Mordel's Bar & Grill
My dirt-cheapest 'mech
 Pages (2): « [1] 2 »
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Mordel's Bar & Grill Forum Index » Design Submissions
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Warhammer: 3025
Freelance
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)


Joined: 29-Jan-2005 00:00
Posts: 1856

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


_________________
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!
Back to top View profile Send site message
Erenon
Blighted Sun Battalion
2nd Company
"Seraph's Slaughter"
Sergeant
Sergeant


Joined: 04-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 976
Location: Singapore
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 ...


_________________
"My job is to keep the majority of people in this country alive. That's it. If fifty-one percent eat a meal tomorrow and forty-nine percent don't, I've done my job." - The Beast (AKA The President), Transmetropolitan
Back to top View profile Send site message
Motown Scrapper
Clan Ice Hellions
Galaxy Commander
Galaxy Commander


Joined: 24-Jul-2003 00:00
Posts: 2074
Location: United States
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.

_________________
Having more fun than a human being should be allowed to have-Rush Limbaugh www.rushlimbaugh.com

Force of nature

Still crazy after all these years
Back to top View profile Send site message Send e-mail
StarRaven
Federated Suns
Leftenant General
Leftenant General


Joined: 01-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 1138
Location: United States
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 ]
_________________
"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close semblance to the first."
- Attributed to General Aleksandr Kerensky
Back to top View profile Send site message Send e-mail
Warhammer: 3025
Freelance
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)


Joined: 29-Jan-2005 00:00
Posts: 1856

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 ]
_________________
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!
Back to top View profile Send site message
StarRaven
Federated Suns
Leftenant General
Leftenant General


Joined: 01-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 1138
Location: United States
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.

_________________
"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close semblance to the first."
- Attributed to General Aleksandr Kerensky
Back to top View profile Send site message Send e-mail
jymset
Scavenger
in pursuit of LosTech
in pursuit of LosTech


Joined: 05-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 956
Location: Germany
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 ]
_________________
"Rear armour is defeatist!" - unknown Kuritan Mechwarrior

The AC5 is a great gun!

On heat, 3025 style:
A Rifleman knows no heat.
Back to top View profile Send site message Visit website
ralgith
Blighted Sun Battalion
1st Company
"Ralgith's Renegades"
Colonel
Colonel


Joined: 18-Aug-2003 00:00
Posts: 2021
Location: United States
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.

_________________
Colonel Ralgith t'Mayasara
Blighted Sun Battalion
1st Company 'Ralgith's Renegades'

Back to top View profile Send site message Send e-mail Visit website
StarRaven
Federated Suns
Leftenant General
Leftenant General


Joined: 01-Jun-2004 00:00
Posts: 1138
Location: United States
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.

_________________
"Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close semblance to the first."
- Attributed to General Aleksandr Kerensky
Back to top View profile Send site message Send e-mail
Warhammer: 3025
Freelance
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)


Joined: 29-Jan-2005 00:00
Posts: 1856

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!"

_________________
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!
Back to top View profile Send site message
ralgith
Blighted Sun Battalion
1st Company
"Ralgith's Renegades"
Colonel
Colonel


Joined: 18-Aug-2003 00:00
Posts: 2021
Location: United States
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?

_________________
Colonel Ralgith t'Mayasara
Blighted Sun Battalion
1st Company 'Ralgith's Renegades'

Back to top View profile Send site message Send e-mail Visit website
Oafman
Draconis Combine
Tai-sho
Tai-sho


Joined: 18-Nov-2003 00:00
Posts: 1657
Location: United States
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.

_________________
Festina Lente!
Back to top View profile Send site message
Vagabond
Mercenary
Mr. Referee
Mr. Referee


Joined: 04-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 5646
Location: United States
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.

_________________
one must work hard to cultivate the mind and body. and one must always cultivate the mind.



//^(^_^)^\\
Back to top View profile Send site message Visit website
Warhammer: 3025
Freelance
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)


Joined: 29-Jan-2005 00:00
Posts: 1856

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.


Ya Rl'yeh!
Back to top View profile Send site message
Warhammer: 3025
Freelance
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)
Captain, AFFC (Ret.)


Joined: 29-Jan-2005 00:00
Posts: 1856

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!
Back to top View profile Send site message
Display posts from previous:
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Mordel's Bar & Grill Forum Index » Design Submissions All times are GMT-04:00
 Pages (2): « [1] 2 »

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum