Talk:BattleMech Timetable

Extinction Era

Should the "Extinction Era" signify the date a design is no longer seen (at all), which to me seems a lot harder to pinpoint, or should it reflect the end of production?--S.gage 10:59, 28 February 2012 (PST)

I figured it would mainly refer to the designs that have effectively disappeared (Woodsman & Super Hornet) or have become exceedingly rare (more so than the Flashman) that examples of them might only be found in museums or Star League caches (Mackie & Exterminator). Then if the design is revived (like the Hammerhands or Battleaxe) it would have a reintroduction date. I know many rare designs were put into production again after the discovery of the Helm Memory Core and during the Jihad.--Seth 22:57, 1 March 2012 (PST)

I thought I would ask because of the gray areas. For instance, when Clan Ghost Bear took Tokasha, they ceased production of the Nova (Black Hawk). Why is beyond me, but ever since 2921, Nova OmniMechs have been maintained with spare parts produced during a 51 year window. Another example is the Striker BattleMech. As of 3058, less than 300 Strikers remain in Inner Sphere, where once it was one of the most common assault 'Mechs in number. To me, both of these are as good as "extinct", since any GM can decide a long-lost Alfar was found in the Periphery, or any other plot line. It is much harder to prove something does not exist vs. something is no longer in production. In fact, I would prefer "production ceased" to "extinct" for that reason, or both. What do you think?--S.gage 21:02, 3 March 2012 (PST)