With only nine entries by four designers this was one of our smallest contest pools which was a little disappointing. I have to say though I have found it hard recently to get any spare time to dedicate to BattleTech unfortunately so it is tough sometimes to find the zone. What did show up was quite good and for a second straight contest there was no disqualifications which was awesome. Made it really hard to pick winners but here is my attempt at it.
PASSABLE
9. PNT-9BL Panther (Abele)
While I really like the idea of replacing the PPC with a Blazer however with only a dozen single Heat Sinks it is pretty tough to keep cool. I could see the Free Rasalhague Republic developing a variant like this in desperation for use against the Clan invaders but the heat bloom keeps me from embracing it completely. Like the original 140 Fusion Engine (4/6/4) and six tons of Ferro-Fibrous (107 factor) for improved protection. Even the Streak SRM-2 (50) upgrade fits but there is just too much heat in my opinion to approve this concept for production unfortunately. If you went with Double Heat Sinks here Abele you had a winner.
8. PNT-10K (Ice Hellion)
Named the Ichor this fast mover features the 175 XL Engine (5/8/5) from the Raptor and a MASC (10) for even faster movement. An EndoSteel structure and Double Heat Sinks are bulky but effective in this design which because of all this light weight lostech features a bunch of weaponry. The ER PPC is joined by twin Medium Lasers a Single Shot SRM-6 (3.5 tons) and a C3 Slave. Not a fan of the single shot launcher but like the retained six and half tons of standard armor (104 factor). This would make a nice custom or unique design but I'm not sure about a wide spread variant.
CONTENDERS
7. PNT-9FR Panther (Abele)
This is an interesting modernized variant of the original Panther developed by the Free Rasalhague Republic. Faster with the 175 Fusion Engine (5/8/5) but less punch thanks to an ER Large instead of a PPC. I like the Streak SRM-2 upgrade which replaces the SRM-4 but I'm not as excited about the Medium Pulse and Small Pulse additions. Double Heat Sinks are a big plus here though as is the six and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous (116 factor) for near max protection. I am a bit concerned that no CASE was included to protect against ammunition explosions from the Streak SRM ammo. Obtaining the power plant from sources in the Capellan Confederation is a bit dubious but acceptable. Sorry to say one other very advanced design beat you out this time bud.
6. PNT-10ALA (Bradshaw)
This new Amiphigean modification has their signature 175 Fusion Engine and also brings back the Jump Jets (5/8/5) for enhanced mobility as well as better speed. Double Heat Sinks with two Large Lasers completing its armament is quite effective. Seven tons of standard armor (112 factor) plating is also an improvement which approaches maximum protection. While you could have gotten more complex and sophisticated in your approach this keeps it simple stupid. Unfortunately, you ran into some really good competition (my Grand Panther namely) and if I had my way this would have been the Draconis March variant.
5. PNT-10ALAG (Takiro)
Not gonna lie folks, the Grand Panther is one of my favorite concepts despite its high heat factor and cost. With a 6/9 movement rating thanks to the Free Worlds made Hermes 210 XL and two ER PPCs this design which features a C3 Slave can match the Clan Puma in many ways. Despite eleven Double Heat Sinks which results in a two-one-one firing pattern from its big gun weaponry I think it still works well. Admittedly I could have gone with a more heat friendly two PPC version, which is a variant planned, but that would have reduced the range. With an XL Engine, EndoSteel, and three Double Heat Sinks bulking out the design I was unable to add Ferro-Fibrous which was disappointing. However, the base six and half tons of armor isn't bad and pretty capable of taking a beating so its ok. Not quite the right time for this design yet with the Third Marik Civil War disrupting supplies and I think I just may go with standard PPCs instead of ERs to better manage heat.
WINNERS
4. PNT-WLF (Bradshaw)
This solahma design from the Wolf Clan is pretty neat and makes me think of Phelan’s Wolfhound a little bit. In spite of being named for a Big Cat this canine revision is fast using a VOX 280 Engine (8/12) thanks to the Ghost Bear held Satalice factory which makes the Archer. Without jump jets this double-quick Panther can close with superior armor plating of seven tons (112 factor) and meat out punishment. Cheap and easily desployed I can see Wolf and Bear InnerSphere bondsman being outfitted with these BattleMechs as auxiliary forces for the invaders. Good concept and good enough for fourth prize!
3. PNT-11K (Takiro)
As our contest unfolded, I contemplated more and more an upgraded Panther with a 175 Fusion Engine (5/8/4) that did its best to improve on everything. I only came up short on Jump Jets and Armor which remained completely unchanged what I did change is notable. Ten Double Heat Sinks replaces Thirteen Single Heat Sinks enabling you to effectively utilize the ER PPC and makes room for the engine expansion along with the addition of a C3 Slave. This can really make the Panther into a superior long-range sniper in an equipped lance. I think replacing the SRM-4 with Artemis IV FCS with twin Streak SRM-2 launchers is a big upgrade. They are consistent hitters at close range with their lock and fire system guaranteeing a lower heat profile with efficient ammo usage. This was the best Draconis variant in my opinion and good enough for third place!
2. PNT-10NSB1 (Bradshaw)
Incorporating the new 245 XL Engine in production from the Spector this refit is much faster and more mobile (7/11/7) with an ER Large Laser and two Streak SRM-2s as its armament. I like the unspoken idea of getting back to this ‘Mechs origins as an SLDF design but now faster and in the service of the AFFC as an anti-Clan fast striker. Plus, I like the idea of Norse-Storm outfitting the FedCom Jenner and Panther with the same engine from its Spector. Double Heat Sinks do a real nice job here and the six point five tons of standard armor (106 factor) are solid for protection. Perhaps ferro-fibrous could have been even better but I like this design which in my opinion was good enough for second place!!
1. PNT-9T Panther (drakensis)
I really like this Taurian design which is incredibly similar to the original featuring a PPC and LRM-5 instead of SRMs. This doubles down on the light fire support role even though it does mean that both long reaching weapon systems have minimum range issues. The only lostech items that the BattleMech features are defensive in nature with six tons of Ferro-Fibrous replacing the standard plating and a CASE protecting against ammunition explosions. Otherwise the rest of this design is identical to the PNT-9R right down to the thirteen Single Heat Sinks which do a good job at cooling the Mechs waste heat. I find the story very believable too as the Taurians dealing with the Draconians is a natural fit especially with their common Davion enemy. I also like the history of the Toro which is similar and a native attempt to get back to its capabilities. Excellent work and top marks to drakensis!!!
