KamikazeJohnson
05/01/02 09:25 PM
209.202.47.12
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CRB-4L Caribe
Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Unknown
Power Plant: LTV 160
Cruising Speed: 43
Maximum Speed: 64.5
Jump Jets: none
Jump Capacity: none
Armor: Durallex Medium
Armament:
2 Shigunga LRM 5s
1 Hellstar PPC
2 Diverse Optics Type 20 Small Lasers
2 Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Johnson 'Mechworks Inc.
Primary Factory: Soul
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
Overview:
The CRB-4L Caribe is a short-lived design that saw brief action
during the Third Succession War. Seeing how the DCMS employed
relatively few heavy and assault 'Mechs, a young designer (who later
went on to found JMInc. with dismal results) saw the need for a cheap
'Mech to support House Kurita's precious heavies. Thus the Caribe
was born, a fairly light 'Mech that barely keeps pace with heavies,
but mounts firepower comparable to that of many 'Mechs 20 tons
heavier. Unfortunately, the only factory which produced the Caribe
was damaged in a raid, and the design was discontinued.
Capabilities:
Since the Caribe's primary role is to support heavy 'Mechs, the
designers sacrificed speed for firepower, using the smallest engine
which allows the Caribe to keep pace with most heavy 'Mechs. The
tonnage saved was put to good use loading up the 'Mech with armor and
weapons. A single PPC and twin LRM-5s provide long-range firepower
equal to or greater than many heavy 'Mechs, while an array of lasers
ensure that the Caribe will not be embarrassed at close range. The
lasers are all mounted in the 'Mech's torso, freeing up both hands
should the Caribe be engaged in physical combat. Final assessment:
the Caribe provides nearly heavy-'Mech performance with a light-'Mech
price tag.
Deployment:
The CRB-4L Caribe saw limited use with the DCMS during the Third
Succession War, deployed in a Heavy Lance, or as "heavy" support for
light lances. Since the design was a new addition to the DCMS, it
was generallt deployed to front-line units in order to fully test its
capabilities. As a result, the number of Caribes in action dropped
quickly once production stopped, and it is not known whether any are
still in use. Also, there is a rumor that a small number of Caribes
were purchased by Wolf's Dragoons, but there is no record of the
Dragoons actually fielding them.
Battle History:
While the Caribe did not see enough action duning its short
production span to perform any deeds worthy of note, it did gain a
measure of respect as an effective fire-support 'Mech. In a
stand-and-fire role next to tougher, heavier allies, the Caribe
showed its worth on numerous occasions, frequently outperforming a
Rifleman or Dragon (although the latter was far superior when it's
mobility came into play).
CRB-4L Caribe
Technology Base: - Inner Sphere - Level 1
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: 4
Engine: 160 6
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 12 2
Gyro: 2
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 128 8
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 18
Center Torso(rear) 5
R/L Torso 10 15
R/L Torso(rear) 5
R/L Arm 6 12
R/L Leg 10 16
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
LRM 5 LA 1 2
PPC LT 3 7
Medium Laser RT 1 1
Medium Laser RT 1 1
LRM 5 RA 1 2
Small Laser CT 1 0.5
Small Laser CT 1 0.5
LRM 5 Ammo H 1 1
Cost: 2,765,794
BV: 701
MY BLURB:
Well...cheap, packs a punch, versatile range-wise. Unimpressive on its own, but I imagine it could be nasty with the right friends.
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
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Karagin
05/01/02 09:33 PM
63.173.170.6
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Interesting...the mech would seem more of fire support medium mech then a line mech. I would think that this would excellent for Periphery worlds since it can double as defensive mech and a fire support mech, and with the PPC it can try to keep other mechs at bay.
This one may be useful on Solairs 7, but the LRMs might be a draw back there.
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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KamikazeJohnson
05/01/02 09:40 PM
209.202.47.12
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Well, as strictly a support 'Mech I'd probably drop the SLs and maybe one of the Mediums for heat sinks and/or ammo. Could probably get by with less armor too, if necessary. I designed it intending it to be able to aid heavy 'Mechs in all roles. I'm not sure about S7...minimum ranges + slow speed = not good for duels.
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
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Karagin
05/01/02 10:05 PM
63.173.170.6
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It has the areana feel to it, or IMHO.
I think it is fine as it is, since a smart player will use the LRMs the most and then close in to take out things with the PPC once the ammo is gone...plus this is something the Periphery powers can actually use and maintain...
Karagin
Given time and plenty of paper, a philosopher can prove anything.
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Kottos
05/01/02 10:52 PM
146.186.20.73
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It has a passing similarity to the Vindicator. Regular use of the PPC will almost always cause heat issues. The fluff makes it an experiment, which is good. I personally doubt the tradition bound Draconis Combine would invest any interest in the design. They can support their heavy mechs with Panther lances, as they usually do. If the Combine had the mech factory to spare, they would use it to produce Panthers rather than an untested design. The Panther has no LRMs, and less of a short range punch. However, the Panther is 1) more mobile, 2) cheaper and 3) proven in battle. And it still packs that PPC wallop.
I don't mean to be derogatory. It stacks up well against the Centurion and Marshall. It could definately cause some trouble on the battlefield. I just wonder about the background need for the mech that is not addressed by existing designs. That, and my annoying habit of comparing customs to similar stock designs.
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Hellbringer
05/01/02 11:05 PM
192.195.234.26
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The arena feel is great, but it is awful hot running to make it far in the Solaris heat scale. A few minor tweaks and it would be perfect. I like the idea of it supporting heavy lances. It deffinitly has the fire-power for it and it armor is decent enough to keep it running for a good length of time.
Does it work well with any specific kids of heavy mechs? I could see it working well protecting Archers, Catapaults, and Riflemen. Long range support mechs like that. It might also serve a good role protecting field command bases and the like.
"But it SHOULD be a spectacle! It should be grand and exciting to us all! I'd hate to think that we've become so jaded that we find even our greatest tiumph, resurrecting the Star League, simply one more obligation."
-General Victor Steiner-Davion (First Prince and Archon in exile) 3064
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KamikazeJohnson
05/01/02 11:19 PM
209.202.47.12
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I wouldn't pair it with a Rifleman, since both are a little weak on armor. I designed it to go with more heavily-armored things like T-Bolt, Orion, Archer, Grasshopper, etc. I think it should work well next to just about anything, since it has a mix of weapon ranges at its disposal. A bit weak in close I guess, due to heat.
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
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LordChaos
05/02/02 01:18 AM
216.161.103.109
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Reminds me of the Vindicator... and that's a GOOD thing.
Not much when you just look at it, but fighting it is a different matter.
Real mechwariors pilot IS mechs.
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KamikazeJohnson
05/02/02 06:32 PM
209.202.47.12
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how close I came to re-inventing the Vindicator...I rarely use 3025 mediums, so I'm not that familiar with a lot of them.
Goes to show how tough it is to be truly original with a level 1 design.
Peace is that glorious moment in history when everyone stands around reloading.
--Thomas Jefferson
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NathanKell
05/02/02 08:20 PM
24.44.238.62
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One being replacing the two SLs with a single ML--then it's near perfect. Which reminds me--Good Mech. 
-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 |