Well the Clint sure sparked a lot of interest this time around generating twenty-three separate proposals by eight different designers (4 Bradshaw, 5 Irose, 2 Takiro, 2 masterarminas, 1 Red Pins, 1 drakensis, 7 Abele, 1 Ice Hellion). While some design choices were debatable, the high quality of all was not in doubt as every single one made the cut making my job especially though.
CONTENDERS
23. CLNT-3-GT (Takiro)
This rather high end refit of existing Clints is possible but expensive thanks in large part to the 240 XL Engine (6/9/6). Supply of this lostech power plant isn't the problem just its cost and the extensive refit needed to make it work. Stripping off the old standard armor is necessary as its replacement with four tons of ferro-fibrous (72 factor) is called for. I've become a big fan of max armor especially if an XL Engine is present and because of the Gauss Rifle that is not possible here. Love the punch provided by the Gauss Rifle but it only has eight shots and a single Medium Laser in support. The design does retain its standard chassis and ten Single Heat Sinks to rein in its luxury tech items but it is still costly. Therefore any examples are likely rare to unique which limits its impact here and of course I am hardest on myself.
22. CLNT-1-2D (Takiro)
I really love this recycled Draconis March precursor of the Watchman which utilized salvaged Clint standard chassis and level one weaponry like PPC, Large Laser, Medium Laser to create a solid fighter. This is accomplished by reducing the power plant to a 200 Engine (5/8/5) which also allows the gyroscope to be reduced from three to two tons. The extent of lostech used to enable its operations are eleven Double Heat Sinks and six tons of ferro-fibrous (108 factor). Well protected and durable this was my favorite entry but failed to reckon with another submission which was very similar in armament. Being hardest on my self this design fell out of the winner circle all the way to here some fourteen spots. Ouch but that is the level of competition here.
21. CLNT-5U-T (Red Pins)
While the fluff doesn't make sense, true, it is a very good design that I'd like to work on. In 3053 it is a bit too advanced for Taurians at this time with an EndoSteel chassis and a 240 XL Engine (6/9) highlighting that excess. No objection to the 12 (24) Double Heat Sinks or Ferro-Fibrous as I think the Periphery States may be able to pull that off at this time. Not sure about the Blazer either as it is just getting popular in the 3rd Marik Civil War and the Concordat might not even have access. The rest from the SRM-6 (15), two Medium Lasers, and 8.5 tons of standard armor (136 factor) makes for a very solid design. I'd love to get this going as a DCMS variant of the Clint which Ican really see working at this time. So great design but just needs a new back story really.
20. CLNT-3-4MC (Abele)
The Canopian model developed with the help of Capellan engineers suffers from its lack of a big gun. To a large degree I felt like this contest was a 'let's arm the Clint with this weapon' but this entry went with a bunch of small ones. Three Medium Lasers and two Medium Pulses was an interesting mix but I didn't understand keeping the Machine Gun (100)? Certainly, this many small energy weapon approach called for a Small Pulse Laser instead, no? Got no problem with the ten Double Heat Sinks or the 7.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (134 factor) as other lostech additions. As I said Periphery States at this time can utilize such 'simple' or available lostech. The rest is fairly simplistic from the Standard chassis to the 240 Engine (6/9/6) but in the end I just didn't care for the no big gun approach mixed with a machine gun.
19. CLNT-4-2 (Abele)
The second no big gun entry was this long-range missile carrier which featured an LRM-15 with Artemis IV FCS (18). This Capellan Confederation probably should have been a little lower tech too given House Liao poor economic condition. I find it unlikely that even StarCorps of Menke with the help of Big Mac could pull off such a high-tech design with EndoSteel and a 240 XL Engine (6/9/6). Ten Double Heat Sinks sure and even the Medium Pulse Laser plus the Guardian ECM Suite I find very acceptable. Seven tons of standard armor (112 factor) with CASE makes for some solid defenses but I just think this one is too much for the Capellans at this time plus there were other designs that were better IMO.
18. CLNT-3-1A (Bradshaw)
This ComGuard Clanbuster from Skobel (which you misspelled) was too slow for my tastes especially when facing the Invaders. Usually downrating the engine allows you to get tougher especially in the InnerSphere but here you got slower and kept the vulnerability of a 200 XL (5/8/5). Together with EndoSteel and ten Double Heat Sinks (to a lesser extent) this is an expensive project. Yes, eight tons of standard armor (128 factor) provides for excellent protection and the LB 10-X AC (20) together with four Medium Lasers makes for a nice Elemental killer. Less expensive then the Komodo I suppose but not good enough to best your other ComGuard or LB 10-X competition in this contest. Sorry bud!
17. CLNT-4-4 (Abele)
While I could certainly see the Free Worlds League being interested in a Blazer armed ‘Mech I don’t think it would be the Clint. It has certain Capellan overtones that would effectively dissuade investment in this EndoSteel built and 240 XL (6/9/6) powered high-tech new build at Emris IV. Also not sure I loved the two Medium Lasers and why not a Small Pulse instead of the Machine Gun? I know the heat generated is high but you have to add a CASE for protection plus going all energy eliminates the need for resupply. Eleven Double Heat Sinks do a nice job keeping the design cool as 7.5 tons of standard armor (120 factor) grants solid protection to the ‘Mech. Ultimately I liked another Clint from the Free Worlds League better.
16. CLNT-4-3 (Abele)
I could see the Federated Suns experimenting with a new build EndoSteel Clint chassis as well as a 240 XL Engine (6/9/6) at an NAIS campus somewhere. Combined with a Triple Strength Myomer (7/11) that would be an interesting experiment for sure but beyond that? Two ER Larges are the direct opposite of two Medium Pulses which make up this testbed put together by StarCorps on Crofton. A dozen Double Heat Sinks sort of puzzle me though cause don’t you want to go over heat to activate the Myomer. Seven tons of standard armor (112 factor) does provide excellent protection without a doubt to this fast-moving cutting-edge Clint. Unfortunately, you just got beat out by other Davion Clints.
NEAR MISSES
15. CLNT-4-1 (Abele)
I liked this high end Lyran new build of the Clint from StarCorps Industries of Loburg which featured a LB 10-X Autocannon and two tons of ammo. While the EndoSteel chassis and 240 XL Engine (6/9/6) make for an expensive project House Steiner is good for it. While the ten Double Heat Sinks are somewhat of an extravagance given that only Alpha Strike movement will overheat you, again I can deal with it. Two Medium Lasers and Small Pulse Laser make for a nice complement. Five and a half tons of standard armor (88 factor) provides for descent protection which is perhaps my only slight disappointment with this one. Unfortunately, you were defeated by other better challengers who either featured the LB 10-X or a Steiner backstory. Rough luck pal.
14. CLNT-2-3M (Bradshaw)
This Davion urban fighter out of the Bell Refit Yards was solid featuring the old reliable standard chassis. Downgrading to a 200 Fusion Engine (5/8/5) allowed plenty of other goodies to hop aboard as well as improve durability and cut cost. Eleven Double Heat Sinks worked well to cool weapon fire from the Large Pulse and three Medium Laser which makes up this ‘Mechs arsenal. Also like the surveillance gear which includes a Beagle Active Probe and Remote Sensor Dispenser to help hunt down any in city opposition. With seven tons of ferro-fibrous (134 factor) armor this Clint can really take a licking and keep on ticking. Very nice overall but you were beaten by some stiff competition.
13. CLNT-2-3S (drakensis)
A new AFFC build from Defiance Industries of Furillo which uses a Blazer and existing components was a solid entry from drakensis. Probably the best of the Blazer entries thanks to a solid design combined with solid fluff it nonetheless came up a little short. Don’t get me wrong I liked the use of the Standard Clint chassis as well as the good old 240 (6/9/6) Fusion Engine which along with the ten Double Heat Sinks allowed for good heat dissipation of this ‘Mechs all energy armament. The Blazer (simply replacing the old AC/5) being supported by two Medium Lasers can overheat you if combined with a Jump but pilots should know better. You could have sexed this one up a little bit more with ferro-fibrous as 4.5 tons of standard armor (72 factor) can be improved on. Very nice but you got out dueled by another Lyran entry.
12. CLNT-3-3T (masterarminas)
Quite the solid Taurian refit of the Clint was also produced by masterarminas who like some of us downgraded his power plant to a 200 (5/8/5) Fusion Engine saving valuable tonnage on the same old chassis. Ten Single Heat Sinks did a fine job dissipating heat from movement and the Ultra Autocannon/5 (40) along with the two Medium Lasers. Alternating jumping and running should easily be enough to mitigate any hot runs a Mechwarrior could go on. Six and half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) along with a CASE provide fine protection for this Concordat Clint. Alas there can be only one and another bullheaded challenger managed to get on bye ya.
11. CLNT-4-6 (Abele)
The finest ComGuard Clint presented here was this cutting-edge design newly manufactured on Earth. Using EndoSteel and the larger 320 XL (8/12/6) Engine this thing could really move to counter fast Clan OmniMechs. The ER PPC gave it solid range and a punch which was further backed by two Mediums Lasers. While ten Double Heat Sinks struggle to keep up with its high heat weaponry and movement factor it is a pretty solid challenger for the Invaders which would add nicely to a rebuilding ComGaurds after Tukayyid. Plus, seven and a half tons of standard armor (120 factor) granted it a measure of protection which gives this sniper a good chance in combat. I liked but unfortunately it reminded a little too much of another ER PPC carrying Clint which beat you out Abele. Not bad at all though.
10. CLNT-1-DW (Bradshaw)
Perhaps the best hook of the entire contest was Defiance Industries expansion into the Federated Suns to where else but the planet of Defiance! Not only good on a purely corporate branding strategy but the world does seem ripe for industrialization and development. The EndoSteel structure above anything else did give me a little bit of a pause however as the establishment of EndoSteel orbital facilities might be a high bar to begin with. The 280 XL (7/11/6) Engine could be imported as could the dozen Double Heat Sinks and the seven tons of ferro-fibrous (125 factor). The new ER PPC and the old Large Laser make for interesting pairing which I could actually get behind. Like the other near misses though you were beaten by other craftier designs at least IMO. Keep the background story though, I liked it very much!
9. CLNT-2-3U (Ice Hellion)
The Little Dancer from the St Ives Compact was so very close to making the grade here but in the end lost on a design basis to another Liao-Allard entry. Your story was excellent and the design which utilized the standard chassis along with the old reliable 240 (6/9/6) Fusion Engine top notch. Ten Double Heat Sinks work well as does the five and half tons of ferro-fibrous (98 factor) armor. The ER PPC along with three Medium Lasers resembled another winning entry however which I did my best to differentiate the entries by. This narrowly left you out of the winning circle this time around, sorry bud. Very close.
8. CLNT-2-2U (Bradshaw)
Even closer was this standard refit of existing models often used by mercenaries which I went back and forth on a few times. Pretty simply replacing the old Autocannon/5 with a new ER Large Laser and eleven Double Heat Sinks made for a pretty solid approach. Backed by three Medium Lasers this upgrade of the standard chassis and original 240 (6/9/6) Fusion Engine has got a solid punch. Six and half tons of regular old armor (104 factor) plating makes it pretty durable. Regrettably another entry which placed higher is just too similar - bouncing you oh so narrowly from the winner’s circle. Sorry, maybe next time!
WINNERS
7. CLNT-4-5 (Abele)
In a dog fight with Ice Hellion’s Little Dancer this new build from StarCorps Industries of St. Ives Compact narrowly won out. This EndoSteel structured ‘Mech powered by a 240 XL (6/9/6) Engine is geared towards urban combat with its highly accurate Pulse Laser (Large, Medium, and Small) arsenal backed by a Streak SRM-2 (50). This thing is gonna hit ya and with its Beagle Active Probe you’re not gonna be able to sneak around it plus the Guardian ECM Suite means it can win on the electronic battlefield. I can see it hunting down Capellan infiltrators who could make trouble for the Compact in this time of strife. Ten Double Heat Sinks cool all but a Jumping Alpha Strike completely while seven and a half tons of standard armor (112 factor) with CASE provide solid protection. While Ice’s fluff was better this one was a better fit for me and just edged into the winner’s circle. Congrats Abele!
6. CLNT-2-4U (Irose)
A pop gun pirate refit armed with twin Autocannon/2s in the service of the New Belt Pirates is intriguing to say the least. While these two long range light hitters can’t finish someone off per say they are enough to harass opponents into distraction especially with two Medium Lasers backing them up. Using the standard Clint chassis along with a downgraded 200 (5/8/5) Fusion Engine this design is a real delight. Like the ten Single Heat Sinks and five tons of standard armor (80 factor) which isn’t advanced at all but capable. Love the bandit angle and it just fits nicely overall. Nicely done Irose, the first of many here!
5. CLNT-2-5T (Irose)
This Taurian refit which does an excellent job of using existing parts to enhance the Clint standard chassis. Things like the two-ton gyro from their new Hatchetman and the 200 (5/8/5) Fusion Engine from the Lightning Aerospace Fighter are superb matches here. While it uses lostech like 7.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (134 factor) with CASE, and ten Double Heat Sinks the design isn't that advanced. With a PPC, SRM-4 (25) rack, and two Medium Lasers it packs a wallop for the Concordat who could use this design to augment their forces. As Abele quite correctly pointed out Irose made a larger Panther out of the Clint which made for a winning concept to me. Win number two!!
4. CLNT-2-4D (Irose)
The domination continues with this NAIS testbed design that goes back to the Clint's bigger AC/10 roots with an LB 10-X upgrade. Using an LB 10-X AC (20) along with two Medium Lasers is an effective combination and only required a 240 XL (6/9/6) Engine to make it fit. The standard core chassis remains now protected by six tons of advanced ferro-fibrous (107 factor) armor which is certainly an improvement. Ten Single Heat Sinks seem adequate especially on Running Alpha Strikes and only Jumping Alphas really tax the system. Not only could this design work against BattleMechs more effectively but it could be useful versus Clan Elementals as well as conventional armor. Nicely done Irose for win number three!!! Question for you and Bradshaw- I was thinking that this could be the design which Defiance picks up for its Defiance expansion in the Federated Suns – what do you guys think? Could start with extensive refits at a growing facility and grow into something more…..
3. CLNT-2-3A (Irose)
This Andurien refit of salvaged Capellan Clints that they favor over Marik Hermes II was good enough for the bronze here. It really made a lot of sense given the standoffish relationship that this wanna be breakaway province. Refurbing captured Capellan chassis which uses the good olde 240 (6/9/6) Fusion Engine they add ten Double Heat Sinks and 5.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (98 factor) to an all energy armament. The ER Large and two Medium Lasers aren’t really about offense so much as they complement the high-tech electronics package. A Beagle Active Probe and a Guardian ECM Suite make this BattleMech an excellent medium scout just like the Hermes II should be. Great job Irose, win number four here!!!!
2. CLNT-4-1FC (masterarminas)
This FedCom new build is very Lyran which is why I like it so much, why cause its armed with a huge Gauss Rifle (16) and backed by two Medium Lasers. Intended as a heavy scout leader it could work well with the Commando and unlike many Clints presented here this one doesn't jump. EndoSteel and a 240 XL (6/9) Engine make way for the big gun as well as seven tons of ferro-fibrous (125 factor) armor. The Gauss and the lack of jump jets keep the heat profile so low it only requires ten Single Heat Sinks to keep it cool even while running and gunning. This one really grew on me and I could see the Lyrans loving this precursor to the big gun Hollander. Good enough for the silver medal masterarminas this time around, congrats! Please note I could see the DCMS capturing the design but I'd think traditionalist would shelve it until the Clan Invasion and Martial Accords could unleash a version of it. Hint, hint, Red Pins.
1. CLNT-2-3Z (Irose)
Perhaps my favorite upgrade of the existing TRO3050 variant which simply drops the Medium Pulses for the old standard Medium Lasers which have superior range. This Capellan model makes the most sense and was ultimately too hard to beat with its simplicity. The ER PPC makes for a hard-hitting long-range weapon which is cooled adequately by ten Double Heat Sinks. Yes you can get into trouble Alpha Striking especially in concert with a Jump or two but this can be effectively managed. The standard chassis and the old Pitban 240 (6/9/6) Engine are well protected thanks to six and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (116 factor) armor. This is another big improvement over the canon lostech model. Gold medal and a big congratulations to the winner of the Clint challenge, IROSE!!!!! Great job bud, you really ran this contest.
