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My dirt-cheapest 'mech
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PostPosted: 21-Mar-2005 22:57    Post subject: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

This is the 'mech you drop onto a world when you just wanna cause trouble. Supporting agents provacateur, insurrections, revolutionaries, etc.

I'm well aware that if this thing comes up against anything that even resembles a combat unit, it's pretty much screwed.
Type/Model:    Firebug 
Tech:          Inner Sphere / 3025
Config:        Biped BattleMech
Rules:         Level 3, Custom design

Mass:          20 tons
Chassis:       Simple Steel Utility 'Mech
Power Plant:   60 Various I.C.E.
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets:     None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor Type:    Simple Steel Standard
Armament:      
  1 Light Flamer*
  1 Flamer Fuel*
Manufacturer:  Various
  Location:    Vairous
Communications System:  Encrypted Radio
Targeting & Tracking System:  Visual Targeting

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Firebug 
Mass:          20 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  33 pts Utility 'Mech          0      4.00
Engine:        60 I.C.E.                     6      3.00
   Walking MP:   3
   Running MP:   5
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:      3 Single                    3      3.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Gyro:                                        4      1.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H    R: Sh+UA+LA+H   16       .00
Armor Factor:   69 pts Standard              0      4.50

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9      
   Center Torso:              6          8      
   Center Torso (Rear):                  4      
   L/R Side Torso:            5        7/7      
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              3/3      
   L/R Arm:                   3        6/6      
   L/R Leg:                   4        8/8      

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Light Flamer*          RA      3           1       .50
1 Flamer Fuel*           CT      0           1      1.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                          3          36     20.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          42       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        888,240 C-Bills
Battle Value:      248
Cost per BV:       3,581.61
Weapon Value:      7 / 7 (Ratio = .03 / .03)
Damage Factors:    SRDmg = 1;  MRDmg = 0;  LRDmg = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 3,  Armor/Structure: 2/2
                   Damage PB/M/L: 1/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: ML;  Point Value: 2


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Erenon
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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 01:03    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

I thought my Quickcell Model A or Microsloth was bad ...


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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 01:06    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

I have several marks of my 10 ton HD-3 & HD-8 chassis that would eat this for lunch and COST LESS less armour but a MUCH more powerful weapon load slightly faster the armour is lighter but the superiour armament ofsets that.

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 01:35    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Well, it certainly is cheap. But I fell that it's poorly suited for its role.

Despite the greater expense, I feel that a BattleMech specifically designed to function as an unsupported guerrilla should be fusion powered and energy armed. Otherwise the thing will be become just so much useless junk as soon as you lose access to fuel and flamer ammo.

Can't you just hear it? "Hey, boss! We got problems. The 'Mech's out of gas!" Not how I want my insurgency to go - especially if I'm piloting the thing.


[ This Message was edited by: StarRaven on 2005-03-22 01:35 ]
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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 01:50    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

You don't want to waste something as valuable as a fusion engine on a bunch of backwater shmucks, do you? And a laser is not something the average yokel fighting a guerilla war would even be able to understand, let alone maintain. Gas for workmechs and vehicles would be plentiful on just about any world, as well as accellerant for the flamer.

And if you're wondering: this thing is NOT fighting enemy war machines. It's setting fires in the city, or burning down a guard tower or relay station way out in the boonies.


[ This Message was edited by: Warhammer: 3025 on 2005-03-22 02:03 ]
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Evil is like a bowl of oranges. Only one, instead, is an orange of DOOM. That orange has a fate to rule over the other oranges with an iron fist. That orange is me.

Because sometimes, there are many guards in the castle.


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StarRaven
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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 02:23    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Quote:

On 2005-03-22 01:50, Warhammer: 3025 wrote:
And a laser is not something the average yokel fighting a guerilla war would even be able to understand, let alone maintain. Gas for workmechs and vehicles would be plentiful on just about any world, as well as accellerant for the flamer.


Image again. Where did the yokels come from? You said that we're dropping this in to support existing resistance movements. The yokels are already down there - there the poor fools with the rifles. This is being inserted covertly from orbit - inserted with a pilot to run it, and probably a tech or two to keep it going.

Quote:

You don't want to waste something as valuable as a fusion engine on a bunch of backwater shmucks, do you?


I'm already risking a fusion engine - in my Leopard or my drop shuttle. Why not another, if it increases the odds of getting the job done? If if we don't want to risk fusion engines, then is the possible gain even worth the reduced effort? If it's worth it, you risk the equipment. If it isn't, then you shouldn't be wasting your time.

Quote:

And if you're wondering: this thing is NOT fighting enemy war machines. It's setting fires in the city, or burning down a guard tower or relay station way out in the boonies.


I understand that. But if it's not worth a fusion engine, why is it worth a 'Mech chassis? Send them some flamethrowers, some NVGs, some explosives, and some advisers.

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 02:40    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

In that vain, here is a 'mech that was released in StarDrive more than 15 years ago. It was almost official (in those days 'mechs could be as light as 10 tons). It even had a poem written about it in a later issue of Battletechnology.

Here is the Foxfire:

Model: FXR-4R Foxfire
Source: Stardrive Volume 1, Issue 1
Weight: 15 tons
Technology base: lvl1
Internal structure: 1.5
Engine: Hermes 135 - 4.5
Gyro + Cockpit: 5
Armour: 40 pts - 2.5
Distribution: H:5, CT:6/3, ST:4/2, A:3, L:4
Heat sinks: 10 - 0
Weapons: SL - 0.5 - head; Flamer - 1 - CT
BV: 220
Cost: 1 278 973 C-bills

So there you go - one of the first incendiary 'mechs (only the Firestarter is older). Ok, the Vulcan was also fast and carried a flamer, but had a different primary mission.

Should I type up that poem?

edit: added BV and cost - yes it costs 1.5 times as much as yours and is worth about half as much. However, it would do a better job at what you are attempting - evading a policing force.


[ This Message was edited by: jymset on 2005-03-22 02:43 ]
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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 07:49    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Wow StarRaven, really tearing this design up, neh?

However what you've said states my sentiments exactly. I'd rather drop a Locust than this.

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 11:21    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Quote:

On 2005-03-22 07:49, ralgith wrote:
Wow StarRaven, really tearing this design up, neh?


Well, I don't really mean to tear it up. And my apologies to Warhammer if it seems like it. But it just doesn't seem suited for its role.

Quote:

However what you've said states my sentiments exactly. I'd rather drop a Locust than this.


Precisely. Lasers can start fires too.

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 11:45    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Meh, no worries. I designed the thing for kicks, which I got.

Sidenote: I don't imagine this is a 'mech you drop from space, but that you smuggle in (possibly in pieces) through cargo transports. As for the pilots, probably only agents provacateur would have permanent pilots assigned to one of these. Insurrectionists and guerilla fighters would just buy (or be given) a few, and would probably get an instruction booklet in the box. "If you can pilot a miningmech, you can pilot one of these. Happy insurrecting!"

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Evil is like a bowl of oranges. Only one, instead, is an orange of DOOM. That orange has a fate to rule over the other oranges with an iron fist. That orange is me.

Because sometimes, there are many guards in the castle.


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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 13:35    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Quote:

On 2005-03-22 11:45, Warhammer: 3025 wrote:
Meh, no worries. I designed the thing for kicks, which I got.



Just not quite the kinda kicks you expected, neh?

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 14:39    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

I will go out on a limb and say that I like it. You cannot get much cheaper for a mech. I like the idea of shipping it in pieces to a planet in with Agriculture parts and instructions on how to put the thing together. Even cheaper than the Kurita prison gang raiding parties and you do not lose any pilots. The rebel forces look at you as their hero and surporter so it is win win.

Besides everyone has to design a completely useless design at least once in their life.

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 14:48    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

i defence of this design i point out these facts:

1] This mech is constructed with a utility mech chassie which is said via HMPro as such:

Quote:
Low-Tech internal structure is used for Utility 'Mechs, such as LoggerMechs. The internal structure is the determining factor, in fact, which determines that the 'Mech is a Utility or BattleMech. Only by using Low-Tech internal structure can a 'Mech mount Cargo and other equipment specifically designed for Utility 'Mechs.



The key word is low-tech. Meaning the chassie is not a battlemech chassie and significantly easier to build and maintain.

2] ICE engine. Yes, it does need fuel to opperate. however, it does NOT require a BA to maintain or repair. If the engine should break down, you just go down the street and find a big rig with the same engine and steal it. to conclude, warhammer was correct when he pointed out that fuel for this thing will not be that hard to find.

3] The control layout of Utility mechs traditionly have been extremely simplistic so that anyone with a few hours of training can opperate one. This is a side effect of the Utility mech internal structure.

4] The flamer, while limited in ammunition, has that nice ingrained ability to get infantry running like cockroaches in day light.

While i personely feel a wheeled vehicles could do better in most situations, this does an ok job.

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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 15:13    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

Here's an alternate variant:

P.S. I know that Rocket Launchers are supposed to be level 2 tech, and the design date is 3025, but honestly, how difficult could it be to rig up a dumb-fire rocket system?
Type/Model:    Firebug (Type II) 
Tech:          Inner Sphere / 3025
Config:        Biped BattleMech
Rules:         Level 3, Custom design

Mass:          20 tons
Chassis:       Simple Steel Utility 'Mech
Power Plant:   60 Various I.C.E.
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets:     None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor Type:    Simple Steel Standard
Armament:      
  1 Machine Gun
  1 Rocket Launcher 10 (OS)
Manufacturer:  Various
  Location:    Vairous
Communications System:  Encrypted Radio
Targeting & Tracking System:  Visual Targeting

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Firebug (Type II) 
Mass:          20 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  33 pts Utility 'Mech          0      4.00
Engine:        60 I.C.E.                     6      3.00
   Walking MP:   3
   Running MP:   5
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:      3 Single                    3      3.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Gyro:                                        4      1.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H    R: Sh+UA+LA+H   16       .00
Armor Factor:   69 pts Standard              0      4.50

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9      
   Center Torso:              6          8      
   Center Torso (Rear):                  4      
   L/R Side Torso:            5        7/7      
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              3/3      
   L/R Arm:                   3        6/6      
   L/R Leg:                   4        8/8      

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Machine Gun            RA      0  100      2      1.00
  (Ammo Locations: 1 RA)
1 Rocket Launcher 10 (OS)CT      3           1       .50
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                          0          37     20.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          41       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        903,240 C-Bills
Battle Value:      261
Cost per BV:       3,460.69
Weapon Value:      31 / 31 (Ratio = .12 / .12)
Damage Factors:    SRDmg = 8;  MRDmg = 5;  LRDmg = 2
BattleForce2:      MP: 3,  Armor/Structure: 2/2
                   Damage PB/M/L: 1/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: ML;  Point Value: 3



[ This Message was edited by: Warhammer: 3025 on 2005-03-22 15:20 ]
_________________
Evil is like a bowl of oranges. Only one, instead, is an orange of DOOM. That orange has a fate to rule over the other oranges with an iron fist. That orange is me.

Because sometimes, there are many guards in the castle.


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Warhammer: 3025
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PostPosted: 22-Mar-2005 15:13    Post subject: RE: My dirt-cheapest 'mech Reply to topic Reply with quote

And another:

Type/Model:    Firebug (Machine Gun) 
Tech:          Inner Sphere / 3025
Config:        Biped BattleMech
Rules:         Level 3, Custom design

Mass:          20 tons
Chassis:       Simple Steel Utility 'Mech
Power Plant:   60 Various I.C.E.
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets:     None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor Type:    Simple Steel Standard
Armament:      
  2 Machine Guns
Manufacturer:  Various
  Location:    Vairous
Communications System:  Encrypted Radio
Targeting & Tracking System:  Visual Targeting

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Firebug (Machine Gun) 
Mass:          20 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  33 pts Utility 'Mech          0      4.00
Engine:        60 I.C.E.                     6      3.00
   Walking MP:   3
   Running MP:   5
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:      3 Single                    3      3.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Gyro:                                        4      1.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H    R: Sh+UA+LA+H   16       .00
Armor Factor:   69 pts Standard              0      4.50

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9      
   Center Torso:              6          8      
   Center Torso (Rear):                  4      
   L/R Side Torso:            5        7/7      
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              3/3      
   L/R Arm:                   3        6/6      
   L/R Leg:                   4        8/8      

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
2 Machine Guns           RA      0  100      3      1.50
  (Ammo Locations: 1 CT)
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                          0          37     20.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          41       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        891,240 C-Bills
Battle Value:      248
Cost per BV:       3,593.71
Weapon Value:      10 / 10 (Ratio = .04 / .04)
Damage Factors:    SRDmg = 1;  MRDmg = 0;  LRDmg = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 3,  Armor/Structure: 2/2
                   Damage PB/M/L: 1/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: ML;  Point Value: 2


_________________
Evil is like a bowl of oranges. Only one, instead, is an orange of DOOM. That orange has a fate to rule over the other oranges with an iron fist. That orange is me.

Because sometimes, there are many guards in the castle.


Ya Rl'yeh!
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