So here we go!
This is a re-paint of one of my older metal mechs (I only had 4-5 metal mechs). As such I feel it will get much use as a proxy!
This plastic mech has a missing right hand, it's a shame to say but I got it in a box set and it came that way. (Oh well).
Grasshopper: A heavy mech of 70 tons this mecha lacks "Serious" firepower for it's weight. With 1 large laser and 4 medium lasers and a small (lrm5) Long Range Missile system for me it lacks "Punch". It is jump capable and does carry a good amount of armour (more than a Warhammer or Marauder or even and Archer all of which have the same weight limit.) The LRM5 does not give it enough long range capacity the large laser helps of course but this mech really does need to get within 9 hexes to inflict much damage at all. The Grasshopper has lots of heat sinks so overheating should never be a problem which means it can run cold and not worry about movement or aiming penalties at least until armour is penetrated.
Again not a fan of this mech from 20 years ago but played by an adult (Physically if not mentally) this mech could be quite useful as it can soak up a lot of damage.
Whitworth: The 40 ton Whitworth is on the lower side of Medium mechs. Which is not to say it's wimpy. It is quite a balanced build and can cause problems. Originally designed as a Scout mech to fill the gap between a Locust and a Phoenix Hawk it's main problem is that it now lacks a distinct on the battlefield. Not a bad mech by any means it has 2 Long range missile (LRM10') systems as well as 3 medium lasers and even jump capability. The long range weapons are useful but not powerful enough for a stand off mech and the Medium lasers do not do enough damage at short range to make this a close in mech. Some variants replace the LRMs with SRMs which does give it a set role but it is a compromise. It is a good mech when used well but alas that was not something I ever managed to do well in the game. 10 heatsinks means that this can run hot when at close range but not as hot as some mechs get. If using this mech I would stay at long range and use LRMs and then get in close to finish off anything badly damaged by any other mech. Not a bad all round mech but on the light side for a medium mech and it lacks an obvious use.
Catapult: a 65 tom heavy mech with some notable long range capabilities. Each arm carries a LONG range Missile system (LRM15) while the torso carries 4 medium lasers. Some varients exist with the LRMs stripped out and Phase Partial Cannons (PPCs) retrofitted but this can lead to heat problems and I believe the LRMs are better in this particular mech. The medium lasers are for close support and the mech does have a role in the secondary defensive line with some (but) limited offensive capability. On a one to one bases this mecha is very good at dealing long range damage sufficient enough to worry most mech of a similar size and hopefully weaken an opponent enough for the medium lasers at closer range. It does have some jump capability so is capable of intricate manoeuvres through difficult terrain so will keep up with most (non scout) mechs. Like all mechs it does depend on how it is used but generally it is quite balanced.
All the comments are my personal views and experiences and it does depend on how you and your opponents do play. So if your experiences differ I will not be at all surprised. My main Mech was a Griffin for example so all my comments come from that background.
Not the best mechs in the world, but better than none at all. Thanks for looking and I hope you are having a really great weekend. \All the best Clint
Great stuff Clint, and a fine array of Mechs and colour schemes. I really like the sky/land two-tone scheme you've created for Rifleman and Hunchback. Wonderful camo. Though I must confess to having a soft spot for Whitworth as he has the look of Hammerstein about him from the "ABC Warriors" - a favourite comic book series of mine. They're all good though and hopefully we'll see them on your tabletop at some point in a game?
ReplyDeleteThanks Simon. The sky and land Camo is something I have tried on other mechs as well. And I am sure I will again as I have 10-11 more to paint and don't really want to do the non Camo heraldry!
DeleteSeeing all these Mechs brings back lots of happy memories from the times when I used to play "Battletech." I always liked the "Lumpyback" as we called the Hunchback. Personally, I'd have made more of the missing hand by painting round it with scorch marks for battle damage.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bryan I probably should have emphasised the damage as you say. Still not to late for a "Broken Hand actuator!"
DeleteOh my look at those beauties! A great collection Clint.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michael. They are not very good paint jobs I am afraid, but better than bare metal/plastic at least.
DeleteNice stuff mate. I'll have to play Battletec one day, it seems right up my street.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lee. Let me sort out the game next week end. The assuming it goes OK I'll happily sort a game out for you and any other rejects,.
DeleteThese all look pretty good Clint, but imo you saved he best until last as it looks the least 'humanoid'.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe the Catapult is a pretty good mech. Not my favourite of the bunch but a sound mecha none the less.
DeleteVery informative post about a game of which I have only a very passing knowledge. And having painted miniatures will avoid the blasphemy of bare plastic or metal :-) !
ReplyDeleteThanks C6. The plastic they are cast in is not particularly hard but the models are functional and If I could be truly bothered would have given a much better result, but as they are they will pass muster but just barely.
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