Air Combat

As you would expect of a Wargaming Association of RAF types, Air Combat was a keen interest of the members from the start. An Air Combat Trophy was one of the first to be contested annually, using 1/300 scale metal aircraft of the jet age, the rules were “Jetnoise”. Players selected a “package” of aircraft, without concern for nationality or era. Gloster Meteors flew alongside Mig 27s with no eyebrows raised!

Later, the competition moved on to 1/200 scale World War 2, using “Fighter Ace” rules. No mix of nationalities was permitted, so players found ways around this by flying Finnish Gloster Gladiators on the Axis side, and other peculiar yet historically correct combinations.

A few years ago, the “Air” scene lapsed as a contested period, but some clubs, such as Leuchars, still play “Dambusters” in 1/300 and “Battle of Britain” in 1/200 scales, plus a famous version of “Memphis Belle” in 1/72 scale.

As interest in Air Combat waned or moved to other genres, so Star Fleet Battles grew in popularity to the stage where it now forms the basis for combat for the Trophy honours.

Star Fleet Battles is a tactical level space combat game based in the Universe of Star Trek. The time frame is of the original series, so whilst we have the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, Gorns, Orions and Tholians, you won't find the Borg, Cardassians or the Dominion in Star Fleet Battles (although there are a number of unsanctioned designs on the net which can be fun). Players control one or more starships and can fight to the death using phasers, photon torpedoes, disruptors, plasma torpedoes and drones (guided missiles).  The choice of races and ships is immense, giving players the chance to "fly" against many different opponents - both hereditary enemies (in the world of the Star Fleet universe) and otherwise.

There are a total of 17 races published for the Alpha Sector, which concentrates on the United Federation of planets, and some 22 other races in the Omega Sector. Other races and areas are continually under development.  Although normally flown on a map with counters, Star Fleet Battles is also flown with model metal starships on large "Megahex" maps.

We also have a lively Play By E-Mail group that practices the skills of it's commanders during the lean times between physical "one-on-one" or "one-on-many" gaming opportunities.

See more at www.seeyouinspace.org.uk