OBT Forum

Thanks for the editing drak! Work continues on it this weekend. Hopefully get a text version of the book (20 to 30 pages) I imagine by the end of the month.

Think I've got an idea for the intro now but I could still use some helping refining this short fanbook which is about 40 pages at most. In order to expedite development I’ve asked Bradshaw to obtain some Locust art which we will give for in said product while drakensis seems to be our editor thus far - which is awesome. Still gotta make the corrections. Your comments are welcomed of course and please let me know if you’d have suggestions or additions. Also, winning designers input on their winning entries would be awesome. Thanks guys!

Still working on everything here folks when time permits. Here is the latest winning entry I've completed from drakensis. Enjoy!

LCT-3L LOCUST

Mass: 20 tons
Chassis: Corean-II Delux Endo Steel
Power Plant: 160 LTV
Cruising Speed: 86 kph
Maximum Speed: 130 kph
Jump Jets: None
       Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 1 Martell Medium Laser
       2 Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Bergan Industries
       Primary Factory: Ares
Communications System: Ceres Metals Model 666 with Guardian ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 911

OVERVIEW
       One of the results of the Outreach Conference of 3051 was the Liao-Marik Alliance which saw Isis Marik betrothed to Sun Tzu Liao. This sparked a degree of renewed cooperation between the on again off again allies of the Free Worlds League and Capellan Confederation. Trade and technical exchanges commenced soon afterwards despite of lingering ancient animosity that remains on both sides of the border. Efforts to maximize the performance of the lostech 3M by design teams in both nations resulted in a couple of new Locust concepts. Both testbeds featured advanced supplemental electronics that enhance the BattleMech's role. The 3rd Marik Civil War provided to be the deciding event in the development of these new Locusts. The Capellans elected to build off the success of their Raven by focusing in on electronic warfare options that disrupt enemy operations on the battlefield. The resulting LCT-3L rolled off Bergan Industries assembly lines on Ares in late 3052 and quickly went into service in the CCAF.

COMPONENTS
       The new 3L is heavily based on the lostech 3M as well as the venerable 1V which preceded it. Using the advanced Corean-II Delux Endo Steel chassis obtained from House Marik before its collapse it factionalism the Liao variant saves valuable design mass in return for interior space. Likewise, three and a half tons of Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous previously used on the RVN-3L Raven made the same weight for space exchange which typically benefits Light BattleMechs using bulky high-tech construction materials. However, like the rest of the '3 series Locusts' it uses the standard 160 LTV Fusion Engine which is heavier than lostech Extra-Light (XL) models. This substantially reduces the overall cost of the 'Mech and allows for more rapid design proliferation among the CCAF.
       Liao engineers then choose to outfit their creation with two arm mounted Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers previously utilized on the UM-R63 UrbanMech. Replacing the Sperry Browning Machine Guns of the 1V for essentially the same mass and less space these point defense energy weapons retain the anti-infantry capacity which the Locust traditionally possesses. The centrally mounted Martell Medium Laser of the original model has been relocated from the center torso to the head of the LCT-3L. Without the need for reloading these lasers allow this BattleMech to operate independently for an indefinite period of time. What makes the new Capellan Locust truly unique is the addition of the Guardian ECM Suite. Mounted securely in the center torso this sophisticated lostech equipment has been mated with the same Ceres Metals Model 666 communications gear featured on the Raven. It allows the 'Mech to either shield itself and nearby friendlies from electronic jamming or disrupt enemy communications.
 
DEPLOYMENT
     The LCT-3L is essentially a lighter cheaper version of the RVN-3L Raven which is being rapidly integrated into Capellan units. Since imports of the Hermes 210 XL Engine have been halted by the Marik Commonwealth slowing the deployment of the Raven this new Locust has been temporarily replacing the Raven in CCAF regiments. While this policy has not yet effected premier commands like the Capellan Hussars or the Warrior Houses other Liao Regulars have yet to see a dramatic difference. The Reserve formations as well as the Periphery Guard have seen the greatest allocation of this new variant to make good for this current shortfall. Refit kits are also being assembled to upgrade existing Locusts that are already in frontline service to the Capellan state. In the future the Confederation plans to use both the LCT-3L and the Raven together in so-called Interdiction Lances which will be attached directly to Headquarters Companies. This will undoubtedly enhance the growing proficiency of Capellan 'electronic warfare' on the modern battlefield. It should also be noted that certain Isis forces originating from the Confederation, like McCarron's Armored Cavalry, have been spotted using this new model as well.

Type: LCT-3L Locust
Technology Base: InnerSphere Level 2
Tonnage: 20 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:          EndoSteel            1
Engine:            160               6
   Walking MP:         8
   Running MP:         12
   Jumping MP:         0               0
Heat Sinks:            10               0
Gyro:                              2
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            63               3.5

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            8
   Center Torso           6            9 / 2
   R/L Torso         5            8 / 2
   R/L Arm         3            4
   R/L Leg         4            8

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
Medium Laser          Head         1      1
Guardian ECM Suite         Center Torso      2      1.5
Small Pulse Laser         Right Arm      1      1
Small Pulse Laser         Left Arm      1      1

Cost = 1,890,400 C-Bills

What about something more…bizarre?

Nice VTOL Mech!

A Transformer?

Another piece of art I want to use is this slightly modified blueprint of the Locust from FASA.

LCT-3A LOCUST

Mass: 20 tons
Chassis: Bergan VII
Power Plant: Nissan 160
Cruising Speed: 86 kph
Maximum Speed: 130 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: AMG Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 1 Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Laser
   2 Diverse Optics Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Alliance Defenders Limited
   Primary Factory: Alpheratz
Communications System: Garret T10-B
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 911

OVERVIEW
   The Clan Invasion radically altered many diplomatic relationships in the InnerSphere which rippled outward into the Periphery. The Outworlds Alliance had struggled for most of its existence to strike a careful balance between the Federated Suns and the Draconis Combine. Being trapped next to the two most powerful Great Houses always seemed to prevent development but that began to change in 3051. The detente advanced by the Outreach Conference in order to defeat the Clans grew steadily until the Terran Summit of 3053. President Neil Avellar was beckoned to the talks by what was a unique joint request from Coordinator Takashi Kurita and First Prince Hanse Davion. Avellar responded positively to the respectful request for high level discussions and travelled to Earth where all the parties agreed to work together against the Clan Invaders. As part of the Martial Accords, the Outworlds committed to provide what war materiel it could to support the cause as well as invaluable aerospace instructors. In return the backwater Periphery nation that stood guard at the InnerSphere's Spinward flank would receive much needed financial investment and technological access. This became the basis for the Alliance's first true lostech produced design, the LCT-3A Locust.

CAPABILITIES
   The LCT-3A is in actuality a relatively simple upgrade of the venerable LCT-1V Locust which has been in the field for over five and a half centuries. Four tons of 1/Star Slab armor plating was removed in favor of advanced AMG Special Ferro-Fibrous now manufactured by Alliance Mining and Geology of Sevon. This lostech plating was developed thanks to technical assistance provided by House Davion who also covered the initial venture capital for the endeavor. Designers were pleased to provide this twenty-ton BattleMech with the maximum amount of protection thanks to four tons of this newly manufactured materiel even though it resulted in a slight armor overage. The two-arm mounted Sperry Browning Machine Guns of the original model were also replaced by Diverse Optics Small Pulse Lasers. These high-tech weapons were developed thanks to an investment agreement reached between Lushann Industrials Limited and the Draconis Combine. These new Pulses eliminated the need for resupply and the danger of ammunition explosions. The rest of the BattleMech remains basically unchanged from its well-aged predecessor with components all produced in the Outworlds Alliance.   

DEPLOYMENT
   The Alliance Military Corps (AMC) hopes to upgrade about ten percent of their total BattleMech force initially thanks to the new LCT-3A. Subsequent new Locusts built by Alliance Defenders Limited on Alpheratz will only continue to enhance the operating performance of the Outworlds military for years to come. The only thing more significant than the actual ‘Mech itself is the revenues it is generating for the Alliance. Sales and licensing of refit kits for garrison units in the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine are progressing rapidly. Ironically a majority of these units are facing off across the border with each other as the Locust has replaced heavier elements sent to check the Clan Invaders.
Unfortunately, the agreement that helped create this design has alienated some of its traditional Periphery allies. Taurian paranoia seems to have stymied any attempts at a Concordat license in the near future. Protector Thomas Calderon has called the Alliance’s decision to embrace the InnerSphere for a few technical baubles a tragic mistake which may ultimately cost them their independence. Canopian involvement in the 3rd Marik Civil War has also dashed hopes that the Magistracy will reach a similar agreement. Some frugal mercenary commands have expressed interest in value lostech upgrades like the LCT-3A which does raise hope for future sales.

VARIANTS
   The LCT-3Ap is a simple weapons swap designed to complement the base Alliance model in combat. The arm mounted Diverse Optics Small Pulse Lasers are exchanged for Diverse Optics Type 10 Small Lasers while the central Diverse Optics Type 2 Medium Laser is upgraded to a Diverse Optics 20P Medium Pulse Laser. Designed to supplement the main model at shorter ranges, especially against infantry, the plan is to produce every one in four Locust as a 3Ap.

Type: LCT-3A Locust
Technology Base: InnerSphere Level 2
Tonnage: 20 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:                         2
Engine:            160                6
   Walking MP:         8
   Running MP:         12
   Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            10               0
Gyro:                              2
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            69               4

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            9
   Center Torso           6            10 / 2
   R/L Torso         5            8 / 2
   R/L Arm         3            6
   R/L Leg         4            8

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
Small Pulse Laser         Right Arm      1      1
Small Pulse Laser         Left Arm      1      1
Medium Laser            Center Torso      1      1

Cost = 1,585,600 C-Bills