Soaring into the Wargames Illustrated office, like a diving Zero from a clear sky, are Warlord Games’ new Aircraft Flights for Victory at Sea (get the rules for this WW2 naval combat game free with Wi 392).
Each set includes four Flights of four planes each, mounted on custom stands that display the aircraft model along with a letter to represent the type of Flight.
These seem to be manufactured in the new, much talked about Warlord Resin. We’ve had a good play with the flight stands (which in some cases can be changed so the dial displays a different type) and it does seem to serve this purpose well. It’s a mixture of flexible and sturdy, so there’s less risk of breaks.
We have slight concerns about the sliver of material at the front of the stand’s ring – we didn’t quite dare to put it to the test with extended flexing – but so far, so good!
First up is the Junkers Ju-87, better known as the fearsome Stuka. This specialist terrorised the Allies with its accurate, deck-penetrating attacks and distinctive diving siren wail. The Stuka stand is a single piece, unlike the other Flights, as it can only perform Dive-Bomber attacks.
The F4U Corsair was a reliable American carrier-based aircraft and the F (Fighter) and B (Bomber) options on its stand represent its capabilities. The 1:1800 scale of the game doesn’t allow for a ton of detail but anyone familiar with the designs of these aircraft will be able to spot distinctive changes in size, shape and features thanks to the sharp casts.
Talking of distinctive design, here’s the Fairey Swordfish, which despite its outdated biplane frame was used as a reliable Observation option or as a Bomber and Torpedo-Bomber, with all options covered on the flight stand.
Last up is the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Japan’s fast but armour-like-paper fighter. Rather apt for this article’s final Flight, the Zero’s stand has the option for Kamikaze attacks as well as the Fighter and Bomber roles.
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