Grasshopper II—70 tons.
Another great ‘Mech was the Grasshopper. A jumping heavy that would not overheat—in 3025! With great armor to boot! Woo-hoo! For this upgrade, first thing was—surprise!—replacing the structure with Endo-Steel and those 22 heat sinks with 15 doubles. Armor stayed the same, as did the LRM-5 and ammo—but we added CASE. The large laser was replaced with an ER model, while the four medium lasers were subbed by medium pulses. We also added another three medium pulses for a total of seven. NOW, you can overheat, but only if you fire your long-range weapons at knife-range. Otherwise you can shoot and jump and not really worry about heat. And you can get all of this for only 1,420 BV and 6,976,574 c-bills.
Griffin II—55 tons.
This one is one of the classic ‘Mechs of all time! A design you and I both probably cut our teeth on back in the day, it is ‘old school’ indeed. Just two guns, but good armor, excellent mobility, and it really, really taught you about heat. So what does the Royal upgrade bring us? 11 double heat sinks for starters, along with Endo-Steel and 9.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor—19 points more armor than the original. Next we added CASE, to protect against ammo explosions. The PPC was replaced with an ER PPC, while we removed the LRM-10 and ammo and plugged in a heavier LRM-15 launcher with two tons of ammo. You still have to watch your heat when jumping, but now you hit harder and farther, while still keeping the same basic weapons packages! Final BV is 1,483 with a price of 5,899,506.
Hatchetman II—45 tons.
There is no such thing, silly MechWarriors! The Hatchetman did not come about until the end of the 3rd Succession War. Silly people, hatchets are for Lyrans!
Hermes II (or do I mean III?)—40 tons.
The Hermes II is a Free World League mod of the ultra-advanced SLDF Hermes. Once again, it is one I won’t do. See Hatchetman, above for details.
Hoplite II—55 tons.
Another Wolf’s Dragoons ‘Mech, the Hoplite should be a good one because of fiat. It flat-out sucks, however. I mean have you looked at it—16 sinks for a maximum of 7 points of heat? And this is on a ‘Mech that moves at 4-6-0, and can’t do but 15 points of damage on good day? Back to the drawing boards we go, my friends. Let’s keep it at 4-6-0, shall we. 10 double heat sinks should give us some room to work with, as does the Endo-Steel internal structure. 10 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor is more than enough for a medium ‘Mech—in fact darn near maximum. We will replace the AC-10 with an LB-10X and two tons of ammo (one cluster, one slug). Ripping out the LRM-5, let’s put an LRM-15 with Artemis and two tons of ammo in instead. CASE goes in both torsos for this version of the ancient Greek warrior (SPARTA!). Finally, let’s add a medium pulse laser in the center torso for some non-ammo dependent weaponry. Now, it’s still over sinked, but can finally do some reasonable damage. BV is 1,145 with a final cost of 5,519, 809.
Hornet II—20 tons.
What is it with the Wolf? I mean, why should they have all these designs that ought to still exist in the Inner Sphere. It is a conspiracy, methinks. But the Hornet is just another Bug, one armed for long-range combat, at the expense of speed and maneuverability. Endo-Steel and double heat sinks are pretty much par for the course on this upgrade. Armor is increased to 4 tons—about as good as a 20-tonner can expect it to get. We add CASE for the LRM launcher and upgrade the small laser to a small pulse, leaving the medium alone. And that’s all, folks. Not too much you can do with a ‘Mech this small without adding an XL, which I prefer not to do. BV is 477 for a sales floor price of 1,415,200.
Hunchback II—50 tons.
Here she is guys, the original pain-god of BattleTech. So what can we do to upgrade the Hunchback? After all, she carries the biggest and baddest boom-stick in BattleTech (for the time, at least). First of all, we dump three single heat sinks and replace the remaining 10 with doubles. Next we use Endo-Steel to free up 2.5 more tons. We increase the armor to 10.5 tons, just one point shy of max. This leaves us with three and half tons. What to do, what to do—add another ton of AC-20 ammo and CASE that frakkin’ torso. Finally, we upgrade both medium lasers to medium pulses. BV is 1,041 for a sticker price of 3,899,500, and she still generates a 9-hex bubble o’ doom that no Light or Medium in their right mind wants to enter.
JagerMech II—65 tons.
Sigh. I had to use a frakkin XL engine to even get this thing to work. Movement is still 4-6-0, with double heat sinks (WASTE!) and Endo-Steel. I could still mount only 10.5 tons of standard armor—in a HEAVY ‘MECH. No sense in even trying to mount CASE—not with an XL engine—and couldn’t squeeze out two more tons for the medium lasers, so those are gone. All we got left are two Ultra AC-5’s and two Ultra AC-2’s, with four tons and two tons of ammo, respectively. BV is 888 (which is 222 too much, if you take my drift, partner) for a cost of 11,424,876. Great direct fire range—everything else sucks to high heavens.
Javelin II—30 tons.
The Javelin, an on-again/off-again favorite of Hanse Davion, despite not carrying an autocannon. Fast, maneuverable, and with good firepower, it lacked only armor, heat sinks, and sufficient ammo to be successful. Let’s start with adding 10 double heat sinks and Endo-Steel. Armor is increased to 6.5 tons of standard, about as much as we can cram onto the frame. Since we are so tight on weight, let’s go with four Streak SRM-2 launchers and single ton of ammo to replace the twin SRM-6’s. With the ammo in the head, we don’t have to mount CASE, and the inherent ammo conservation of the Streaks will stretch those 100 shots out. BV is 668 for a floor-room price tag of 2,428,140.
Jenner II—35 tons.
All right, Kurita fans, I don’t want to hear it! Other than using an XL engine, the only way to make the Jenner what it should have been was to drop the speed to 6-9-6. That is backed up by 10 double heat sinks, Endo-Steel structure, and 6.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. All of that allows us to mount two Streak SRM-2 launchers, with a ton of ammo and CASE and four medium lasers. You can jump and fire everything and be at +2 on the heat scale. SO CUT ME SOME FRAKKIN’ SLACK, ALREADY. Ok, I’m calm now. BV of 1,033 and a sticker price of 3,514,725.
Locust II—20 tons.
And here we are with the ‘Mech that began it all—the Locust (I mean, who starred on the cover of the first BattleTech novel? Who? Right, the little Locust.). Double heat sinks are not really needed on this ‘Mech, but we don’t it to feel left out, now do we? But Endo-Steel is quite useful, so it mounts it. 3.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous gives us nearly full armor for our weight class. We keep the medium laser and both machine guns, each with a half-ton of ammo, but add CASE to both torsos. Finally, we add a small laser in a co-axial mount to the medium laser in the center torso. BV of 398 for a cost of 1,782,700.
Marauder II—75 tons.
The Marauder is one of those some people love, and others love to hate. It may be that rounded curve feel of the armor and joints, or it may just be that it was always fluffed as to be out of an ordinary MechWarriors league with its advanced systems. Well, the SLDF fielded it first, and when it came to Royal upgrades, love it or hate it, you know it was in there. 15 double heat sinks give the Maddy what should be standard on any SLDF machine—ample heat dissipation. It doesn’t come close on this puppy. Even with Endo-Steel and 13.5 tons of standard armor. Now, it really should when consider that this ‘Mech only has five guns—two ER PPCs, two medium lasers, and an Ultra AC-5 with two tons of ammo and CASE. Just firing both ER PPCs and the UAC-5 will put you +1 on the heat scale—firing single shot and standing still. An Alpha strike while running will put you at +10, which is a no-no. Still, if you are careful and watch your heat (walk and fire both ER PPCs and a double shot from the Ultra puts you at +3, which is manageable) this design is one that will reward. BV is 1,431 for a final price of 7,556,500.
Orion II—75 tons.
The other 75-tonner in the original TRO, the Orion is also the ‘Mech General Kerensky chose as his own personal ride. So you think it would be left out swinging in the cold when the SLDF began pimping out everyone else’s rides? No, I don’t think so, and neither do you, my friends. 10 double heat sinks double the heat dissipation of the original design—already cool running, but what can it hurt? We use Endo-Steel to gain 3.5 tons for the upgrade, but space is a premium, so 14 tons of standard armor will have to do. Two sets of CASE were installed on this ammo heavy beast of a war machine. The LRM-15 remains, but now has Artemis IV. The AC-10 was replaced with a lighter, longer-ranged LB-10X and two tons of ammo (one cluster, one slug). Both of the medium lasers were upgraded to pulse models, while the SRM-4 was replaced with two Streak SRM-2 launchers and a ton of ammo. An alpha strike with this ‘Mech at a walk generates no heat buildup. BV is 1,441 with a price tag of 7,833,000.
Ostroc II—60 tons.
Normally, I don’t care for the ‘reimagined’ ‘Mechs, also known as the new look of the Unseen. However, for the Ostroc and Ostsol and Ostscout, I will make an exception. You artists did an excellent job on portraying these designs in way that looks BETTER than the originals. You did some truly outstanding work and now on to the upgrade. On the Ostroc we could squeeze in both Endo-Steel and Ferro-Fibrous, along with 13 double heat sinks, thanks to the large 300-rate engine. 10.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous gives us pretty decent armor protection for our weight. The weapons mix is fairly straight forward—two ER Large Lasers, two Medium Pulse Lasers, and two Streak SRM-2 launchers with a ton of ammo and CASE. You got a choice, either two ER Large (typically at range) or one ER Large and everything else. However, even with 13 freezers, you will go +12 if you run and alpha strike. So DON’T DO IT. Pace yourself. BV is 1,271 with an eye-grabbing price of a mere 5,916,160.
Ostscout II—35 tons.
Yet another design I had to use an XL engine on. But, with a movement rate of 8-12-8, I can agonize over this one a little bit less. 10 double heat sinks and Endo-Steel give us a little leeway as well among our components. Unfortunately, there is not enough space for Ferro-Fibrous armor. Still, 7 tons of standard on an Ostscout is quite a bit by anyone’s stretch of the imagination. The only guns mounted are two medium pulse lasers, one in each arm in lieu of hands. But the Ostscout II also mounts a Beagle Active Probe, a Guardian ECM Suite, and TAG. BV is 845 with a cost of 6,942,150.
Ostsol II—60 tons.
One of my favorite ‘Mechs of all time, the Ostsol is a zombie. Or at least, it should have been. Weak armor, too few heat sinks, and too many guns almost rendered it inept. This upgrade fixes those problems. 14 double heat sinks give an incredible amount of heat dissipation. 11 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor provides near-maximum protection, while Endo-Steel gives us yet more tonnage to play with. Two ER Large Lasers in the right and left torso provide the main guns, backed up by two medium lasers (in the arms), two medium pulse lasers (in the torsos), and a small pulse laser for anti-infantry work in the head. You’ve got the same problem as the Ostroc, though—an alpha strike will kill you. Without ammo to explode it may take a while, but no pilot enjoys being at +14 on the heat scale. You have to play this ‘Mech smart to enjoy it. Cost-wise, it ain’t bad either, with a BV of 1,295 and a showroom sticker of 5,880,960.
Panther II—35 tons.
One of the iconic ‘Mechs of the Draconis Combine is the Panther. I can’t decide if the Kurita family would feel proud at their signature light ‘Mech being stolen by the SLDF or outraged—probably both at the same time. Endo-Steel provides the basis for this upgrade, along with the installation of 10 double heat sinks. Enough weight was saved to upgrade the speed to 5-8-5—without having to go with an XL engine. Seven tons of standard armor gives the Panther II substantial protection for a light ‘Mech. The PPC is replaced with an Extended Range version, while the SRM-4 has been removed. Two Streak SRM-2 launchers are mounted—one per right and left torso—in its place. One ton of ammo has been placed in the head of the ‘Mech, rendering the use of CASE meaningless. Enough tonnage was saved to add one small laser in the center torso. BV weighs in at 975 with a sticker price of 2,963,497. You do have to watch your heat in this ‘Mech, but even an alpha strike and jump will only put you at +5.
Phoenix Hawk II—45 tons.
From the very beginning of its career, the Phoenix Hawk was designed and intended as a scout leader—hence its very high movement rate. The Royal upgrade takes those attributes and puts them on steroids. Endo-Steel structure replaces the standard, just as 10 double strength heat sinks replace the 10 standard ones of the original. 8 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor gives the ‘Mech good, solid protection against attack. Combined with its mobility, this heavy armor ensures that the Phoenix Hawk II is very survivable. An ER Large Laser replaces the older standard model, giving it a sting out to 19 hexes of range. Both of the medium lasers have been moved to the center torso and upgraded to medium pulse lasers. The two machine guns have been retained, both in the left arm, but the design lost a half-ton of ammunition which went for CASE installed in the left torso. Overall, this upgrade was simpler than most, but it works and works well. BV is 1,088 with a cost of 4,623,615.
Quickdraw II—60 tons.
Always an inefficient design, the Quickdraw is used in numbers only by the Dracs, who seem to dislike Mediums for fast heavies instead. In this case, it really cost them, because you could do the same guns and armor on 55-ton chassis and have tonnage left over, thanks to the increase in weight of the jump jets. Even the Royal upgrade feels a little lackluster. First of all, we replace the structure with Endo-Steel and give it 10.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. Next, we ditch the single heat sinks for ten doubles. Trying to keep the same feel, we kept the LRM-10, but gave it Artemis and two tons of ammo. In the same location we have an SRM launcher, but this design replaces the 4-pack with two Streak 2-packs and a ton of ammo. CASE rounds out that location. And you see here the real inefficiency of a 60-tonner 5-8-5 ‘Mech, cause all we can do is add the same four medium lasers back on—but all of them fire to the front. But, it is tougher, better sinked, and hits a little bit harder (mainly because no 5-8-5 unit should have guns firing to the rear). BV is 1,457 and it is yours for the low, low price of 6,303,360. In my neighborhood, it would be a crime to charge that much for what you are getting, but the Dracs like it.
Rifleman II—60 tons.
All I can say is that at least it didn’t require an XL engine. Endo-Steel begins our upgrade of this model, along with replacing the standard 10 heat sinks with doubles. We can—barely—fit Ferro-Fibrous on this beast, so 9.5 tons will have to do. Not quite up to heavy ‘Mech standards, but better than what it HAD. Two Ultra AC-5s replace the AC-5s, each of them with two tons of ammo and CASE in the torsos. Both the Large Lasers are gone, replaced with MEDIUM LASERS (Hey, I had to fit everything in somehow). We did replace the two torso mounted mediums with a single ER Large Laser in the center torso, however. It is still not the best ‘Mech in the world, but a darn sight better than the standard Rifleman with tissue paper for armor. BV is 1,188 and sells for 5,705,600.
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