Playing ONLINE - Multiplayer UPDATE v2.0

Well, we finally tried Game Ranger and I do have to say that I was pretty impressed.  The connection speed (ping) was pretty good and there was very little to no lag.  Also, starting up the game - the very first time, we had an issue... but from the second time on, there were no problems.  And with VFW28_Rhino in his first ever multiplayer experience, we were able to get together in the game much easier than with DBS Lobby.

When you first sign in to GameRanger - the games available screen will be FILLED with all the different games being played.  To simplify the list to Crimson Skies (or games that you currently have on your computer) just open the drop down list and change the listing to 'My Games'.

 

Now you can see the list of multiplayer games available that you have on your computer.  As you can see, there's only ONE Crimson Skies game being hosted by someone at this time.  If you want to join, but highlight that came and click on the join button on the top right.  If you want to host a game, just click on the HOST button.

 

Also a nice feature available is being able to change your screen name (nick name) without having to create an entirely new account.  Just click on your friends list and open 'User Profile' to change your Nick Name.  Oh, and another good thing is that GR (GameRanger) accepts the underscore '_' character for User Names.  This is a plus for those of us that play with Squadrons that have the underscore or other characters in the squad name (VFW28_) is ours.

As of now, it looks like we're going to be using GameRanger.Com for our Multiplayer need.  Go to http://gameranger.com to check it out!

UPDATE 05FEB18: GameRanger still supports Crimson Skies!

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission NINE

This WEEK'S* MISSION - Peril For Blake



*Since there are only 24 Missions, we've decided to spread them out to Weekly updates rather than 'daily'.  ;)

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission EIGHT

Today's Mission - The Petrol Plot

Hughes Aviation Bloodhawk

• Model: Hughes Aviation Bloodhawk
• Class: Fighter
• Manufacturer: Hughes Aviation Company (Culver City, Hollywood)
• Engine: Allison V-1690 (1,288 hp)
• Wing Span:29 ft, 6 in
• Length: 27 ft, 6 in
• Height: 14 ft, 1 in
• Loaded Weight: 8,250 Lbs
• Service Ceiling: 22,000 ft
• Range: 400 Miles
• Max Speed: 300 mph
• Max Accel: 65.6 fps
• Weapons: Two (2) Barrett Arms 'Mustang' .30 Cal machine guns, Two (2) Barrett Arms 'Ranger' .40 Cal cannons

The Hughes Aviation Bloodhawk is the latest in a line of superlative aircraft from Hollywood’s premiere aircraft manufacturer: Howard Hughes. The Bloodhawk is the epitome of style and function, engineered as much for appearance as for deadly effectiveness.

The Bloodhawk first manufactured in 1936 is powered by a fuel-injection Allison V-1690 engine that produces 1,288 horsepower; the craft also uses a pusher-prop that allows it to attain speeds of just over 300 m.p.h. in level flight (with 350 m.p.h. possible in a dive).

The Bloodhawk’s pusher-prop and rear wing design poses some problems, however. Though extremely maneuverable at high speeds, the Bloodhawk does not perform well at low velocities and has an unusually high stall speed. Damage to the nose-mounted canard wings exacerbates this problem. These stubby wings, counterbalanced by the engine, play an integral part in keeping the aircraft aloft.

The Bloodhawk’s weaponry (nose-mounted cannons—two .30-caliber and two .40-caliber) are manufactured by Browning, and were designed for both a high fire-rate and low incidence of jamming. The weapons’ location and sighting systems are precision balanced for accuracy, earning the Bloodhawk a reputation for lethality despite its relatively modest armament. Under-wing pylons allow the aircraft to carry rockets or external fuel tanks as required, though the latter have a detrimental effect on the aircraft’s handling; they are generally only used when moving aircraft from one location to another or on long-range escort missions.

Though the Bloodhawk incorporates few revolutionary ideas, the design’s balance of new and old concepts makes it in a superlative aircraft and one of the most sought-after designs in North America.

The Bloodhawk is currently a backbone design among Hollywood aviators, particularly the Hollywood Knights. A handful are also in service with the Republic of Texas, the Empire State and Dixie. The latter are the subject of considerable acrimony between Hughes and the Confederacy (which has led to the blacklisting of Dixie-based clients). A recent raid on Manhattan by Dixie forces in which the Confederate pilots used several captured Bloodhawks has further heightened tensions.
~Firedrake.com

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission SEVEN

Today's Mission - 'The Pilfered Prototype'

Spicy Air Tales - The Case of the Phantom Prototype

Have a Kindle and want to read a few Crimson Skies Spicy Air Tales?  Download 'The Case of the Phantom Prototype' HERE.

NO CD Crack and v1.02 Patch

For those of you who would like to play Crimson Skies WITHOUT having to use the CD every time you play - you can add the Crimson Skies CD Crack.

Click HERE for the NO CD Crack download.

Installation Instructions

1. Download Crimson.zip from the link above
2. Unzip the file 'crimson.exe' from the zip file and extract to a location you will remember, like on your desktop.
3. Drag and drop the file 'crimson.exe' into the Crimson Skies game folder (ie. C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Crimson Skies\)
4. When it asks 'Would you like to overwrite Crimson.exe?'; click YES
5. You will now be able to start the game without the Crimson Skies CD!  If you have ANY questions, let us know.

NOTE: This NO CD Crack will work with both v1.0 and v1.02 - however, if you have v1.0, you should download and install the v1.02 patch first, then install the NO CD Crack.

Click HERE for the v1.02 Patch

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission SIX

Today's Mission - The Red Menace

This Month's Pin-Up Girl...

Miss February!

Original VFW28 Banner ad found!

OMFG!  I can't believe that after a brief search of a few Crimson Skies sites that are still operational, I found an ORIGINAL VFW28 Banner ad that I made over a decade ago!  How sweet is that?!  BWAHAHAHAHA!!

http://webspace.webring.com/people/nj/joecool1234/

Ammunition - The Tesla Beeper & Seeker Missles

BEEPER AND SEEKER ROCKETS

One of Nikola Tesla's many innovative inventions, beeper rockets are small, armor piercing rockets equipped with transmitters. When fired at a target aircraft, beepers inflict only cosmetic damage, instead attaching themselves to the target and emitting a homing signal for several minutes.

Seeker rockets, on the other hand, follow this homing signal, exploding when they come into close proximity with the beeper. Seeker rockets are complex devices; essentially, they are small, radio-controlled and rocket-powered aircraft. Although the seeker rocket is "smart" enough to move toward the beeper, it is not sophisticated enough to avoid collisions with other obstacles. (Pilots firing a seeker at a target that has been "tagged" with a beeper must have a clear line of sight to the target.)

These weapons are difficult to use, but devastating when used properly. Though high-g maneuvers can throw off a seeker rocket, such aggressive evasive tactics can inflict damage on an aircraft, as well. Because dogs can hear the high-frequency sounds emitted by a beeper rocket, many pilots fly with pet canines stowed in the cargo area (as an early-warning system against this unusual weapon); when the dog starts barking, pilots start making evasive maneuvers.
~firedrake.org

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission FIVE

 Today's Mission - The Union Jack's Revenge

Fairchild F611 Brigand

• Model: Fairchild F611 Brigand
• Class: Heavy Fighter
• Manufacturer: Fairchild Aircraft Manufacturing (Hagerstown, Maryland, Columbia)
• Engine: Pratt & Whitney R600 (991 hp)
• Wing Span: 41 ft, 1 in
• Length: 30 ft, 9 in
• Height: 12 ft, 11 in
• Loaded Weight: 8,250 Lbs
• Service Ceiling: 18,000 ft
• Range: 350 Miles
• Max Speed: 250 mph
• Max Accel: 65.6 fps
• Weapons: Two (2) Westmore 'Dragon' .30 Cal Machine guns, Four (4) Anderson Mk 103 .50 Cal Cannons

The Fairchild Brigand first saw service in 1935, initially flown by the Arlington Angels (Columbia). Almost immediately, the Brigand earned a reputation as a reliable and effective combat plane, and has become enormously popular.

The F6II is fast—powered by a 16-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R600 engine though this speed comes at the expense of fuel economy. (While the Brigand’s innovative fuel-injection system is likely the culprit here, it does provide one advantage: gravity has no effect on fuel flow, a problem with some older craft.)

The Brigand is surprisingly small, which, when coupled with the powerful 991 horsepower engine, makes it quite agile for a heavy fighter. As a result, the Brigand has become a popular anti-zeppelin aircraft particularly among pirates.

Despite the powerful engine and high speed, the Brigand is not without drawbacks. The heavy engine not only has created some interesting hiccups in the craft’s handling, the plane also has a rather wide turning circle. Surprisingly, the Brigand’s acceleration is mediocre as well; making it easy prey for fighters that are better in a sprint.

These flaws are offset by the Brigand’s armament: a pair of .50-caliber cannons on each wing, and a rear mounted duo of .30-caliber cannons. When loaded with a combination of explosive, armor-piercing or incendiary shells and a full load of rockets, the Brigand can deliver a withering hail of fire.

Though Fairchild’s plants are all located in Columbia, the company has achieved enviable sales across North America. Built with export in mind, the Brigand serves in many North American nations. Militias in the Confederation of Dixie have been the largest buyers, closely followed by Appalachian and Empire State groups. The only national government to have acquired the Brigand is Utah, where a single squadron serves along the Navajo border. However, the company’s policy of neutrality means that many pirate bands also use the aircraft, notably Jonathan "Genghis" Kahn and the Red Skull Legion.

~ Firedrake.Org

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission FOUR

Today's Mission - Nathan Zachary and the Sinister Sub

Playing ONLINE - Multiplayer

Back when Crimson Skies had first started - there were only 2 places pilots could go to play online... Microsoft's Zone and Game-Spy Arcade.  The Microsoft Zone has since shut down and Game-Spy Arcade no longer supports Crimson Skies; however, I discovered two new places where Crimson Skies is still being played online!  DigitalBloodSports.Com and GameRanger.Com.
I haven't tried GR (Game Ranger) yet and don't know if it's better than DBS (Digital Blood Sports), however I do know that DBS works great and there are CS Pilots there occasionally to fly with.

To fly online with DBS - go to their site, download and install the software - then create an account.  All you'll need is a valid e-mail address for verification of identity.

After you've installed the software and created an account - start up DBS and sign in.

Once you're in the Gaming Lobby - you can Host or Join a room already in progress.

If you're hosting a room - you'll need to wait for others to join before you can start up the game.  Once you have enough players to join your game, you click on LAUNCH and the Crimson Skies game will start on its own.  While waiting for all the players to show up in the game's lobby, you can make your adjustments to rules - such as Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, Limited Ammo/Aircraft, etc.  Once everyone is in the lobby and have clicked ready - you can LAUNCH from the game and it will start.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Make sure that your FIREWALL for Windows and your internet connection or either OFF or allow for Crimson Skies to be played online!  Most times when someone cannot join the game is because their firewall is still on!

If you have any questions or suggestions - let us know!  ~ BlackJack

UPDATE 05FEB18: I'm not sure if DBS still supports Crimson Skies, I have not been able to log on. However, GameRanger DOES still support Crimson Skies. So it looks like GameRanger is now the only online gaming lobby left.

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission TWO & THREE

Today's Missions - The Great British Bomber Heist & Nathan Zachary and the Secret Invasion

Crimson Skies T-Shirts - Now Available!

 

New 'Devastator Pilot' T-Shirts available at the VFW28 Corsairs Spreadshirt site.

More designs coming SOON!

Crimson Skies Campaign - Mission ONE

Today's Mission - The Lost Treasure of Sir Francis Drake

Known graphics errors in Crimson Skies

There have been a few reported errors for Crimson Skies on newer computers - mostly having to do with graphics than anything else.  The most common errors are the blacked-out and scrambled drop-down lists.

Here is an example of a scrambled drop-down list.

And here is an example of a blacked-out drop down list.

 

The easiest way to fix these problems is to change your Graphics Settings to DivX instead of Primary Display.  Most new computers that run high-powered graphics cards cannot read the simple graphics of Crimson Skies.  Remember, this game was released over a decade ago!

UPDATE:  For those with NVIDIA Graphics Cards, you can download and install a Graphics Fix HERE!   Download the csfix2.zip file, unzip and read the README.TXT file for proper installation.  You can read the entire thread regarding the Nvidia Graphics Cards fix on the Nvidia Forums Crimson Skies Thread.

If you have any other errors or problems Crimson Skies - please post them here and we'll do our best to find a resolution to the problem.

Welcome to the Crimson Skies!

Curtiss-Wright J2 Fury

• Model: Curtiss-Wright J2 Fury
• Class: Fighter/Interceptor
• Manufacturer: Curtiss-Wright Aviation (Cleveland, Ohio, ISA)
• Engine: 14 Cylinder Wright R1800C (856HP)
• Wing Span: 28 ft, 4 in
• Length:  21 ft, 3 in
• Height:  14 ft, 9 in
• Loaded Weight: 7,000 Lbs
• Service Ceiling:  18,000 ft
• Range:  400 Miles
• Max Speed: 250 mph
• Max Accel:  65.6 fps
• Weapons: Two (2) Bruin Armaments .30 Cal Machine Guns, Two (2) Bruin Armaments .40 Cal Machine Guns, One (1) Bruin Armaments .70 Cal 'Goliath' Cannon

Curtiss-Wright's J2 Fury fighter is the latest in a line of aircraft directly descended from the classic Wright flier.  Developed to meet the demand for increased air power over the newly fractured Americas, the fearsome abilities of the Fury make it a coveted airplane.  The Fury eschews the fashionable pusher-prop in favor of a traditional propeller assembly that propels the plane to level speeds approaching 250mph by a 14-cylinder Wright R1800C engine.  The heavily engineered swept wing and short tail assembly maintain stability even in high speed flight.

A massive .70 cal Goliath cannon is mounted on a pylon along the plane's centerline.  The pylon is long enough to place the massive barrel outside the radius of the plane's propeller, eliminating the need for a prop timing mechanism and allowing the cannon to fire at full speed.  Four wing-mounted .40 cal cannons back up the Goliath's punch, augmented b several versatile underwing hardpoints.  In the right hands, the nose-heavy Fury is a devastating opponent.

The Fury is also an extremely agile aircraft, which is a deadly feature when combined with its fearsome top speed.  Boom and zoom tactics can easily over-whelm even multiple opponents.  This point has been proven time and time again by the legendary Black Swan, who favors the Fury above all other aircraft.  The Fury is temperamental, however, and novice pilots often find themselves in trouble when they encounter the aircraft's relatively high stall speed.

~Sybex Official Strategies & Secrets for Crimson Skies

VFW28 Corsairs on Facebook

VFW28 Corsairs are now on Facebook!  Click HERE for more information.

Hughes Aviation P21-J MkIII Devastator

• Model: Hughes Aviation P21-J MkIII Devastator
• Class: Fighter
• Manufacturer: Hughes Aviation Company - Culver City, Hollywood / Denver, Free Colorado
• Engine: Tornado G450 (1,468 HP)
• Wing Span: 31 ft, 11 in
• Length: 26 ft
• Height: 16 ft, 3 in
• Loaded Weight: 9,500 Lbs
• Service Ceiling: 20,000 ft
• Range: 400 Miles
• Max Speed: 300 mph
• Max Accel: 65.6 fps
• Weapons: Four (4) United Munitions .40-cal Machine Guns

************************************

In 1936, Hughes Aviation released the Mk III Devastator, widely considered an effective fighter but significantly weaker than its predecessor. In a effort to reduce the eye-watering list price of the Mk II, the Mk III was supplied with the Tornado G450 engine, which did not have the nitro-thrust capacity of the Mk II. In order to counter the reduced power, the twin three-bladed counter-rotating propellors of the Mk II were replaced by a single four-bladed propellor. 

The Mk III also had the magnetic missile launcher removed in favour of standard underwing hardpoints. However, reinforced wing struts allowed a fourth set of guns to be fitted, creating one of the most heavily-armed interceptor-fighters of its day. 

While the Mk III was considerably cheaper to purchase and maintain than the Mk II, the Mk II was much more popular, especially among pirate gangs. The Fortune Hunters, long-time fans of the Devastator line, initially deployed in Mk III Devastators, but were able to replace these with classic Mk II models sometime in early 1938. 

~ Crimson Skies Wikia

**************************************
The first commercial design from the then-fledgling Hughes Aviation firm, the Devastator was widely derided as too radical by skeptics; one review called the Devastator "the product of a fevered imagination". The tailless fuselage and pusher prop were considered too experimental, and many predicted that Hughes’ first effort would quite literally crash and burn. To Hughes’ delight (and the pundits’ chagrin) the Devastator outperformed every other combat aircraft in the skies, in speed, armament and maneuverability.

Originally equipped with a 12-cylinder Wright Cyclone engine (under-powered by modern standards, but quite robust for the day) gave the aircraft a top speed of 230 m.p.h. In 1934, Hughes redesigned the Devastator to reflect advancements in aviation technology; a Tornado G450 engine with 1,468 horsepower replaced the Cyclone, increasing the plane’s top speed to 270 m.p.h.

The Devastator is armed with a quartet of United Munitions .40-caliber machine guns and features eight external ordnance points for rockets, bombs or external fuel tanks. The relative ease with which the craft’s weapon load can be altered has prompted several custom configurations, making the Devastator one of the least predictable aircraft in the sky. 

The Devastator is now a somewhat dated combat aircraft (particularly when faced with modern fighters like the Bloodhawk). Still, the plane is still widely used as a fighter-bomber, where its lack of speed is not a problem and its agility and firepower are above average. The versatile Devastator seems likely to remain in service for a number of years.

~Montana Raiders

Crimson Skies - v1.0 + patch & v1.02

The ORIGINAL Crimson Skies we started out with in 2000 was of course v1.0.  If you have v1.0, you will need to download and install the v1.02 patch available at Microsoft at the following link. 

The NEWEST Crimson Skies disc is v1.02 and lacks the Crimson Skies artwork.

More installation and multi-player (online) tips to follow... stay tuned!

This is a TEST

Of the Emergency BlackJack's Hangar System - please stay tuned for further announcements!  ;)

VFW28_BlackJack