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Oafman
Draconis Combine
Tai-sho
Joined: 18-Nov-2003 00:00
Posts: 1657
Location: United States
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 Posted: 13-Sep-2004 10:30 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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Something ala the King Crab?
I say it should be fairly mobile in the medium range.
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Ronin
ComStar
Colonel
Joined: 05-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 907
Location: United States
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| Posted: 13-Sep-2004 12:55 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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I'm seeing these designs as being able to fill a secondary role in civilian/agricultural duties; they would be aimed at militias that want to justify their expenditures by being able to help the community, etc. 'Mechs working in the fields by day, military drills on the weekend, ready to fend off any bandit/pirate attacks. Any weapons and technologies used should have this double purpose in mind. Probes could be used to help in search and rescue missions, for instance.
Am I off in thinking about these designs this way?
TSM would be a good idea, but we'd have to keep in mind costs. Hatchets could be useful in mechs that would be doing double duty in clearing forests and other terrain. Lighter weights will be useful so as to not be as hard on roads, bridges, etc. Fairly manueverable speeds would be great, so as to keep up with some civilian ground traffic, but exceptional speeds would probably be wasted on multi-purpose machines.
OH MY GOSH!!! I'm suggesting MWDA mechs from a different angle! Quick, someone hit me with a wet noodle!
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Oafman
Draconis Combine
Tai-sho
Joined: 18-Nov-2003 00:00
Posts: 1657
Location: United States
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| Posted: 13-Sep-2004 14:24 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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slap slap slap
Now on to the odd thing, I actually like the idea of having a series of agriculture planet defense mechs. Hey! that could be the name of the firm that creates these. APDM
On the Slingblade (I am assuming that is the first model that we are making here.) I think that the proposed Gauss rifle should be the most expensive weapon on the mech. I also like the idea of having a hatchet but no TSM to save on the cost. The other arm should have a fully funtioning hand so that it can help pick up the logs that it cuts down. How about a 55 tonner?
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Vagabond
Mercenary
Mr. Referee
Joined: 04-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 5657
Location: United States
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| Posted: 13-Sep-2004 15:05 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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On 2004-09-13 14:24, Oafman wrote:
slap slap slap
Now on to the odd thing, I actually like the idea of having a series of agriculture planet defense mechs. Hey! that could be the name of the firm that creates these. APDM
On the Slingblade (I am assuming that is the first model that we are making here.) I think that the proposed Gauss rifle should be the most expensive weapon on the mech. I also like the idea of having a hatchet but no TSM to save on the cost. The other arm should have a fully funtioning hand so that it can help pick up the logs that it cuts down. How about a 55 tonner?
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i disagree. If this is gonna be a militia mech, then a Gauss is not a great idea IMHO. Standard ACs or Ultra ACs would be easier on the budget in both construction AND maintence. in addition, i think a hatchet is a bad idea while the inclusion of TSM is a good idea. TSM doubles the lifting capacity of the unit which allows it to carry more cargo and assist in heavier construction jobs. i also agree that the unit must remain light [40t max imho] and have fair speed. likly the speed will be substandard for a light mech in general [5/8 or 4/6 imho.]
it strongly urge the use of only single heat sinks on this design. they allow easy TSM management and keep cost down.
if we go lvl 3 with this bad boy, i strongly urge the use of the utility mech structure. ya it is heavy, but it is much easier to maintain. [fluff only i believe.]
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Nightmare
Lyran Alliance
Kommandant-General
Joined: 03-May-2002 00:00
Posts: 2214
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| Posted: 13-Sep-2004 23:25 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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You're certainly right. A hatchet is quite useless on anything, and even more so on a fire support or militia mech. It takes up weight and occupies a hand that could be used for lifting stuff.
I agree, the Gauss is too expensive and complex for the Slingblade. Why not go for a PPC or Large Laser and some hidden short range guns?
We'll end up with the Watchman if we're not careful.
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SaberDance
Federated Suns
Colonel
Joined: 07-May-2004 00:00
Posts: 837
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 00:10 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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Slingblade:
I see a mech with a gigantic gun on the left arm (like maybe an LBX 20) and maybe a few lasers for back-up.
Literally, he'd have to sling the arm like a scythe to bring the big gun to bear.
a-la "Slingblade" The hatchet is too much.
Suggested Weapons load:
LB-X 20, 2 tons ammo
3 ER medium lasers or 2 Pulse Large Lasers
If someone wants range, they could load some LRMs, but I think that would be excessive.
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Motown Scrapper
Clan Ice Hellions
Galaxy Commander
Joined: 24-Jul-2003 00:00
Posts: 2074
Location: United States
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 00:59 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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I would prefer a class 20 Ultra Autocannon using ER madium lasers for back up.
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cain
Blighted Sun Battalion
1st Company
"Ralgith's Renegades"
Lieutenant
Joined: 10-May-2004 00:00
Posts: 329
Location: Canada
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 07:39 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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got to think of supllies ultra/ lbx 10 would be more ammo friendly with an twin lrm 10 for back up pulse lasers would be good too tsm would help in carrying and work 55 tons max with 5/8/5 the jump jets for working in rough areas and rescue a beagle probe would help
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Beebles
Kell Hounds
Lieutenant
Joined: 12-May-2004 00:00
Posts: 209
Location: Ireland
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 07:41 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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Alright, maybe not a hatchet then. perhaps a sword? I dont really see any militia clearing a forest with autocannons  On the other hand, an adapted sword could be used to chop trees, or plough fields. Tsm would be handy for the double lifting capacity.
Sticking with agricultural use, A flamer for burning feilds, and some cargo space?
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Nightmare
Lyran Alliance
Kommandant-General
Joined: 03-May-2002 00:00
Posts: 2214
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 08:49 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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You want agriculture? There's worker mechs for that, carrying level 3 equipment. Lifts, chainsaws, combines, mining drills etc.
AC/10 and some backup sounds good. The LB-X could be for the expensive model sold to mercs.
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Oafman
Draconis Combine
Tai-sho
Joined: 18-Nov-2003 00:00
Posts: 1657
Location: United States
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 10:08 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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How about this, use the rules for the sword, but the shape is somewhat curved like a scimitar. The mech would have both hands with one carrying the sword, but in the fluff create some way for it to put the sword in a sheath on its back so that both hands could be used when needed. If we stick with a smaller design without the gauss then TSM, single heat sinks and a AC10 or 20 would be good. I still think that a name like slingblade requires that it actually carrys some sort of blade. Maybe make it a close in defense fighter instead of med range support mech.
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StarRaven
Federated Suns
Leftenant General
Joined: 01-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 1138
Location: United States
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 10:18 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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Think I'll get into this one.
55t and 5/8/5 I can vote for, but an LB-10X or AC/10 won't leave much tonnage for back up, ammo and the probe. Endosteel would help with that a bit, and it's not expensive like an XL; nor do I see it as completely out of place on militia 'Mech, as an XL would be.
We might consider a PPC (preferably ER); same damage as the AC/10, but less weight and more longevity, which is important for a militia machine. Cheaper than the LBX too.
The TSM really sounds really strange. To activate it, you'd need to fire weapons, which really doesn't seem like a good idea if you're chopping trees or building a school.
And what is a sling blade anyways? Never heard it before.
[ This Message was edited by: StarRaven on 2004-09-14 10:19 ]
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Ronin
ComStar
Colonel
Joined: 05-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 907
Location: United States
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 10:51 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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Quote:
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On 2004-09-13 15:05, Vagabond wrote:
i disagree. If this is gonna be a militia mech, then a Gauss is not a great idea IMHO. Standard ACs or Ultra ACs would be easier on the budget in both construction AND maintence. in addition, i think a hatchet is a bad idea while the inclusion of TSM is a good idea. TSM doubles the lifting capacity of the unit which allows it to carry more cargo and assist in heavier construction jobs. i also agree that the unit must remain light [40t max imho] and have fair speed. likly the speed will be substandard for a light mech in general [5/8 or 4/6 imho.]
it strongly urge the use of only single heat sinks on this design. they allow easy TSM management and keep cost down.
if we go lvl 3 with this bad boy, i strongly urge the use of the utility mech structure. ya it is heavy, but it is much easier to maintain. [fluff only i believe.]
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Ease of maintenance is definately a requirement. Endo-Steel construction is definately out: I doubt John Deere has orbital construction factories. Energy weapons will be more difficult for a militia to maintain, so lasers and ppcs should be kept to a minimum (maybe a laser for it's welding/cutting utility). A good, reliable autocannon should do the trick... plus there is mention in the fluff for the construction vehicles in TRO 3026 that some vehciles equipped with AC20s are used to clear terrain (though I doubt it's effecient, it's probably expedient at times). If the weapon uses ammo, it would be great if the ammo could be produced locally. Machine guns would definately fit this category, and standard autocannons as well, probably.
For utility, I could see a sword-type weapon, especially if the fluff has it easily detachable, as already suggested.
Ok, so maybe we're looking at an ac10 or 20 in one arm, a sword in the other, a flamer, and a small or medium laser. Anything else?
Oh, and make the flamer one of the ones from the coolant trucks... the kind that can be switched over to shoot coolant instead. We can rig this mech for firefighting duty as well as brush clearing.
Do we want jump jets to help this mech get around? Or are we unceratain about the piloting skill level of most militia pilots.
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Erenon
Blighted Sun Battalion
2nd Company
"Seraph's Slaughter"
Sergeant
Joined: 04-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 976
Location: Singapore
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 12:10 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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I think jump jets are asking a bit much from glorified work mech pilots.
I'd go with the Autocannon as well. it can make a fairly a decent terrain clearing tool. I'd vote for a AC10.
I'm game for the scimitar/sword idea. Pity that stuff like chainsaws and their ilk are level one or two...
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StarRaven
Federated Suns
Leftenant General
Joined: 01-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 1138
Location: United States
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| Posted: 14-Sep-2004 12:12 Post subject: RE: Design by Commitee 2 |
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Quote:
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On 2004-09-14 10:51, Ronin wrote:
Endo-Steel construction is definately out: I doubt John Deere has orbital construction factories.
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True. I'd forgotten that John Deere is building this one.
As for the maintainence of a PPC, I'd argue that it's worth the trouble. It would help to know where this 'Mech is stationed though. Is it on the Combine/FS border, Periphery border, in the Periphery? Who controls this world? Liao, Marik, Chaos March, or someone else? That makes a difference in equipment choice. When designing a 'Mech, I tend to take into consideration the universe. There's plenty of room to stick in whatever company or 'Mech, but a company in Steiner space isn't going to be using MRMs, swords, and C3s.
In or near the Periphery, you're worried about pirates in light force, so the AC works well. You want it working now, and you're not looking at a long fight.
But on the Combine border? A militia hit by a front-line unit will not win. They'll cause their damage, then fade into the forest or what have you and make guerilla raids while they wait for reinforcements. In that situation, I'd much rather have a shaky PPC than a well maintained AC with no ammo.
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