Notes on the Vassal Module for GDW's 8th Army: Operation Crusader

For the most part, this is a very straightforward module. The map and charts are unmodified scans, except that the module flips the Axis portion of the GDC so that it will be right side up on the screen, and it adds roads to the TEC per the errata. The counters, while not scans, closely follow the original versions. 

The print game implemented a double-blind system by providing each player with his own map.  The module instead takes advantage of Vassal's Invisible piece trait (http://www.vassalengine.org/wiki/Hideable) to enable both sides to use the same map simultaneously.  Units and control markers can be made invisible by the owner.  And, although this was not part of the published game, you can also hide the replacement and supply markers for each side.

UNIT COMMAND MENU

* Hide (Ctrl-H) - Hide the unit so that it is invisible to your opponent.  You will be able to recognize it as hidden because it will appear pale or semi-transparent.  Press Ctrl-H again to make it visible.
* Delete (Ctrl-X) - Delete the unit.
* Movement Trail (Ctrl-T) - Remove the movement trail.
* Place Temporary Hit Marker (Ctrl-Shift-H) - Mark a unit that will lose a step after simultaneous fire has been completed.  For two hits, use two markers.  The hit marker has a red asterisk and a visible border, but the background is transparent.
* Flip (Ctrl-F) - Flip the unit to its reduced-strength side (if there is one).  Since it is difficult to distinguish the fronts and backs of virtual counters, the module adds a yellow bar at the bottom to signify that one has been flipped.

SPECIAL MARKERS

Use the Here marker to show the opposing player where you are attempting to move in his territory.  With the Here marker selected you can press Ctrl-A to place an Assault marker or Ctrl-P to place a Probe marker as needed.  All three markers have transparent backgrounds.  They reside in a layer above the unit counters.  They do not stack, and they do not snap to hex centers.
 
The Allied and Axis Control markers occupy a layer below the unit counters.  They do not stack, but they do snap to hex centers.