  • Whether the plane was destroyed. If so, crew killed or POW.
  • Number wounded (LW or SW and or rotated home)
  • Crew Changes due to losses.
  • If plane made it back, what damage it incurred. Not necessary but adds color to the AARs.
  • Enemy planes downed and damaged and type.
  • Any crew member that performed beyond the call of duty.
     
• Any player that does not complete the mission on time will be considered not to have flown for game purposes. Please notify me if you will not be able to fly. If you miss two missions in a row without first notifying me you will be grounded.
   
• We will not be using the Mechanical failure rules. It's hard enough to fly as it is.