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- B-17 Version 2.0 Read Me File
- -----------------------------
-
- Last Minute Enhancements
- ------------------------
-
- B-17 is an extremely detailed simulation of the WW2 bomber and its crew.
- It comes with a large manual that contains all operating instructions but,
- due to the time it takes to print such a huge document, last minute
- enhancements and gameplay hints are included in this Read Me File.
-
- Technical Details
- -----------------
-
- 1.
- 286-Based Machines
- For owners of 286-based machines running at 16 MHz it is recommended that
- you turn down the detail level to minimum via the Configuration Screen
- (accessed after the Mission Briefing or Alt/C) or by pressing Alt/D
- (Detail Level) and Alt/H (Horizon Complexity).
- It is also recommended that you turn the detail level to minimum during
- Air Combat but remember to restore detail level during the Bomb Run and
- for accurate Navigation.
-
- 2.
- Expanded Memory
- In general, B-17 will run better the more system memory it has. It will
- also utilize 64K of Expanded Memory.
-
- 3.
- Hard Disk Caching
- Hard Disk Caching will increase playability and frame rate update.
-
- 4.
- Joystick Calibration
- Joysticks may be calibrated by selecting the Calibration option on the
- Joystick menu in the Configuration Screen. If spurious cursor movement
- caused by uncalibrated joysticks makes it difficult to select the required
- buttons, press KEY J to go directly to the calibration screen.
-
- 5.
- QEMM and Stealth
- On some machines, B17 may not operate correctly with QEMM's Stealth
- feature. If you encounter any problems you should disable QEMM's use of
- Stealth or consult the Read.Me file supplied with QEMM for details of
- special precautions required on some machines when using Stealth.
-
- Gameplay
- --------
-
- 1.
- Quick Start
- A Quick Start option is available on the Difficulty menu on the
- Configuration Screen. Select this option to bypass the taxi-out sequence
- and eliminate navigation errors (see 3 below). You will begin the game as
- the last of a flight of three B17s, queued, ready for take off, near the
- start of the runway. You will be in manual control of the pilot, with
- your engines running and throttles set in the idle position. Increase
- power to the engines to begin taxiing forwards, then follow the other
- members of your flight out onto the runway for take off.
-
- 2.
- Manual/Computer Control
- The simulation will show a Hand Icon in the top left-hand corner of the
- screen when you are in Manual control of any B-17 position. If you choose
- to revert to Computer control (Key M) a Computer Icon will appear in the
- same position.
-
- 3.
- Navigation
- Your Navigator will always make minor errors in estimating your position
- depending on his particular skill level. Your B-17 flight will drift off
- course unless you manage to correct his estimates. The more you correct
- him successfully the better will become his skill level.
-
- 4.
- Bombing
- If you do not wish to aim and drop the bombs manually, or if there are no
- uninjured crew members qualified to operate the Norden Bombsight you can,
- provided you are in formation, position a crew member at the bombardier's
- station and have the computer controlled crew member release the bombs
- when he sees the raid leader's signal.
-
- If you do wish to bomb manually, you should position a qualified crew
- member at the bombardier's station, through whom to control the Norden
- Bombsight, and, using the Radio Operator, send the "Bomb on my command"
- radio message to take control of the bomb run so that the computer
- controlled crew will wait for your commands.
-
- 5.
- Gunnery
- The Turrets menu on the Configuration Screen allows you to set the speed
- at which the turrets and hand held guns will traverse in response to the
- keyboard and joystick controls. In addition, fine tracking may now be
- enabled by holding down either KEY Shift or KEY Control while operating
- the other controls, the latter is recommended as it may give better
- results with some keyboards.
-
- 6.
- Landing
- The procedure for landing differs depending on whether or not you are in
- formation when you reach Alconbury.
-
- If you are in formation, the formation will circle Alconbury, descending
- to an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet, at which point the Alconbury
- control tower will radio permission to land. When this happens, the
- computer controlled pilot will break away from the formation to begin his
- landing approach and will land the aircraft unless you take manual control
- by selecting the pilot and pressing Key M. If you wish to land
- immediately, before landing permission is granted, you must send a radio
- message requesting permission to land, then wait for the reply from the
- tower to start the landing sequence.
-
- If you approach Alconbury while out of formation, the control tower will
- ask whether you need permission to land. If you want to land the aircraft
- you should reply with the radio message requesting landing permission,
- then proceed as described above.
-
- Remember, landing the aircraft manually will increase your score for the
- mission.
-
- 7.
- Breaking Formation
- If you wish to break away from your 3 plane formation at any point you
- must send a message to the rest of the flight via your Radio Operator.
-
- 8.
- Fighting Engine Fires
- B-17 now has a more detailed engine fire-fighting procedure.
-
- If engine fires are not extinguished within 1 minute, the engines will
- suffer damage and stop functioning. If the fire persists, (depending on
- the B-17 reliability level you have chosen) your B-17 is liable to
- explode between 2 and 12 minutes after the fire has started.
-
- If your fire extinguishers are ineffective, or have been used up in a
- previous fire, you can try to extinguish the fire by diving your B-17 at a
- speed in excess of 350 mph. Avoid speeds over 400 mph as this will result
- in structural damage.
-
- 9.
- Crew Names
- Crew member's names may be changed by selecting the Name button on the
- Crew File Screen, when this is accessed from the Crew Photo Screen between
- missions.
-
- 10.
- Music
- Music may be switched on and off by pressing KEY Alt-S.
-
-
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