WLB-4S Wilberforce

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KamikazeJohnson
06/09/02 12:34 PM
209.202.47.12

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WLB-4S Wilberforce

Mass: 75 tons
Chassis: Foundation 210
Power Plant: VOX 225
Cruising Speed: 32.25
Maximum Speed: 53.75
Jump Jets: none
Jump Capacity: none
Armor: Durallex Special Heavy
Armament:
6 Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Lasers
2 Federated Autocannon/5s
2 Shigunga LRM 5s
2 SperryBrowning Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Johnson 'Mechworks Inc.
Primary Factory: Soul
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

Overview:
A recent "housecleaning" of JMInc.'s databanks over the past few
months has enearthed a number of 'Mech designs from the company's
unfortunate past. Among them is the WLB-4S Wilberforce, an unlikely
design with an unlikely name. Although the twin arm-mounted ACs give
the 'Mech a look reminiscent of a Rifleman upgrade, the WLB-4S is the
result of a completely independent design process. While most 'Mechs
of the era were designed around their long-range primary weapons
array (or in some cases, a single close-combat weapon such as a heavy
Autocannon), the Wilberforce's designers began with the six-pack of
lasers as the heart of the 'Mechs configuration. The first draft of
the design mounted 2 additional heat sinks, but they were eventually
dropped in order to free up tonnage for the Autocannons and token
anti-infantry firepower. Unfortunately, the original incarnation of
Johnson 'Mechworks, Inc. folded before the design reached production,
and modern technological advances have rendered the Wilberforce
obsolete. In another age, however, it could likely have held the
field with anything else in its weight or cost class.

Capabilities:
While far from devatating at any range, the WLB-4S Wilberforce is
nevertheless a significant presence on the (virtual) battlefield.
The biggest drawback, naturally, is the 'Mech's lack of speed, but
the varied weaponry allow the 'Mech to influence the battle from
nearly anywhere. Critics have pointed out that the Autocannons would
be better replaced with more potent weapons, especially in light of
the Wilberforce's low heat output at long range, and this has been
taken into account in one of the two listed variants. All in all,
the Wilberforce is a durable, versatile addition to a force, provided
mobility is not essential.

Known Variants:
The recovered schematic for the Wilberforce shows two
modifications, which can be made separately, or both on the same
'Mech. The first is a return to the original draft, which drops the
twin Machine Guns and a half-ton of armor for 2 additional heat
sinks, and the second change replaces the right-arm AC/5 with a PPC.
The extra ton freed up by the second modification can be used for
additional LRM ammo, extra close-range weaponry (such as another
medium laser or a pair of smalls), or simply to maximize armor
coverage.


WLB-4S Wilberforce

Technology Base: - Inner Sphere - Level 1
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 7.5
Engine: 225 10
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 18 8
HS Locations: 2LL, 2RL, 2LT, 2RT, H
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 224 14

Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 34
Center Torso(rear) 11
R/L Torso 16 26
R/L Torso(rear) 6
R/L Arm 12 24
R/L Leg 16 29

Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
Autocannon/5 LA 4 8
Machine Gun LA 1 0.5
Medium Laser LA 1 1
Autocannon/5 Ammo LT 1 1
LRM 5 LT 1 2
Medium Laser LT 1 1
Medium Laser LT 1 1
LRM 5 RT 1 2
LRM 5 Ammo RT 1 1
Medium Laser RT 1 1
Medium Laser RT 1 1
Autocannon/5 RA 4 8
Machine Gun RA 1 0.5
Medium Laser RA 1 1
Machine Gun Ammo (1/2 ton) H 1 0.5

Cost: 6,005,125
BV: 1163

MY BLURB:
Ok, I know its a plodder for a 75-tonner. I wanted it to move 4/6, but those ACs are just too freakin' heavy. Anyway, I liked the "Demented Rifleman" feel of this design, so I stuck with the ACs, even though there were a number of better choices. So...how do you think this would stack up on a 3025 battlefield?
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Zwischy
06/09/02 04:48 PM
63.49.182.83

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This would be a solid fire-support 'Mech, though likely its damage would come more from lucky hits than actually punching through opposing armor. Needs another ton of AC ammo, though, because when enemies get close you're still going to use the ACs, just switching out the LRMs for the lasers. Probably easiest thing to do would be swap out one heat sink. Heat's still plenty manageable.

zwischy
KamikazeJohnson
06/09/02 05:19 PM
209.202.47.12

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Actually, my first draft had an extra ton each of AC and LRM ammo instead of the MGs and some armor. And you're right...the ACs will get used to help manage the heat, at least until inside minimum.
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Acolyte
06/09/02 05:20 PM
64.180.255.235

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More heavly armored than a JagerMech. This is one of those "find the heavy woods and sit" 'Mechs. Not bad, but it would need support to survive, even on a 3025 battlefield.

Light a fire for a man, and you keep him warm for one night,
Light a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
Acolyte
NathanKell
06/09/02 05:24 PM
24.44.238.62

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200pts of exploding ammo...in the head.
Sorry, what was that company again?

An interesting mech, and quite close to what I think of as the optimum GP mech: twin Big Guns (tm), LRMs, enough heatsinks to fire the above, and enough MLs to tax the heatsinks. Armor to taste.
Making an Energy Big Gun variant, I came perilously close to a slower Black Knight--I start from your "original draft"--20HS and drop 4pts per leg, then drop the twin AC/5s. In their place add 2x LL (1 each arm) and a PPC (right torso), and move the RT's MLs and LRM to the left torso. Fill the Head, CT, and legs with HS and then put the rest around the LRM ammo in the LT.

The name? Bertram, of course.
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson
KamikazeJohnson
06/09/02 05:55 PM
209.202.47.12

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>>200pts of exploding ammo...in the head.
Sorry, what was that company again?<<

Well, generally speaking, a MG ammo hit is death, no matter where that ammo may be stored, so, in the absence of CASE, where is the least likely place for a critical hit? The head, of course! Half the time, internal head damage is instant death anyway, so why not? Certainly safer than CT...snake eyes, anyone?

>>The name? Bertram, of course. <<
Would that 'Mech be supported by a 45-tonner called Jeeves?
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Acolyte
06/09/02 09:15 PM
64.180.255.235

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Welp, as a MechWarrior, that MG ammo is the first thing I'd move. I can survive an ammo explosion anywhere in the 'Mech except the head. Best thing to do is to move it to a side torso and not fully load the thing unless going on an extended mission. 20 shots is fine for most battles, 'cause of the short range of the weapon combined with it's relatively slow speed and prefered range.

Light a fire for a man, and you keep him warm for one night,
Light a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
Acolyte
KamikazeJohnson
06/09/02 09:31 PM
209.202.47.12

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From a role-playing perspective, I'd agree with you, but otherwise...

I can say that I have never lost a 'Mech to an ammo-explosion in the head...and my customs almost always mount ammo there. The odds are really very, very slim.
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Acolyte
06/09/02 09:43 PM
64.180.255.235

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True. I tend to look at things from a role playing perspective, cause that's how I play the game. Basically MechWarrior being the excuse for bringing out the mini's and maps.

I'll usually put a HS in the head.

Light a fire for a man, and you keep him warm for one night,
Light a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
Acolyte
NathanKell
06/09/02 10:48 PM
24.44.238.62

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Ah, good point. A logical counter-argument to a visceral reaction.

And--of course. And you *don't* want to see the 100-ton Aunt Agatha!
{Hmm, and a 20-tonner with 4 Angel ECM suites--for enhanced communication, of course--called the Madeline...}
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson
NathanKell
06/09/02 10:50 PM
24.44.238.62

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What about heat-induced ammo explosions?
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson
KamikazeJohnson
06/09/02 10:56 PM
209.202.47.12

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Shouldn't Aunt Agatha be a surface vessel? I mean...a real Battleship?
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Acolyte
06/09/02 10:58 PM
64.180.255.235

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Ouch! Didn't even think of that! That'd be one more reason to not mount ammo there.

Light a fire for a man, and you keep him warm for one night,
Light a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
Acolyte
KamikazeJohnson
06/09/02 10:59 PM
209.202.47.12

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Well, if you're smart (and non-suicidal) you either avoid those completely or, if they're inevitable, you bail out before the thing blows.

You have a point though...on a 'Mech that tends to run very hot, ammo should stay out of the head (or at least make sure the head ammo would be the last to blow).
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Zwischy
06/10/02 12:57 AM
63.49.225.208

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Something that might be worth seriously considering: Drop the AC-5's and ammo (17 tons) for an AC/10 and two tons ammo (14 tons), and add either three heat sinks or three jump jets.

Alternatively, swap in the AC-10, then add yet another LRM5 and one more ton of LRM 5 ammo. Then opponents get to choose between being nickel-and-dimed to death at range, or closing and dealing with the AC-10. Almost 10 shots for each of the launchers. Not exactly adequate for an extended fight, but great for softening up enemies from a defensive position, or even from behind a hill.

I'm a big fan of indirect fire, even in 3025 with its horrific gunnery. It can work if your targets are slow and your spotter can walk 7 hexes in a straight line - Locusts, anyone?

zwischy
KamikazeJohnson
06/10/02 01:38 AM
209.202.47.12

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I had thought about using AC/10s...in fact I considered dropping the LRMs to allow both AC/s to be traded for 10s (with assorted other tinkering) but I decided it didn't really need any additional close-range fire...seriously, how many 3025 machines can match 6 Medium lasers at close range? My count...Warhammer, Stalker, Battlemaster, 'Mechs carrying an AC/20. Oh yeah...the Kintaro, too, but that's a special case
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
Nightmare
06/10/02 02:06 AM
194.251.240.107

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If I`ve read my ammo explosion rules correctly, the MG ammo is the last to blow from heat. It`s the one with the highest possible damage PER SHOT that blows first, or randomly decide if there are several. In this case either the AC or LRM ammo goes first.
Advice for Evil Overlords:
My legions of terror will be trained in basic marksmanship. Any who cannot learn to hit a man-sized target at 10 meters will be used for target practice.
Acolyte
06/10/02 02:23 AM
64.180.255.235

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Yep, except for the fact that if two racks are equal the pilot (player) chooses which blows. (the least amount of shots, usually).

Light a fire for a man, and you keep him warm for one night,
Light a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life.
Acolyte
Nightmare
06/10/02 02:27 AM
194.251.240.107

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OK. Even better.
Advice for Evil Overlords:
My legions of terror will be trained in basic marksmanship. Any who cannot learn to hit a man-sized target at 10 meters will be used for target practice.
NathanKell
06/10/02 12:56 PM
24.44.238.62

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Ah, Ididn'tRC
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson
Karagin
01/01/07 10:50 PM
70.123.166.36

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Okay wow...it's go one issues I can see the mins are going to kill it at close range...
Karagin

Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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