When IL2: COD was initially released it did not do well. It was full of bugs, and by most accounts was a disappointment.
I think Wobbly can testify to that. However, since it was released, the modder community has developed several free updates and patches.

http://www.simhq.com/air-combat/team-fusion-mod-4-31.html

The core game can be had for 10USD on steam right now. Add the freeware updates and we might have a great multiplayer experience. I'm tempted to give it a try. Anybody else?

Here's a link to a multiplayer bomber mission.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6biqfswkUxQ

Now that looks interesting McGuirk! Great find.
The multiplayer bomber mission is what I have been looking for in combat flight games for years.

I will look into this as I have CoD on Steam.

The game was disappointing originally, although it did look stunning. All the aircraft compared to top quality payware for FSX. So as a hangar of aircraft the game was worth equivalent to around £200!

At the current £10 price on Steam it is well worth a look.

I installed and patched it last night and now have to get familiar with the controls. This group seems to be the one stop resource for multiplayer CLOD missions. They have two dedicated servers for gameplay plus a TS server. Also, a lot of tutorials and helpful people.

http://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com/

Thanks McGuirk, I will re-install in a moment.

The controls look intimidating but most are not used so don't panic!
I would try and keep the keyboard controls as default because if you have a problem you will find help on the forums etc.

I will let you know when I'm sorted.

And?

What's the verdict?

OK, re-installed and patched.

Everything is looking and running great.
As you say McGuirk,familiarization with the controls is the biggie!
(I've just got my aircraft flight controls sorted so far)

I think with this ATAG crew they will be running their servers with full engine management.
I will be establishing the best keys for the job and printing them off for reference.

Below are the 'basic' or essential keys to get into the air and get by:
(taken from the Team Fusion website)

http://theairtacticalassaultgroup.com ... thread.php?t=5058&p=52711

KEYS

General

Bail Out
Toggle Canopy (Spits and Hurris)
Jettison Canopy (Bf109)
Toggle Gunsight Illumination
Map

Aircraft

Trim Elevator Nose-Up
Trim Elevator Nose-Down
Trim Rudder Right
Trim Rudder Left
Toggle Landing Flaps
Lower Landing Flaps Position (Bf109)
Raise Landing Flap Position (Bf109)
Toggle Undercarriage
Full Wheel Brakes
Fire Guns (Machine Guns + Cannon)
Toggle Selected Engine(s)
Close Radiator
Open Radiator
Close Oil Radiator (Bf109)
Open Oil Radiator (Bf109)
Boost Cut-Out (Spits and Hurris)
Decrease Propellor Pitch
Increase Propellor Pitch
Toggle Propellor Pitch Automation (Bf109-E4)
Fuel Cock #1 - Toggle

View

External View (For use on servers with external views)
Inside View(For use on servers with external views)
External Padlock - Enemy Aircraft (For use on servers with external views)
External Padlock - Friendly Aircraft (For use on servers with external views)
External View - Cycle Enemy Aircraft (For use on servers with external views)
External View - Cycle Friendly Aircraft (For use on servers with external views)
Lean to Gunsight (Zoom - Bf109)

Camera

Field Of View 30' (Zoom - Spit and Hurri)
Field Of View 90'

Pan Views and Snap Views (These are dictated by the Hat switch on your Joystick or TrackIR if you have it)

Chat

Toggle Net Stats(For Online Gaming)

Thanks for that info Wobbly. I tried to set this up using my Flight Yoke and pedals, (so I could easily go back and forth between FSX and IL2) but it didn't work very well. It might be easier to just plug in my Thrustmaster joystick and use that for IL2.

This is what I will try to stick with McGuirk.

I have tried to keep all aircraft controls on the joystick.
The engine management is on the number pad, and looking around is with the mouse.

The turret/gun positions took some working out. You have to go through the four controls in that sequence to get into a firing position!

I'm fairly familiar with the setup as I've played all the IL2 games, also Rise of Flight is similar.
The trick is to keep it as basic as possible.

Edit:
I forgot to put the comms in which is Tab. This brings up a variety of commands like formations and contacting ground etc.

Thanks Wobbly. I'm working on getting it set up. I made some progress tonight.

Yes, it's taking some time to get right.

I've already moved all trim to the joystick and am now using the up, down etc. for navigation settings.

Also moved brakes to B on the keyboard. Wasn't working right on the joystick.
I'll get there in the end!