>>21368164

When you got home that night, you were greeted with an email detailing your new duties, the location, and travel arrangements. The trip was fully paid for, much to your surprise and elation.

Arrival at Skovec was... unceremonious. You were dropped at a terminal, and taxied to what appeared to be a condemned facility, with a skeletal 'Mech bay, and derelict office structure.

You met Goddard inside. After pleasantries, he showed you around, and seemed very proud of his purchase: An old Star League-era repair and retrofit depot, which could (with some work) be converted to production, albeit on a small scale for now, three to five machines at a time tops. And only Battlemechs.

>>21368193

You were shown your office (your own office!) which had two windows: one overlooking the facility and the other overlooking the floodplain stretching out back towards the city you just came from.

"Well, here's your seat Daniel. I'll forward you a list of components that we can procure so far, and anything else you'll need we'll have to negotiate for. Thankfully I'm a gifted negotiator, so... we shouldn't have too much trouble. Money... now that's the root of the problem." He laughed, and took his leave.

Your desk is equipped with all the necessary office supplies, as well as a computer. The machine seems to be used, but of a fairly advanced design, so it should be able to handle anything you need it to do design-wise. It is running current software as you discover when you boot it up, and on the desktop you see an icon with 'Prototype' as the filename.

>What do you do, Daniel? I will take a consensus regarding actions from the first several posts, then generate a reply. In some cases you will need to roll a d100.

>>21368215
What are we supposed to do?
Design new battlemechs? Build ones out of spare parts?

Lets see what our duties are.

OP I need to go to sleep so that I can get up for work in the morning.

Good luck. Your premise is very promising.

>>21368215
click on the 'prototype' icon to see what it is

>>21368238

As you ponder your duties here, an email notification pops up:

'1 Unread Message'

It must be the parts list Goddard promised. You kind of hope they are new.

>>21368244

The CAD program opens, and begins to render.

>>21368242

Thank you sir.

>>21368250
read the message

>>21368258

When you open it, a list off components floods the screen:

Light Hip Acctuators (2)
Light Hand Acctuators (1)
Light Lower Leg Acctuators (2)
Light Upper Leg Acctuators (2)
Light Shoulder Acctuators (2)
Light Upper Arm Acctuators (2)
Light Lower Arm Acctuators (2)
Light Chassis Frame #2239982F
GM Fusion Engine 140
GM Fusion Engine 175
Strand Fusion Engine 245
Autocannon 45mm Small Bore (4)
4-tube Short-Range Semi-guided Missile System (2)
.50cal Machine Gun (3)
Small-Beam Laser (2)
Fusion-powered Flamer Unit (1)
5-tube Long-Range Semi-guided Missile System (3)

>>21368268

As you examine the list, it becomes apparent that each component is a hyperlink; presumably to an expanded data sheet regarding the specific part.

>>21368268
So what do we do with them?

design a new battlemech? Or maybe design or improve parts?

>>21368271
>>21368268
Check the actuators.

>>21368273

Each part is a clickable hyperlink, so details might be awaiting you for each part.

>>21368254

The CAD program finishes rendering. A schematic of a bipedal Battlemech, 35 ton weight class, appears before you. It is only partially complete, and the work is subpar at best. The angles are all wrong, and the stresses would be unbalanced. And that is just the start of it.

>examine the CAD schematic more
>Examine the parts list more

>>21368271
you mean each part has more description to it? Wouldn't that make the quest overly tedious if we want to examine all the parts?

It might be a good idea to start up a wiki and put the the parts, bettlemechs and their characteristics in it. Would be much easier to reference them if needed in the future and you wont have to make billion posts explaining what each part does.

Anyway, lets examine all 3 fusion engines just to see how they differ.

>>21368288
Examine the CAD shcematic

>>21368288
Let's start with the parts list. There's no point in fiddling with the Battlemech and redesigning it if we end up making a design that won't work with the parts we have.

Start with the actuators and the engines. We can fiddle with weapon stuff later.

>>21368242
Roughly the same situation as this guy, but with already being up a good two hours later than normal. Would love to participate, but I sleep comes first.

Also, spam the missiles, particularly the LRMs. (FWL) Bitches love LRMs.

>>21368294

(It's fine, it's not a big deal to describe what they do right now, since Daniel would know. Actuators are basically joints/connection points for the synthetic musclulature that drives the Battlemech)

(One vote for examining parts so far)

>>21368288
Examine parts list more.

>>21368300
>>21368301

(Two for the parts list, one for the CAD. Any more votes?)

>>21368310
I thought as the quest goes on, we will have more parts to work with and each part having their own characteristic (like weight, durability, price, etc) it would be easier if all of them were in a nice list somewhere which is easy to access.

Yeah, lets examine parts, I'll redact my suggestion here >>21368300

>>21368321
>
>>21368282

>>21368324

(Well, to be honest the parts are generic for the most part... at least insofar as the actuators are concerned. Battletech doesn't specify manufacturers except for with engines, chassis, and weapons mostly, as well as some accessories like jump jets. I don't think it will detract from the quest if I have to do short descriptions for non-Battletech fans who want to participate.)

I cant participate as much as I like, but number one priority for the company is to make something not already out there, but do it affordably.

Compare the designs we have to public alternatives/ones on file, see what information we dont have to calculate, what we can just inherit from the most reliable mechs.

>>21368337
Alright.

>>21368321

Alright, we have several votes for the parts list.

As you click through the parts, it becomes obvious that these actuators are all new, and are specified for chassis between 20 and 45 tons in total weight.

The chassis you have (the structural parts anyway) are rated for between 20 and 50 tons of total weight.

the weapons are all used however, and would have to be modified to fit into a prototype chassis most likely, unless they are designed around specifically for that model.

>>21368349
check the CAD schematic

>>21368349
Happy happy joy joy. We have enough stuff for a good Light mech. We won't be able to fit all of the weapons on the mech we're making so I think we should focus on a Short Range light infighter, heavy on flanking and pack hunting.

But for now let's look at the engines and then the CAD.

>>21368362

(you are an engineer so you can multitask pretty well)

You glance at the CAD schematic while you wait on the next item to load (fusion engine), and note that the design is for a bipedal, 35-ton 'Mech, with two full arms. No weapons or armor or fusion engine have been mounted, and there are several design faults related to the stress levels the design can cope with around the actuator attachment points.

The design doesn't seem to have a role, or even an name yet, just 'Prototype'.

>>21368362
>>21368370

(Vote time; engines or CAD in detail first?)

>>21368387
Look at the design, try not to cry. Look through the notes and comments and see who designed it so we know who we should never let near the CAD programs.

>>21368394
CAD in detail first.

>>21368394
CAD

>>21368394
I don't think it matters. We are going to look at both of them anyway so I'll just go with majority.
Then we will check the other option.

File: 1351675655568.gif-(20 KB, 300x400, archer01.gif)

Awlryte, folks, let's rebuild a few Archers into close-range killing machines. Should we go for flavor with three SRM-6 (one each in LT,CT,RT) or perhaps just load out those three flip-up bays with MEADEYUMM LAYZORZZ?

>>21368396
>>21368404
>>21368405

You minimize the parts list for now; your attention drawn to the prototype schematic.

After steeling your novice engineer sensibilities against the travesty before you, you take stock of what was done -right- with the layout.

The 'Mech in question seems to be build for sturdiness, with speed a secondary concern. The aforementioned actuator contact points are all erroneously designed, but the core structure is sound enough it seems. The design is probably a week in development, so if you were to use it, it would put you about four days ahead in schedule if you were to fix the flaws and work with it. You have the option to scrap it as well, and begin your own opus.

Any other details you want to examine? The layout is still pretty rough.

>>21368396

Oh, also there is a name attached to the draft:

Richard Kensington Jr.

>>21368470
who's that? One of our colleagues?

Lets see how long can the mech be operational, fuel efficiency and how much it would cost.

>>21368487

You've never heard of him before now.

Fuel efficiency is 25 operational years between core replacements, as with most fusion block engines. Cost is so far 0, as the design uses parts you already have on-hand, according to your catalog.

Of course, you could take those same parts and do something different with them. They are flexible and not assembled in any way yet.

>>21368508
I vote we do our own thing, but keep the "Prototype" file on hand for later.
Our first design should be original work though.

>>21368508
how many weapons can we fit on it?

Also, lets check the rest of the parts from the list. Chassis, fusion engines, etc

>>21368528

Weapons each have a weight, and the number you can fit depends on what else you have mounted on the chassis (fusion engine, armor, etc).

The first fusion engine appears to be rated at 140u total output, which would give this chassis a top speed of around 62-64 kph.

>>21368521

(vote taking time: one for making a fresh design so far)

>>21368546
yeah, lets make a new design.

Although we should quickly point out the flaws in the prototype file (I assume it is in the shared folder or something)

>>21368470
Check that name up on Future Facebookgooglelinkedin. Or look through who works here, maybe they are in an office next door.

Also, if the company was on track with the prototype, then it would be a little out-of-line to work on a NEW design. Check with boss regarding what he wants: the prototype, or something fresh and new from our mind?

>>21368546

The second is rated at 175u, which would put the top speed somewhere around 84 kph or so. The last one is a huge engine, and would make this thing a lightning bolt: it is rated at a whopping 245u and would boost the chassis to around 116 kph.

>>21368546
Make a fresh design. We don't have heavy enough firepower floating around to really make a beefy small mech work. Considering we have Autocannons, and SRMs which share a similar range we can make a good fast skirmisher.

>>21368546
>>21368565

So why would we choose anything but the last one?

>>21368564
>>21368561

(ok, new design seems to be the consensus. two votes in the direction of looking into the old designer whose job it seems you might now have so far)

>>21368578

(Weight concerns would be the primary reason; the smaller the engine, the lighter it is.)

>>21368573
I got the ranges wrong, but I still think a new design would be best. Autocannons, at least of the size we got, have decent range. They might pair well with LRMs.

>>21368580

You get curious about your predecessor, and so you call Goddard into your office. Luckily he seems available.

"Hard at work already I see. So you want to know about the dolt who had your job before you?"

>>21368644
"The core seems alright, but there's a bunch of things wrong with the design. You want a new design, or was this one OK?" And then when he replies ask him "so what do you want in the new design, anyway?"

>>21368644
"Yeah, kind of curious who made that prototype. I already found a plethora of faults with it. I wanted to know who made it and if the person still works here."

>>21368644
"Yeah. I mean the basic concept is sound, the skeleton is alright, it's just everything else is wrong. Your arms would break with a bit of stress and the legs would crumple if you jumped.

What exactly are you looking for in the Mech anyways? Who's the target client?"

>>21368667
>>21368676

Goddard shifts a little and takes a seat on the corner of your desk, since you only have one chair.

"Well, to be honest I'm not surprised there's faults with the damn thing. Richard was a moron. He got forced on me by his family in return for loans. Loans I needed. Well I got out from under them, and fired Richard. They weren't happy, but what can they do? Everything I did was legal."

He opens a tin and removes a mint, and offers you one as well.

"If you wanna scrap it then go for it sport. What I want to show the Inner Sphere is that we can make a decent, workhorse 'Mech that performs well, and makes them want to put money behind us to see what we can really do. Make sense? I'm looking to build faith, and I'm willing to give you free reign to do that for me. We just... have a few limits. Like... I can't afford to pay you directly. You'll have to take royalties off the design. Which, if it's good, will mean more money than you would have gotten anyway. And... it means no heavier designs. We are stuck with lighter stuff until we can get some financial backing. Probably going to have to tap the mercenary market first."

>>21368711
"Alright, I'm fine with that. Just didn't want to start a new design before knowing if I should've worked with the prototype"

>>21368711
"Workhorse, got it.

It'll have to be primarily missile based for major damage as small lasers and 45mm autocannons don't pack much of a punch, so it's not going to be meant for long engagements."

>>21368164
Is it wrong that the first thing I noticed in OP's pic is the topless girl in her undies?

>>21368755
There's a topless girl in her undies there?

>>21368755
What?

...
Man, I didn't notice that.

I have no clue what battlemech is about, or how to help but I'll try.
how about a long range and fast moving mech that would act like a sniper, but who'd quickly change position in order to minimize the risk of the enemy pinpointing the mech? can it be done with our parts?
>against ithfpre
apparently captcha is against it...huh

>>21368733
>>21368749

Goddard smiles a wry, devilish sort of smile.

"Atta boy champ. I got little mind for technical stuff, but I trust you. After all, I got to pick you myself, unlike Richard. If you wanna start from scratch, so be it. Once we have a mockup to sell to prospective clients, we can get some initial payments and get some prototypes on the field for tests. That's when you'll be under the gun kid; you'll be responsible for working out the kinks, and making her tick. Think you can handle it?"

He stands, and crunches down on his mint.

"I'd like to see something from you in at least two weeks, if you can. Just something rough, so I know what we've got and I can get marketing on it. Oh, and you should mingle with the rest of the employees; you'll all be sharing accomodations in the employee apartments."

File: 1351678029033.jpg-(260 KB, 1200x875, 490_max.jpg)

>>21368711
Workhorse?
That means MLs.

Lots and lots of Medium Lasers.

>>21368755
we are on /tg/ something like that is perfectly normal

>>21368755
>>21368763
>>21368771

(And so there is. Huh. I just saw the 'Mech and that it wasn't a cannon design and that there was a 'Mechbay and so it was a good OP image. Guess I should look harder.)

>>21368779
Alright, lets start with our work then

>>21368784
We don't have any. I wish we did but we got tiny autocannons, wee little lasers, a fucking flamer and missiles. So we make do with what we got. We can fiddle with it later to put Medium Lasers in once we get something to show prospective clients.

>>21368779
Let's get to work. We're an engineer, that means we are a machine that converts coffee and cigarettes into designs.

>>21368779

"Oh hey sport, one more thing. If you need me to get you anything, let me know. I can try to work out some more deals for parts. You can use what we have to minimize costs, and speed things up, or you can wait on me to get some more resources for you to play with, your call.

Now, if there's nothing else...?"

>>21368779
What time is it? If it's still early we can get some work done and mingle over smoko/lunch.

As for the design. I recommend a moderately armoured scout or fire support, as super fragile scouts are a speciality and normally mount advanced software/hardware.

As for engine size, probably the smallest engine is the way to go.

>>21368794
Not so fast! Go over the parts list again, see what's 'appening, then look over the prototype design, see if it's salvageable, but before actually getting down to nitty-gritty design work, take a walk around the grounds to get some ideas and see if we run into anyone.

>>21368805

>Let's get to work. We're an engineer, that means we are a machine that converts coffee and cigarettes into designs.

(Congrats, this quest now has a slogan.)

>>21368810
"Medium Lasers. Those are the backbone of any solid workhorse design, currently I can throw together a missile focused guy, they're great and all but once they blow their load they're finished. If you can look for some of those I'd appreciate it."

>>21368815
>mingle over smoko
I swear to god if we aren't allowed to smoke in our office I'mma kill someone. Seriously, Engineers' brains are wired in such a manner that we CAN'T think without cigarettes.

>>21368818
>>21368815
>>21368805
>>21368794

(Vote time! Get to work, or take a break and mingle/wander/chance some NPC roleplay?)

>>21368849

(In the grim darkness off your corner office, there is only an ashtray.)

>>21368849
Yeah but a diet of only cigarettes makes cancer your best friend. I don't know about you but when I spend all night looking over designs I get up too late for breakfast.

>>21368851
Tie up some loose ends with work, then go On Break like those useless little dwarf guys.

>>21368842

"See what I can do for ya ace. Make me proud."

And with that, Goddard leaves you with your thoughts.

>>21368851
Ask for Medium Lasers, then get to mingling.
>>21368866
>Attend Party
>Attend Party
>Attend Party
>Attend Party

File: 1351678688304.jpg-(106 KB, 900x748, 055_max.jpg)

>>21368851
If we can get our lasers then mingle it is!

>>21368851
work work

>>21368851
since I'm a sucker for roleplay let's mingle with our coworkers it might help us find insipiration

>>21368866
>>21368875
>>21368883
>>21368886
>>21368887

(Seeing a majority asking for mingling. Also, Goddard promised to see what he can do for you regarding Medium-Beam Lasers.)

(A side note: Since weapons in Battletech have 'ratings' (small/medium/large or AC/2/5/10 etc), I will be using more 'realistic' versions, which actual people would use to describe the weapons in question. If you get confused what something is, just ask and I will clarify.)

>>21368908
The 45mm autocannons are AC 2s right? Just want to make sure.

>>21368917

(Yessir. 5s will be around 60mm, 10s will be 105s and 20s are 122mm or so.)

File: 1351679176128.jpg-(155 KB, 1000x666, 140_realsize.jpg)

>>21368908
I guess we'll leave the office and get a look of the building proper. Get the general idea of the layout, facilities etc etc.

>>21368908

You stand, stretch, and make your way out of your office, down the stairs, and into the main lobby that you passed when you first arrived. There you see Goddard talking with a young woman, and an older woman, both of which are wearing welder's overalls, helmets, masks, and gloves. The older one is smoking, and the younger one is currently speaking to Goddard.

In front of you, there are the doors you entered when you got here, and a set of double doors that lead to parts unknown.

>>21368940
Smile, wave and nod at the women and then head to PARTS UNKNOWN!

>>21368942
EXPLORATION!

>>21368922
Wow, really? I thought they were a lot bigger than that.
>>21368940
Smile and wave, then head for the doors.

>>21368957

(According to my sources AC20s are up to 140mm, but most commonly are around 120mm.)

>>21368942
>>21368956
>>21368957

You smile and wave, and the young woman seems absorbed with her conversation and doesn't notice. The older woman tips her welding mask to you, and watches you as you head out the doors.

Through the doors is a yard. The ground is covered in sections of heavy-grade concrete, and along the right side of the tarmac is a series of five 'Mechbays; there seems to be activity at two of the closest ones. You see the blue flash of welding, and smell the metallic ozone that comes wafting past you.

To your left, there is a quonset hut, and and series of small sheds. Past that, the road that you came in on stretches back to town.

>>21368997
Let's check out that welding.

>>21368997
Check out the welding, see what's going on. Don't look directly at the welding as we aren't an idiot.

Ah, the smell of heavy machinery and industry.

I'm still in favour we get back to work

>>21369049
First we meet people, get to know where we're living. Then we take a carton of cigarettes, a gallon of coffee and some snacks and work for 10 hours straight.

>>21369023
>>21369035

You look around, and see a cabinet by the door. The door is ajar, and you can see it is filled with supplies. Inside you find some coveralls, leather gloves, and shaded goggles, as well as a hardhat.

>>21369049
(sadly the votes seem to point toward exploration right now, but we'll see where that goes)

>>21369061
Put on the goggles and hardhat, we aren't actually going to be working so we don't need the gloves and coveralls.

Then go inside, see what's being fabbed.

>>21369076
>we aren't actually going to be working
Take 'em anyway in case we need 'em.

>>21369076
>>21369080

You grab the hardhat and goggles, and put them on. You slip your legs through the lower half of the coveralls, but tie the sleeves around your waist, so you can put it on the rest of the way if you have to. You take a pair of gloves and shove them into your pockets, and turn to the blue lights flickering in the nearest 'Mechbay.

About forty paces brings you to the edge of the skeletal structure; it is three-tiered, and has all manner of lifting arms, winches, cables, and tanks attached to it at different points. It's much smaller than the ones they had at school, and much rustier. But you can see a few workers with grinders fixing that problem, and the welding flashes and smells seem to be coming from the docking area, where a 'Mech would normally be standing. You can hear some angry shouts in a language you don't understand coming from that direction.

>>21369110
Look over the Mechbay, make sure that it's up to the specs we'll need or if we'll need to make adjustments to the plan. Then head towards the yelling, yelling is always exciting.

File: 1351681104720.jpg-(115 KB, 704x886, 267_large.jpg)

>>21369110
Yelling is engineering language for progress.

>>21369115
I agree yelling is exciting but let's make sure we don't bother anyone no need to piss off our coworkers so soon

>>21369110
See how the work's going, maybe speak to the welders and/or grinders if they stop for a bit. They'll probably be putting together whatever monstrosity we design, so it would hep to get on their good sides.

>>21369115
>>21369140

A few quick steps takes you past the web off steel girders that make up the bay's structure (which seem to be in decent shape despite years of neglect. They were probably well-built, considering they are Star League-era construction.)

The source of the yelling comes into view, as a boulder of a man stands in the bay, hairy arms folded over a barrel chest, coveralls dingy and nowhere near the original color. A toolbelt hangs at his waist, and he chews on a cigar as he bellows at a poor fellow who appears to be joint-welding two sections of prefab chassis material into a support section for the 'ribcage' of the 'Mech.

The big man notices your approach, and squints his already squinty, beady eyes at you. He seems to puff up a little as well, though that's just making him go from huge to gargantuan.

>>21369181
Smile, wave, introduce ourself as Daniel Holdt, the new engineer and Mech designer, if he approaches proffer our hand to shake, don't wince when he crushes it.

>>21369181
Yeah this >>21369206 is fine.

>>21369206

He wrinkles his nose at you, but as you say your name, he seems to relax a little.

"You are not Richard. GOOD! Man is an idiot. Wants impossible things. I am not a miracle man. I am just Ivan. And you are Daniel you say? Hrmph. Pleasing to meet you."

The man extends a calloused hand, grimy with soot, oil, grease, and tar from the cigar he continues to chew on.

>>21369255
"I looked at his design, it hurt me deep in my soul."

Shake his hand, who cares about some grime.

>>21369255
I guess we could discuss mech designs. One thing to design them in comfort of your office, another thing when you have to actually build them and deal with problems first-hand.
I bet this man could give us some suggestions.

>>21369261

"Man is idiot. Wants to save material at joints and actuator couplings, for why? To make a joke of a 'Mech? HA! Not in my bay. I come from Solaris, I know how to build. Ivan Grigori I am, and I have build 'Mechs since before you walk, kiddo!"

He grins at you, and after clasping your hand. makes a sweeping gesture.

"This is Ivan's new home. Make some bad bets, get a new job with Goddard. He is good man. Pays my debts to others, now I pay mine to him. I make 'Mechs for him. or try. These people he gives me are... random good. Some bad. I will whip them into shape, don't be worrying about that!"

He finishes gesturing around, and turns back to you.

"So... you are making the same designs? Or should I stop the ants from building and wait for you to make new plans?"

>>21369292
"You're not building that... THING, are you?"

>>21369292
"New plans. I'll get you the specs as soon as I can.

If you show me what you already have I can make it so you can easily incorporate or modify what's already done so you don't have to start from scratch."

File: 1351682666348.jpg-(1.91 MB, 2500x1500, 282_realsize.jpg)

>>21369292
Is what they have built salvageable? Or is it just some framework that can be easily integrated into anew design?

>>21369301
>>21369309

"I am building base model parts that are no measured. Things to be cut and modified as need. Basic parts."

He emphasizes this with a steel-toed boot tip to the nearest strut.

"If you are making new designs, I am able to fabricate anythings you need, within reasons. I have parts for tolerance to forty-five tons for chassis, if you need. I will also make other things for you if you wanting them. I am knowing how to make weapons for grand melee fighting also, if you are wanting hatchets. I am also fabricating armor plates for you. Also install insides. Fusion block, myomer, actuators."

He puffs his cigar and considers the pile of material for a moment.

"We are having enough material to make two prototypes, if you are making a light enough design. Thirty or thirty five tons most. Forty or forty-five if you wanting only one. Either way you give Ivan plans and Ivan give you 'Mech."

>>21369334
>6 legs
>Low center of mass
>Big feet

Just a bit underarmed for that size but otherwise 10/10

Alright, I'm skipping ahead a bit to talk about designs. Since our boss would like a mock up/prototype and seems a bit strapped for cash, I doubt we'll be able to get our hands on another fusion engine for exactly the mech we want. That leaves 5 options, unless we use an over sized engine for no benefit:

Use the 140 engine to make a 20 ton mech with movement 7/11(118kph top speed)
Use the 140 engine to make a 35 ton mech with movement 4/6 (65kph top speed)
Use the 175 engine to make a 25 ton mech with movement 7/11.
Use the 175 engine to make a 35 ton mech with movement 5/8(86kph top speed)
Use the 245 engine to make a 35 ton mech with movement 7/11.

A 7/11 light mech would make a decent workhorse scout and the 35 ton version could be reasonably useful in combat.

A 4/6 35 ton mech might make a oassable firesupport mech like the panther.

A 5/8 35 ton mech could be used to try and build a miniture medium mech, but I wouldn't bother personally.

We can talk about armaments ect. when we've picked what we want to do.

>>21369334
>>21369356

Hey, we're not strictly confined to bidedal mechs, right?
4 or six-legged ones might be better

>>21369346
"You're a good man Ivan. I'll make sure to give you something good.

Is there anyone else here who I should meet before I get to work? So far I've only really met the boss and you."

>>21369370
>A 5/8 35 ton mech could be used to try and build a miniture medium mech, but I wouldn't bother personally.

What? Can you reformulate?

>>21369370

(I don't mind you guys discussing your options as the quest progresses. OOC stuff and planning is reasonable and necessary really. Just be sure to keep up with the happenings in-quest at that moment too, is all I ask)

>>21369356
I think it's designed as a command vehicle.

>>21369379

(4-legs is possible, but with the era we are in, anything more is off-limits due to tech levels and available materials.

For reference, the year is 3040.)

>>21369379
Quad mechs are seen a white elephants in this setting due to the first military quad being a disaster that was released too early from testing. Unless we have a good reputation, no ones going to want a quad mech from us and even then it's an up hill struggle.

>>21369379
Maybe. But this is the first project for our company and us. With that in mind we want a solid design reminiscent of other proven designs. Something that shows that we do good solid work. Something like that is strange, unusual and we don't want initial clients and investors to feel like they're taking a bet on us.

>>21369379
A six-legs offer the best stability for the least elaborating power needed, and the two front limbs could be used as improvised CQC weapons in a pinch.

>>21369370
I have no clue what battlemech is about, or how to help but I'll try.
how about a long range that would act like a sniper, but who'd be able quickly change position in order to minimize the risk of the enemy pinpointing the mech's location?
can it be done with the parts at our disposal?

on a side note melee weapon? why did I immediately though of the 40k titans?

>>21369403

(to clarify, you have some short-range lasers, short-range machine guns, short range missiles, a flamethrower, and some long range missiles and some long-range autocannons. Your boss is going to try to get you some medium-range lasers as well)

>>21369403
That's a project for the future. We want a workhorse.

I'm thinking 35 tons, though I wouldn't be adverse to 40, medium lasers, some SRMs, good speed, reasonable armor. Simple, reliable, can operate out on the field for extended periods of time, fill a good number of combat roles and is always needed by customers.

>>21369400
>>21369401

I see, good to know

File: 1351683532097.jpg-(298 KB, 857x932, charge_by_flyingdebris-d3dtbyh.jpg)

>>21369403
Melee weapons are very specialised, you normally design the entire mech around them.
Aka Hatchetman, Axeman, Berserker.

>>21369383

Ivan frowns, and you can almost hear the gears turn.

"There is money secretary lady. Also energy specialist. Also maybe you meet physics guy. He is specialize in testing and monitors and sensors and all that."

Ivan shifts a little, looking back at his pile of material.

"How long till you are giving Ivan his designs to make for you?"

>>21369455
Oh geez way to put us on the spot guy.
Will we have something done within a week?

>>21369488

(your boss asked for a rough layout in 2 weeks to present to investors. it's likely going to be months before you can build a prototype unless you get lucky)

>>21369455
I'm not sure exactly how long it'll take us.

"I should have a basic skeleton and core in (X time), you can get started on the basic large scale fabrication then, the fiddly details will take a bit longer."

File: 1351684226350.jpg-(51 KB, 704x607, 596_large.jpg)

>>21369455
"Give me a week and a half, Ivan. I'll get you your design."

File: 1351684240171.jpg-(49 KB, 655x480, outlaw-star.jpg)

How difficult would it be to channel the exhaust of a fusion engine into a propulsive jet?

>>21369501
>Jumpjets
Easy as. Why?

>>21369420
I suppose we could go for a 40 ton 6/9 (97kph) mech using the 245 engine, but that would leave us using an engine half a ton overweight for no gain. So I'd go with the 35 tons myself.

Armament wise, SRMs and medium lasers is probably the way to go yea. If Daniel can't manage to scrounge up some more weaponry, both the srm launchers and the the small lasers are probably our best bet.

>>21369496
>>21369499

Ivan grins at you.

"Weeks, not months! You hear this you lazy bastards! This one is not Richard.. he is not giving you vacation on Ivan's 'Mechbay!"

Ivan folds his arms again.

"I am ready to do work for you kiddo. You just get Ivan the plans, and he will do the rest."

>>21369501

(As difficult as installing Jump Jets)

It would probably be best if we stuck to making something out of the available parts, at least for now.

175 engine, 35 tons, a missile launcher and a pair of autocannons.

That viable?

>>21369513

(I should point out that the chassis and weapons aren't the only things you can modify in this quest. I want to make things a little more realistic than the typical Battletech construction rules, though those are the hard and fast guide to things. A little wiggle room with certain things is possible. Like a 245 engine becoming a 240 or something, with no wasted tonnage. Of course this depends on your techs and their rolls, but it's an option.)

>>21369513
We've only got two of them and small lasers have no range and are not quite flashlights.

Autocannons might work, it gives it some good range and heat isn't a bit problem. I'm not sure how many we could stick on it though. It'd make it into much more of a ranged support and we could either do LRMs for additional ranged fire or SRMs for extra punch up close.

>>21369529
"Will do Ivan. I'd love to stay and talk but I should probably meet some other people and then I have a hot date with a CAD program."

We should probably meet the money secretary lady, requisition a personal coffee pot and hot plate for when we don't want to leave our work nest. Also because it's important to know the finances when you're building stuff.

File: 1351684839912.jpg-(1.15 MB, 2000x2000, 1313480612269.jpg)

>>21369529
Finish the round trip of the complex.
Then;
Cigarettes.
Coffee.
A motivational poster.

(Vote for your next move, Daniel. Will you tour the site and look for more coworkers? Or get to work on your prototype rough draft?)

>>21369593
No need to look standoffish. We'll need to talk to these people eventually. I recommend at least introducing ourselves to the Physics guy (as we'll be building scout mechs) and the energy specialist.

>>21369508
>>21369529
So we could in theory take out the legs and add a second fusion engine for motion. Can we give it SSTO capability?

>>21369615

(Jump Jets are an additional mode of transit that allow leaps to be taken instead of running. They are good for traversing difficult terrain, but don't allow flight or hover travel)

>>21369508
I think he means continuously. For a hover mech.
Like that multileg design, I think we should just stick to something simple. We need cash, and the best way to make that is something that is obviously capable.
My personal thought is a heavy Light 'Mech, not overly fast, with longer ranged weapons (an AC and a LRM, or two ACs?) backed up with a bunch of Medium Lasers. Solid fire support and anti-Light platform.
It's a shame we're not set 10 or so years later, a C3 system would be dead useful for this build. As it is, Draconis has just released it and I really doubt it would have made it to the FWL so quick.
>>21369593
Go talk to the money lady.

>>21369615
We are making a mech, not an orbital cannon.

>>21369593
tour the site and write down the specifications of the construction equipment as we go, so we know what limits to stick to when we get to work.

>>21369533
It's possible, but be very fragile. Low armour even for it's size, slow speed and all it's weapons have explosive ammunition. Also, light autocannons (AC2) do low damage for their weight in return for long range and low heat, but that trade off isn't really worth it on a light mech.

>>21369561
AC2s do less damage than small laser while weighing 12 times as much, while they do have range and low heat, they aren't worth it on a light mech. Small lasers aren't great weapons, but they do better on fast light mechs who can dictate the engagement range. Medium lasers would ofcourse be better, but then medium lasers almost always are.

>>21369561
That opens up some more options, not sure how many of them are worth that risk, but certainly worth thinking about.

And I vote we tour the site.

>>21369615
Nope. Jumpjets allow for jumps, hops, bursts of motion, that sort of thing. Actual flight is outside their capabilities. Making it actually work would require paring down too much armor and weaponry for it to be effective.

>>21369613
>>21369568
>>21369561

(Sounds like everyone wants to continue the tour then?)

As you finish up with Ivan, you move to head back and put the hardhat and coveralls away when you run into Goddard.

"Hey Daniel. Guess you met Ivan huh? He didn't hurt your hand too bad I hope. Can still use a keyboard right?"

He smiles that wry smile and continues.

"I'm about to go meet Janine if you want to come along. She's our financial manager, PR, and liaison. Well, when I'm not the PR or liaison that is."

>>21369615
That's a LAM. We're not building LAMs. Are we?

File: 1351685641266.jpg-(231 KB, 650x919, 1270193141064.jpg)

>>21369655
I wish.

>>21369653
"I probably should.

I'll get on her nerves quickly enough by asking for expensive parts so I should ask get her to put a futon, a coffee pot and a crate of cigarettes on the expense account before that happens."

>>21369653
Sure thing, Boss. I was heading that way myself.

>>21369653
oh god the man is nervous as fuck that this isn't going to pan out for him, it's obvious.

Smile with him. "I've yet to see the day that I couldn't use a keyboard, hands or no hands, no need to worry about that"

Offtopic, alot of battletech threads the last few days. I'm looking for some nostalgia. Should I hit up MechW 2,3 or 4?

>>21369672
>>21369673

Goddard nods and clasps you on the shoulder.

"I like you better than Richard already. He never shmoozed with the staff. Always shut in his office, and never producing results. I got a good feeling about you."

The two of you head across the tarmac towards the quonset hut, which is patched with rust spots and, well, patches. It looks to have seen better days. You can see a comm module attached to the back and roof, with antennae, dish, and mini relay tower for HPG usage.

Goddard leans in a bit.

"I gotta warn you about Janine.. see, well she's not from our neck of the woods. She's got a way about her. Good kid, good with books, better with people that aren't staff, but... she's... well, you'll see. Just know that her last name is Steiner, and you'll be set."

>>21369694
If it's nostalgia, MW2.
Actually anyone play Mech Commander 2? Does anyone remember the name of the Colonel who drove the Atlas with Jumpjets?

>>21369702

(I played the original, so not really. Had 2, wasn't as enamored with it. Also, MW2:Mercs is best for nostalgia for me.)

>>21369702
If you are into MC2, this link might be relevant to your interests:

http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?board=210.0

>>21369701
"Steiner, Boss? As in Steiner Steiner?

>>21369701
"I think I'll manage. Though how in the hell did a Steiner end up in the Free Worlds League working with you? Wouldn't she be bona fide nobility?"

Be sure not to mention social generals or any hilariously incompetent officers. Just don't.

>>21369737
>>21369749

Goddard grits his teeth a little.

"Well... that's a short story but this is a shorter walk. But yes. Real Steiner. Though the line is a bit... longer than people know. She's a noble, sure... just like I'm a businessman and you're an engineer. Though she's still a -noble-, so... mind your ps and qs, eh? Things'll run smoother for us all."

As you approach the quonset, the door flies open and an older gentlemen seems to be making tracks away from the rusted building as quickly as his limp will carry him. A blonde woman with a slick pinstripe suit appears at the door, and flings a clipboard in his general direction.

"You want another modulator? YOU file the goddamn paperwork!"

Goddard stops, and you can hear him mutter under his breath.

"Hoo boy."

>>21369776
Okay, stay polite, stay calm, don't show any fear, Steiners can smell fear.

"Hi, I'm Daniel Holdt, the new engineer. Lovely to meet you." Proffer our hand for a handshake. "I hope we can get along."

>>21369776
"Oh wow."

>>21369776
Ask about hazard pay.

>>21369776
Maybe we should come back later?

If this is as good as it'll be, introduce ourselves politely.

>>21369790
This, except drop the 'lovely to meet you' and 'I hope we can be friends'.
I really doubt this woman has anyone she'd call 'friend'. If we're lucky we'll get to be promoted 'ally'. Until then we should settle for 'asset'.

>>21369776
"She's shouting. She's almost shouting louder than I can. Are you entirely sure she doesn't have any background as an engineer?"

>>21369790
>>21369802
>>21369807

Goddard tries to stifle a chuckle as you mention 'hazard pay'.

Meanwhile, the woman at the door seems to compose herself a bit, smooths her suit pleats, and puts on a stern demeanor, folding her arms strongly. You approach, and try to stay calm, offering salutations and your hand for a clasp, introducing yourself.

You can tell common courtesy and a bit of trained 'noblesse' immediately take over, and she offers her hand back, shaking yours and nodding curtly.

"Daniel? I'm Janine Steiner, and I'm in charge of the finances and RP of this... company." You easily pick up the strain in her voice as she says that word. "If you have questions about my heritage or what I'm doing here, ask them now, and get them out off your system, or can it for good, and forget about it."

>>21369833
We should make a table of questions ordered by priority. Engineers love tables.

For serious though:
Shrug and say "Well, if you're offering..." Then trail off and let her yammer.

>>21369848

Agreed, and if her answer is 'to bad you don't get to know', say that's fine to, whatever, we're all working for the same goal here.

>>21369833
"If I don't ask it'll eat at me for a long time and it doesn't look like I'll get another chance.

How did you end up here?"

>>21369833
Let's get the questions about how she ended up here out of the way now. And once she answers them, never bring it up again.

>>21369848
>>21369857
>>21369858
Getting lasers is more important than saisfying our curiosity and alienating her.

>>21369871
So's listening to women when they want to talk. We could easily just ignore it and leave her be, but then she'd get curious about us not asking and pester us instead.

>>21369833
"...alright then, if you're willing: would you please expound as far as you are comfortable with on your heritage and what you are doing here? Ah, in the reversed order, please. And the former in rough chronological order. I have some spare paper and pens here if you think a flowchart will help."

>>21369848
>>21369857
>>21369858

She eyes you for a moment, green flashes against a blonde and fair backdrop.

"I'm a bastard. My father loved to carouse, and eventually that 99% catches up with you. Of course, I was ignored for the first half of my life, at least until the old fart found out he lost his virility, and without the male heir he wanted. So he got desperate, named me his heir, and I told him, to shove it and left the Commonwealth. The League seemed a decent place to start over, so here I am. I've always had a head for math, and I had training in etiquette before I came here... part of the whole 'heir' bit. So I'm good with people when I have to be. And that's about it. I'm a baseborn noble with no real claim to anything other than the scraps my father didn't fetter away while he was chasing ass. Anything unclear about that?"

>>21369888
This but shake the snarky pen and paper flowchart bs. If she's willing to be upfront about a subject that she has probably gotten tired of talking about long ago then we should grant her that small mercy.

ALTERNATIVELY we go full on light novel modu and say "Don't worry about it" and hope that she reveals it all in a tearful 'neath the stars kind of scene, right before we get to choose if we wish to bang her or friendzone.

>>21369893
>Foot in mouth mode: "Who's your father?"

"Nope. Since you're being straight with me, anything you want to ask?"

>>21369893

Seems fair enough to me. Extend the offer to her, if there's anything she wants to know, though our history's not near as exciting.

But, hell, she's got skills enough to be here, and that's what matters to us, yeah?

>>21369893
heh, nobles the day they'll do something useful... no offense, but each time I hear about one it's either because they're incompetent or because of a scandal.

>>21369893
"That's quite enough, thank you for being so straightforward with it. I won't pester you with any inane questions about it later. Now, if you have the time, could you explain a bit what it is that you do here? I mean, in your own words"

>>21369907

She tilts her head to the side a little.

"You gonna waste my time like the last chump? Or are you going to put your nose the grindstone and make Goddard's pipe dream something that actually holds water?"

>>21369893
"Nope. Is there anything you want to know about me? I warn you though, I'm not a very interesting person.

I have some simple personal requests for my office that I'd like to run by you before we talk serious requests. A coffee pot, a couple cartons of cigarettes and a futon in case I don't feel like walking back to the dorms some nights."

>>21369917

"If you'll get us the mlasers, coffee, and cigs we need--by the by, send me the forms to get an industrial-strength ash tray and coffee pot in my office--we'll make the most goddamn water-holding 'mech you have ever seen."

"Actually it should probably be mostly waterproof. But you get it. We'll head on."

>>21369893
"Perfectly clear. Any questions from your end? If not, consider the matter closed. What forms do I need to fill out for a coffee machine and an ashtray?"

>>21369937
>>21369933
>>21369923

She sits quietly for a moment, leaning on her left leg a bit.

"You want... a futon, an ashtray, a coffee pot, and a hot plate? That's it?"

You think you see a tiny smile, but she speaks before you can tell for sure.

"Fine. I'll have the appliances there by tonight. The futon will take till the end of the week. That fine?"

>>21369916

"In my own words, I handle all the bullshit here. Goddard only deals with the pleasant people. The assholes? Like Richard's parent's? My job. Conveniently."

She shoots Goddard a glare.

>>21369962

"That'll work fine! And, on that subject, I'll let you get back to it, unless there's something else."

>>21369962
"... Actually a fast food chain rebate card would be nice. I've probably missed something, so you mind if I get back to you on that some other time?"

>The natural diet of an engineer is "What's cheap, what's fast, what's edible." Trufax.

goddamnit I'm proud tg, First day on the job and we're impressing peoples left and right. "Oh hey, you met that new dude yet?" "No why?" "He's AWESOME. He's like a workhorse, really into his job but he knows how to talk to peoples too. I'm going to head over to his office later and buy him all the lunches."
"What?"
"you heard me. All the lunches."

>>21369962
"Cigarettes are also needed, I'm going to run low soon and engineers can't work without them. I can cover the cost if it's really important, I just don't want to have to go out and find them.

More importantly, Medium Lasers. It might be what Goddard came here to talk to you about. I know it's a big expense but there's a damn good reason they're used by everyone."

>>21369976
>>21369986

"We're too far from town for delivery. You'll have to suck it up and eat commissary food like the rest of us. At least till we get a cook in here."

With that, she turns away and heads back to her office. The door shuts, and Goddard exhales.

"I think she likes you. You still have a face."

>>21370006
"She likes me now, but we didn't get around to mentioning the lasers."

>>21370006
"I think it's because I'm direct and look like I'm going to spend 10 hours in a row doing work.

I'll leave the task of convincing her that my cigarette supply is a necessary business expense to you.

I'm going to go work, tell someone to remind me to eat in about 5 hours. I'll forget."

>>21370006
I sense some rolls to seduce in our near future.

>>21370021

"Point taken. And I'll see to the cigarettes personally."

He turns to you and smiles.

"Off I go to tempt fate. Your Medium Beams hang in the balance, sparky. Go make something worthwhile to put them on, will you?"

With that, Goddard enters Janine's office, and the door closes behind him.

>>21370027
This reminds me of a joke. A Lawyer, a Doctor and an Engineer are talking about wives and mistresses.

The Lawyer says a mistress is best as you don't have to ever deal with divorce proceedings.

The Doctor says a wife is best due to the stability it provides which is good for your health.

The Engineer says that you should have both so you can tell your wife you're with your mistress, your mistress you're with your wife and then you can go and get some actual work done.

>>21370036
I think we've met enough people for today. Let's get to our office and work until we remember we haven't eaten all day and the ashtray is full.

>>21370036

Alright. We can meet Physics Dude and Energy Guy later. for now. WE ENGINEER.

>>21370036
Right then. I think we just need to meet with the physicist and energy specialist, then we can start working.

(Vote to continue visiting or to go get some work done?)

>>21370076
I vote we continue visiting.

>>21370076

My vote is for getting some work done. It's good to know co-workers, but it's also good to deliver on work.

We can meet energy dude and physics guy during the 'oh god is it really breakfast already?' break.

>>21370076
We should get some work done, if we meet physics and energy guys with some actual work to show them we will make an excellent impression.

>>21370076
Work time.

>>21370088
Agreed. Curious to see how this designing thing is going to work. I've been fucking around in solaris skunk works this whole time muttering to myself.

>>21370103

you too, huh?

>>21370076
let's get to work and make the BEST WATER HOLDING MECH EVER

>>21370076
Let's get some work done. We'll meet more people tomorrow, or whatever day it is after we wake up after a long session of working.

>>21370110
It will have a giant bucket that will hold lots of water. Just what they wanted!

>>21370110
What if we make a mech with a huge water tank and high pressure hose for use in riot suppression in our spare time?

>>21370083
>>21370088
>>21370092

(Looks like it's time to get back to work then. And it's also time for me to get some sleep. I will try to continue this quest this Saturday around this same time, maybe a bit earlier. Whatever happens, I will let you all know.

Thanks for helping me get this off the ground. This is my first quest so your patience has been greatly appreciated. gonna archive this and will post the link.)

>>21370117

Probably more efficient to just modify a firestarter with a fluid gun and some tanks, but I like the cut of your jib.

>>21370119

I am a mechanical engineering major and came to this thread late, but got a kick out of it. Thanks, OP.

>>21370117
that would be AWESOME, but then we make a metal gear ray variant...LET'S MAKE METAL GEAR REX, or not not sure if it's the best idea.

>>21370127

(thanks. now queue the solaris skunk werks and the TRO sheet spam, haha. I hope to see a ton of cool stuff happen here while I'm gone)

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/21368164/

(Upvote it if you want it saved and would like to keep the info for future threads to review. I kept notes but having the full thread helps a lot too.

Night all, I shall dream of AC2-toting Light Mechs.)

>>21370147
But AC/2s are so fucking heavy. 6 tons a piece, 6 fucking tons.

I vote we steal all our designs from C.A.V

http://www.reapermini.com/Miniatures/CAV:%20Strike%20Operations/latest/page1

>>21370127
On that note, I'm somewhat disappointed we didn't call this quest MechEng quest.

>>21370290
That reminds me. We need to get Ivan WD-40 and duct tape. It's tradition!

>>21370266
Hazard Pay, good working project name.

More armor would be nice though hard to fit in, and if we get our Medium Lasers we'll have more heat to deal with so we might need more heat sinks.

>>21370266
We don't have 3 srm 4s. We only have 2. I suggest remove 1 srm launcher and 2 tons of ammo and replace the small lasers with mediums. That gives us 3 spare tons for extra armour. Although this build does run a bit hot.

File: 1351692862948.png-(54 KB, 685x941, Hazard Pay.png)

Right, fixing my horrible ability to remember what gear we have: Hazard Pay, Mark 2. Not assumign we're getting mlasers yet, but the idea here is a workhorse light 'mech, fast and decent armor. BIt expensive, I think, but it's able to poke from afar and poke from up close.

The lack of mlasers really does hurt for making a workhorse design.

>>21370383
Can you make up a version with Mlasers, then we can fall back on this if we don't get them.

>>21370408

Will do, working now.

File: 1351693403851.png-(54 KB, 669x941, Hazard Pay MLAS.png)

>>21370408

Here's the Mlas version, which also has an extra ton of armor added, because I assumed we'd not be able to get more than two Mlasers.

For design, should it be:
Upright (commando, spider), for better visibility but increased cross sectional area
or
Bent over (jenner, raven), for a smaller area, but with increased volume of fire hitting the cockpit and a reduced scouting potential.

>>21370516

My current design lacks arm-mounted weapons entirely--though of course that can be easily changed around--and doesn't have lower arm or hand actuators to save on cash price.

My personal vote is for a chickenmech like the Jenner or Raven--the smaller area is very handy, and the reduced scouting potential isn't so great, I would think.

>>21370516
Can we use a retractable sensor boom to improve visibility?

>>21370460
Is that going to be able to handle 4 lasers worth of heat?

>>21370568

Yeah, smlasers are pretty heat-light, and it won't be firing the LRM-5 the same time it's firing off with the mlasers and smlasers, or at least it shouldn't be.

I mean, it should be fine, is what I'm saying.

>>21370588
If it shuts down from heat during testing we are getting fired.

The armament looks fairly standard and all round useful, but we need to make the mech innovative in some way, otherwise we won't be able to market it over a tried and tested design.

>>21370633

Given our limited amount of equipment, I'm not sure just how innovative we can afford to be without just being gimmicky and still remaining a workhorse. I think whatever innovation we have will need to come from design elements, not gear loadout.

>>21370460
What do people think about losing the small lasers for another LRM 5? Or losing both the small lasers and the LRM 5 for SRMs? We'd have to lose a ton of armour but 6.5 tons is still respectable for this weight.

Requisitioning a workhorse mech from a small company with extremely limited manufacturing capabilities seems strange. It seems like gimmick niche mechs are exactly what we would be good for at the moment.

The SLas are good if we are going to be getting right up behind the bigger mechs, or getting into knifefights with other light mechs.

The SRM would make us better all around, but we will have precious little ammunition for either launcher, meaning we can't handle long engagements.

The extra LRM is nice if we aren't expected to straight on tackle other lights, and we won't be in the thick of the fighting. Focusing on just LRM ammo will give us a little extra time on the battlefield, and make us more of a long to medium range support mech.

>>21370713

So maybe we should just load up on all three LRm launchers, be a small fast missile boat? I'd worry about ammo capacity, though--we likely wouldn't be able to put much armor on if we have enough ammo for even medium-length engagements.

File: 1351696130300.jpg-(23 KB, 231x290, 07013_G.jpg)

>>21370460
I had nearly this same build. Only difference is I would change the small lasers for an extra ton of ammo. Maybe do the same with armor. but that's a tougher call.

With the speed of the engine, we could easily make a SRM hit and runner but that's basically a Jenner.

We need to corner a market that is less utilized to stand out.

I think the 240 engine, 5.5 tons of armor, 2 medium lasers in each arm and a pair of LRM-5s with 2 tons of of ammo is pretty good load out. Maybe drop an LRM for extra armor. Or switch it for an SRM-4 as well as one ton of the ammo. All are interesting variants.

Good damage at a range, fast enough to pull out and tough enough to handle other lights. I'm thinking market it as a scout/support mech.

At this time period, I think most of our competition is going to come from the Jenner, wolfhound and maybe the Valkyrie. We would out run the last two and out range the first two, plus out armor the Jenner.

What do you guys think?

>>21370893
We could go for maximum LRMs and minimum armor, and the mech just acts like a flanking catapult. Armor shouldn't matter if we stay miles away and rape the battlefield with missiles.

If you can, whip up a missileboat and one with the 4 lasers and an SRM instead of the LRM, then you can present all three designs next thread, and see which is preferred.

>>21370893
We can get 3 LRM 5s and 2 tons of ammo (Enough for 16 volleys, probably enough for any one lance vs lance or company vs company engagement) and 5.5 tons of armour. But that's with no back up weapons.

>>21370944
That would mean ordering 4 MLas, and I doubt we can afford it.

Here's a thought:

AC-2s fuck aerospace up. Light/rapid redeployment AA 'mech?

>>21370971
Ballistic weapons are so heavy that we would be better off just getting an AC15/20 or a Gauss rifle, which we don't have and which the Hollander does better.

>>21370985

Fair enough, then.

I'm trying to think of some way to use the AC-2s.

About all I'm getting is Frankenweaponing them together to make, like, a variant LBX-10.

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>>21370967
Whoops, I meant one in each arm. But come to think of it we could also maybe get two more smalls and run two in each arm.

>>21370971
An AC2 weighs as much as 3 missile launchers put together. 2 AC2s would mean we couldn't put armour on all our components, unless we took a smaller slower engine, which would kinda defeat the point.

>>21371017
Hold that thought until we get a bigger chassis, I would love to see this happen.

>>21371018
Slas have such a small range, 2 MLas makes the mech a better all rounder.

Do any of our designs have jump jets?

>>21371051

None as of yet, because we have no jump jets to install.

Do we actually need to put "arms" on the mech if we aren't using them?
If no: max out the missiles with the tonnage we save.
If yes: Take at least 1 MLas per arm to take advantage of the increased aiming ability of using arms.

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Designing the mech from scrap was a mistake. Our co-workers will hate us and make our job difficult. We should have kept the core and build around it. We must work as a team in this business, otherwise the jealousy of more experienced engineers will break our back.

Furthermore: maybe there was a plan with the prototype.

I say: call up the original designer, ask what the idea was behind the mech and work out the fundamentl flaws, not changing the whole promise of the mech.

We must be the good soldier first, improving what is broken and not become arrogant as the newbie we are.

>>21371083

Dude, the last 'mech was called a mistake by the builders and EVERYONE hated the last engineer. Building from scratch will make our co-workers like us more.

And designing 'mechs is what we're HERE for, if they didn't want us going to the blank drawing board and writing our vision upon it in large, nicotine and caffiene fueled fever dreams, we wouldn't've been hired.

>>21371083
The arms and legs of the original mech had to be scrapped due to PHYSICS. The main chassis itself was designed to be sturdy, which our design is looking to be anyway.

If the previous design was chickenmech, we can probably use it with all but the missileboat design. If it ISN'T chickenmech, is it worth changing our premise just for appearances sake?

>>21371083
>Our co-workers will hate us and make our job difficult.
They did that to the last guy.
>We must work as a team in this business, otherwise the jealousy of more experienced engineers will break our back.
Ivan's a pretty cool dude as far as I can tell.
>call up the original designer
He's been fired.
>work out the fundamentl flaws, not changing the whole promise of the mech.
The fundamental flaw was that the mech could not do what it was designed to do

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Stupid Sniper mech
175 engine, 2 AC-2s with one ton of ammo each, and two small lasers to cap yourself in the head as you only have 4.5 tons of armor on.

The mech would be pretty cheap though, 2,242,000 c-bills. And 519 bv if anyone cares.

>>21371123
I should've read past the "Let's design our own mech" post.

That's why someone with lack of patience will never make a good mech-engineer ;_;

Sorry for the inconvenience. Carry on, chaps.

>>21371079
There aren't any weight savings for leaving the arms off, it just provides a negative quirk that makes it harder for the mech to get up.

Is it better to take 2 LRMs for increased fire-rate, or 1 LRM with the tonnage of the second replaced with enough missiles to last until christmas?

How about going for a fast, long range skirmisher?

PuddleJumper

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-D-D
Production Year: 3040
Cost: 3,206,138 C-Bills
Battle Value: 529

Chassis: Unknown Standard
Power Plant: Unknown 245 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Autocannon/2
1 Small Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 58 points 3.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 245 12.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3.50
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 56 3.50

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 8
Center Torso 11 8
Center Torso (rear) 2
L/R Torso 8 7
L/R Torso (rear) 1
L/R Arm 6 5
L/R Leg 8 6

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Autocannon/2 RA 1 1 6.00
Small Laser LA 1 1 0.50
Free Critical Slots: 39

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 5
7j 1 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

>>21371235
Depends on the role and logistics of where it's being deployed. With a mech this fast, pulling out to resupply isn't that big of a deal. But if you don't have any where to resupply...

>>21371283
After the drama we likely put Goddard through with Ms. Steiner, we need to use our MLas. I think the best allround design so far is the 2x MLas, 2x LRM, medium armor chickenmech.