Actinium - Div10 Compact (Elemental)

Type: Compact, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Medium Electric (PC & SC) (Pwr 1610, 8dp), Tires: 4 PR tires (9dp), Crew: Driver (no equip), Weaponry VFRP (30/reg) front (1Dx6 burst), Weighted Accessories: nil, Unwgt. Acces.: SWC, Dischargers: 10 total: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 foam (2T, 2U, 1R 1L),  Wheel Armor: 40 total = 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x10 pt WH front (or choose where), Component Armor 10 pts plastic for (a) PP (4 sp), Cargo: 0 sp, 1 lbs.; Vehicle Armor: 57 pts Composite (43 Metal/14 Plastic): F(8/2) B(8/2) R(11/2) L(11/2) T(2/3) U(3/3); HC: 3, Acc. 5,  Top Speed 95, DM: 1, Hit Mod: -1, Weight: 4439 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $9,979.50

• #1 Div15 Option - Upgrade pretty much everything: Compact, Xhvy Ch. Hvy Sus, Med. PP (PC & SC), 4 Solid tires, driver, VFRP (30/reg) front, dischargers as above with smoke instead of foam, HRSWC, HD brakes, 4 bumper triggers (linked to oil dischargers & side weapons), HTM & Overdrive (linked), 9 pts FPLR CA around PP, same WG/WH, 56 pts Composite armor (39 Metal/17 plastic): F 8/2, B 7/2, R&L 10/2, T 2/3, U 2/6; HC 3, Acc. 5 (10), Top 95 (70/115), 4436.2 lbs, $14,938.50

Design Notes - After I made Protactinium, a Div20 sedan, I wanted to make the cheapest viable VFRP car that still could have OK targeting (7 to hit is cromulent) and most of my normal Styx Motors accessories (10 dischargers, full WG/WH, as much component armor as possible). As you can see, the price was the biggest difficulty & I needed to use every trick: (a) substitute metal for plastic armor (which resulted in a great 11 pts for the sides!) (b) unmodified CA instead of my standard LRFP, (c) nearly no accessories (no bumper triggers, HTM etc), (d) changing smoke dischargers to foam (which have the effect on lasers like paint)

The Div15 option allows an upgrade on tires & targeting at the expense of less vehicle armor.

Name Notes - Actinium is much more important an element than I realized when I randomly chose Protactinium a few days ago (mainly because I was just methodically going through the end of the alphabet elements). I'm not a chemist but as very young lad I loved the periodic table. The entire concept of a list of ordered ingredients that make up the universe was perfect for my personality and burgeoning worldview. It's part of the reason I love RPGs: the organization of a world into rules.

Actinium is the first of the row of actinides, which to my then (and now) untrained eyes was both an aberration in the symmetry of the Table and a sign of rigorous study in the accuracy of the chemical world. 

  

The element, as described in the Wiki: 

[This has] the symbol Ac and atomic number 89.... [and] gave the name to the actinide series, a group of 15 similar elements between actinium and lawrencium in the periodic table. It is also sometimes considered the first of the 7th-period transition metals, although lawrencium is less commonly given that position. Together with polonium, radium, and radon, actinium was one of the first non-primordial radioactive elements to be isolated.

A soft, silvery-white radioactive metal, actinium reacts rapidly with oxygen and moisture in air .... The name actinium originates from the Ancient Greek aktis, aktinos (ακτίς, ακτίνος), meaning beam or ray."

There is no thematic connection between the element and the car design except in the relationship to protactinium.

Image of a 1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT from here. I chose to include the earliest covered Ferrari image available because, as stated above, this is meant to be a precursor to Protactinium.

Metis 2067 - Div5 Compact (Galaxy)

Type: Compact, Chassis: Standard, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Medium Electric (no mods) (Pwr 1400, 8dp), Tires: 4 Heavy Duty (6 dp), Crew: Driver (no equip) Weaponry SS (10/reg) & SD (10/reg) linked back, Weighted Accessories: nil Unwgt. Acces.: nil, [1 total links], Dischargers: none; Wheel Armor: 20 total = 2x9 pt WG rear, 2x1 pt WH front, Component Armor 10 pts for (a) PP (FP, 4 sp), (b) Driver (reg, 2 sp), Cargo: 0 sp, 2 lbs.; Vehicle Armor: 41 pts Composite (33 Metal/8 Plastic): F(8/0) B(7/0) R(8/0) L(8/0) T(1/4) U(1/4); HC: 3, Acc. 5 Top Speed 97.5, DM: 2/3, Hit Mod: -1, Weight: 3698 lbs. Max 3700, Cost: $4,976.00

• Option 1 - replace SS & SD with FOJ (15 shots), add 3 pts MET armor, $4999.00

Design Notes I'm trying to make more Div5 cars. This was to make a pure dropped weapon car with decent armor and that meant a compact. Once I had that size, I hoped I could put in component armor. The option may actually be better than the original: a flaming oil jet in a Div5 fight?!

Name Notes - From the Wiki: "Metis, also known as Jupiter XVI, is the innermost moon of Jupiter. It was discovered in 1979 in images taken by Voyager 1, and was named in 1983 after the first wife of Zeus, Metis."

Doonbuggi 2065 - Div20 OR Compact (Update)

Type: Compact, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: OR, Engine: Medium Electric (SC) (Pwr 1540, 8dp), Tires: 4 OR Solid Tires (12dp), Crew: Driver (no equip), Weaponry HMG (10/HD) in UM turret (2D area), Weighted Accessories: rollcage, brushcutter, safety seat, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: SWC, HD-antilock brakes, HTM; [0 total links], Dischargers: 10 total: 4 oil (FBRL) 4 smoke (2U, 1R 1L) 2 foam (2T), Defenses: nil; Wheel Armor: 33 total = 2x10 pt WG rear, 13 pts WH front (choose), Component Armor 9 pts LRFP for (a) PP (4 sp), (b) Driver (2 sp), Cargo: 0 sp, 0.2 lbs.; Vehicle Armor: 146 pts Composite Armor (2 Metal/144 Plastic): F(0/30) B(0/30) R(0/30) L(0/30) T(0/19) U(2/5); HC: 2, Acc. 5 (HTM 10),  Top Speed 90 (67.5), DM: 1, Hit Mod: -1, Weight: 4439.8 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $19,992.00

• Slope Option  - Type: Compact, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: OR, Engine: Medium Electric (SC) (Pwr 1540, 8dp), Tires: 4 OR Solid Tires (12dp), Crew: Driver (no equip), Weaponry Light Laser in UM turret (1D area, burn 1/0), Weighted Accessories: rollcage, brushcutter, safety seat, HD shocks, Unweighted Accessories: SWC, HD-antilock brakes, [0 total links], Dischargers: 10 total: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: nil; Wheel Armor: 39 total = 2x10 pt WG rear, 19 pts WH front (choose), Component Armor 9 pts LRFP for Driver (2 sp), Cargo: 0 sp, 1.4 lbs.; Vehicle Armor: 180 pts sloped Composite Armor (2 Metal/178 Plastic): F(0/35) B(0/35) R(0/40) L(0/40) T(0/22) U(2/6); HC: 2, Acc. 5, Top Speed 90, DM: 1, Hit Mod: -2, Weight: 4438.6 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $19,931.00 .


• Sloped non-OR Option  - As option 1 but with Heavy suspension, regular Solid tires, pulse the LL, remove: brushcutter, UM mounting, add: 6 pts vehicle armor, 1 pt wheel armor, SWC, HTM & Overdrive (linked), HC: 3, Acc. 5 (10 HTM/2.5 Overdrive), Top Speed 90 (67.5/110), DM: 1, Hit Mod: -2, Weight: 4438.6 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $19,977.70 .

Design Notes - Updated from this obsolete 2037 design:

Compact, Xhvy Ch., OR-Active Sus., 4 OR Solid Tires, Large PP, Driver; VMG (20/reg) in UM turret, Roll Cage, SWC, 120 pts. plastic Armor: F20 B20 R20 L20 T20 U20; HC 2 (3 OR), Acc. 5, 4400 lbs., $19,460. [2015: this is missing something; there's 120 lbs missing, possibly from the original roll-cage rules, that would add 20 pts armor, $19,620]

It's obsolete because of the elimination of 2 sp. turrets, dagnabbit. To update it, I used the 2 best 1 sp weapons available: the HMG with HD ammo (a classic) and the far inferior Light Laser in the sloped option.  I do like trying to slope a compact because the -2 hit modifer is a beast!  I made the second option just to see if this would make a viable div20 car.  Probably not.

Name Notes - It's a dumb name.  That's what I did back then.:

Antiped IV 2065 - RPG Compact (Updated)

Type: Compact, Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Medium PP (PC & SC) (Pwr 1610, 8dp), Tires: 4 Radial-Solids (11dp), Crew: Driver (blended BA), Weaponry FG (20/reg) in turret (1D* area), FG (20/reg) front (1D* area), SS (10/TG) back, Weighted Accessories: nil, Unweighted Accessories: smartlink, no-paint windshield, [0 total links], Dischargers: 10 flechette, linked to anti-theft system, Defenses: 4 bumper triggers (to dischargers & that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 80 total = every wheel has full 10 pts of WG & WH, Component Armor:  Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Cargo: No space, no weight; Vehicle Armor: 165 pts Plastic Armor: F(35) B(35) R(35) L(35) T(13) U(12); HC: 3, Acc. 5,  Top Speed 95, Cruising: 57, DM: 1, Hit Mod: -1, Weight: 4439.6 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $18,470.

Design Notes -This is an update of this obsolete (and stupid) design (as stated there, 'This is the fourth entry for a series of really stupid 'concept' cars based on anti-pedestrian combat.')

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus., Large PP, driver, 4 SD tires, turret with 2 linked FG , SS rear with Tear Gas (i.e. TSS). 4x10 pt. WG. 175 pts armor: F40 R30 L30 B30 T25 U20; Acc. 5 HC 2; 4435 lbs., $14,150

Since I can't use a 2sp turret anymore, I felt that putting 1 FG in a 1sp turret and 1 FG front, then smartlinking them, would take care of that. The original had a Large PP... why?  Out that went. I felt the anti-theft system attached to Flechette dischargers (aka grenades, in my day) would also fit into the RPG theme.  With these changes, I was able to get some component armor in as well as full 80 points of wheel armor - a true necessity for anti-pedestrian comabt.  To deal with the resultant loss in HC, I use radial tires.

Venus 2063 - Div20 Compact (Galaxy)

Type: Compact Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Large (PC & SC) (Pwr 2300, 10dp), Tires: 4 Solid Tires (12 dp), Crew: Driver (HRSWC) Weaponry: HMG (20/HD) in turret (2D area), Weighted Accessories: none, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HDHTM & Overdrive (linked), [1 total link], Dischargers: 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L), Defenses: Smoke Dischargers linked to 2 laser reactive webs (F, B, T, R, L, covering tires of those sides as well); 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x7 pt WH front, Component Armor:  Power Plant = 9 pts LRFP over 5 spaces, Driver = 9 pts LRFP over 2 spaces, Cargo: No space, 1.4 lbs, 144 pts Plastic Armor: F 30 B 30 R 30 L 30 T 14 U 10; HC: 3, Acc. 10 (HDHTM 20/Overdrive 5),  Top Speed 120 (80/140), Cruising: 72 Weight: 4438.6 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $19,249.50

Design Notes -This started as a way to take out the C/A frame from this car, and I saw that I had to change so much that it was a different car.  Then I realized it's just another version of "Venus" which will be the name for all my "compacts with HMG in a turret."

Here are the other variants:

• Venus Div 20 = Compact, Xhvy. Ch., Hvy. Sus., Large PP (PC/SC), 4 PR-Radial tires, driver, HMG (10/incend) in turret, 5 Smoke/Oil Dischargers, Ramplate, 5 bumper triggers, active suspension, spoiler & airdam, HDHTM, HD brakes, 10 pts. FP CA around driver, BA for driver; 174 pts. Sloped Plastic armor F40 [ram] B30 R33 L33 T20 U18; Acc. 10 (HDHTM 20), Top 120 (80), HC 5 (6 over 60), 4439 lbs., $19,871.20


• Venus Without Furs (Original) Div 10 = Compact, Xhvy. Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 PR tires, driver, HMG (15/reg) in turret, SS (10/reg) back, SWC, 10 pts. CA each around driver & PP, 184 pts. Plastic armor (F40 B33 R38 L38 T20 U15); Acc. 5, Top 90, HC 3, 4124 lbs. (max 4200), $9,992.00


• Venus Without Furs (Option 1) Div 10 = Compact, Xhvy. Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 PR tires, driver (BA), HMG (15/reg) in turret, SS (10/reg) back, 3 oil/smoke dischargers, 10 pts. CA each around driver & PP, 192 pts. Plastic armor (F40 B37 R40 L40 T20 U15); Acc. 5, Top 90, HC 3, 4197 lbs. (max 4200), $9996.00


• Venus Without Furs (Option 2) Div 10 = Compact, Xhvy. Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 PR tires, driver, HMG (15/reg) in turret, SS (10/reg) back, 5 smoke/oil dischargers, 3 bumper triggers, 10 pts. CA each around driver & PP, 192 pts. Plastic armor (F40 B37 R40 L40 T20 U15); Acc. 5, Top 90, HC 3, 4197 lbs. (max 4200), $9996.00


• Venus Without Furs (Superlight Venus) Div 10 = Compact, Heavy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP (PC), 4 PR tires, driver, HMG (15/HD) in turret, SWC, 9 pts. CA each around driver & PP, 176 pts sloped plastic armor (F40 B35 R30 L30 T22 U19; sides are -2 to hit); Top 95, 4068 lbs, $9996.80

The difference with this car is the acceptance of Div20 and a full load of ammo, full dischargers, full component armor, and a zippy engine.

Convoy Interceptor Aug 2057 - RPG Compact

Type: Compact, (Streamlined, Carbon-Aluminum), Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Large (PC & SC) (Pwr 2300, 10dp), Tires: 4 Radial-Solid Tires (11dp), Crew: Driver (ABV/BA, GL with 5 Flaming Oil grenades); Weaponry:  HMG (20/HD) in 1sp. turret (2D area), Weighted Accessories: active suspension, IFE, spoiler & airdam, safety seat, Unweighted Accessories: HRSWC, HD-antilock brakes, HDHTM & Overdrive (linked), LDR, no-paint windshield, [1 total link], Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x10 pt WH front & rear (60 pts total), Cargo: No space, no weight [Cost/Weight for personal equip: $1150, 31 lbs]; 187 pts Plastic Armor: F 40 B 40 R 36 L 36 T 20 U 15; HC: 5 (6 over 60), Acc. 10 (HDHTM 20/Overdrive 5),  Top Speed 132.5 (87.5/152.5), Cruising: 79.5 Weight: 4438 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $35,556.00


Design Notes - This was in my draft folder dated August 9, 2007.  It's part of the Convoy Project (see here for all the cars) and specifically an older (now alternate) version) of the "interceptor" car, which I made into Convoy 4.  This is a whole lotta money for a pretty bad idea.  C/A frame on the road just is asking for trouble; a routine roll will be end of the line, let alone a side-swipe.

Convoy Filler 2057 - RPG Compact

Type: Compact Chassis: Xtra-Heavy, Suspension: Heavy, Engine: Medium (PC & SC) (Pwr 1610, 8dp), Tires: 4 Solid Tires (12dp), Crew: Driver, Weaponry: MML (20/incendiary) in 1sp turret (1D+1 area, fire mod. 2/1), TL in turret & LGL to 20 rockets, SD (10/reg) back (1D to tires), Weighted Accessories: IFE, Spoiler & Airdam, Unweighted Accessories: SWC, HD-antilock brakes, HTM & Overdrive (linked), no-paint windshield, [6 total links], Dischargers: none, Defenses: none, Wheel Armor: 2x10 pt WG rear, 2x10 pt WH front, Component Armor: none, Cargo: No space, no weight, 176 pts Plastic Armor: F 35 B 35 R 34 L 34 T 20 U 18; HC: 3 (4 over 60), Acc. 5, Top Speed 95, Cruising: 57 Weight: 4436 lbs. Max 4440, Cost: $17,463.00


Design Notes - This was in my draft folder dated August 7, 2007.  It's part of the Convoy Project (see here for all the cars) and specifically an older (now alternate) version of the "filler" car, which I made into Convoy 4.  This one looks like a half-baked attempt to just fill up the remaining stipend (17K).  But, on a personal note, I love how even years apart the same design idea ("compact with 1sp turret!") stayed in my head. 

I could upgrade this, but what's the point?  The revised Convoy 4 is just better in every way.

Weywot - Div5 Compact (Galaxy)

Compact, Light Chassis, Improved Suspension, Medium PP (8dp), 4 HD Tires (6dp), Driver (no equip), RL (10/reg) front, JD (10/reg) rear, SWC, 46 pts sloped Composite Armor (15 Metal/31 Plastic): F 4/7 B 3/8 R 3/8 L 3/8 T 1/0 U 1/0; HC: 2, Acc. 5, Top Speed 105, Pwr 1400, 3321 lbs. (max 3300), $4,999.55

Design Notes -This started as an idea to get a HRSWC in a Div5 vehicle, and while I started as a compact and I found quickly that it would be impossible with that body; it can be done with a subcompact though, which I will upload next.  This car is pretty functional, though, especially with the metal armor (which can help against flamethrowers).

Name Notes - Weywot is a moon for Quaoar.  According to the Wiki: "Weywot ....  is the only known moon of the trans-Neptunian object Quaoar. Its discovery by Michael E. Brown was reported in IAUC 8812 on 22 February 2007.... Brown left the choice of a name up to the Tongva (whose creator god Quaoar had been named after), who chose the sky god Weywot, son of Quaoar."

Quaoar - Div5 Compact (Galaxy)

Compact, Light Chassis, Improved Suspension, Medium PP (8dp), 4 HD Tires (6dp), Driver (no equip), ATG (9/reg) front, 0 total links, no cargo space, 15 pts sloped Composite Armor (10 Metal/5 Plastic): F 2/0 B 2/0 R 3/0 L 3/0 T 0/1 U 0/4; HC: 2, Acc. 5, Top Speed 105, Pwr 1400, 3330 lbs. (max 3300), $4,999.00

• Plastic Option - Compact, Light Chassis, Light Suspension, Medium PP (8dp), 4 HD Tires (6dp), Driver (no equip), ATG (9/reg) front, 55 pts sloped Plastic Armor F 12 B 11 R 14 L 14 T 2 U 2; HC: 1, Acc. 5, Top Speed 105, Pwr 1400, 3330 lbs. (max 3300), $4,956.00


• SWC Option - Compact, Light Chassis, Light Suspension, Medium PP (8dp), 2 HD Tires (6dp) front, 2 Standard Tires (4dp) rear, Driver (no equip), ATG (9/reg) front, SWC, 0 total links, no cargo space, 15 pts sloped Composite Armor (10 Metal/5 Plastic): F 2/0 B 2/0 R 3/0 L 3/0 T 0/1 U 0/4; HC: 1, Acc. 5, Top Speed 105, Pwr 1400, 3330 lbs. (max 3300), $4,999.00


• SWC Plastic Option - Compact, Light Chassis, Light Suspension, Medium PP (8dp), 4 Standard Tires (4dp), Driver (no equip), ATG (9/reg) front, JD (10/reg) rear, SWC, 36 pts Plastic Armor F 8 B 8 R 9 L 9 T 1 U 1; HC: 1, Acc. 5, Top Speed 105, Pwr 1400, 3301 lbs. (max 3300), $4,988.00

Design Notes - This started as a simple idea: a div5 with an anti-tank gun.  Not saying I'd drive this, but I feel I should make more div5s.  I made the plastic armor versions because I don't know if 2 pts of metal armor are worth anything.  To get the SWC, I needed to sacrifice a lot.

Name Notes -According to the Wiki: "50000 Quaoar ("Kwawar") is a rocky trans-Neptunian object in the Kuiper belt with one known moon. It is probably a dwarf planet. ... discovered on June 4, 2002 .... Quaoar is named for the Tongva creator god, following International Astronomical Union naming conventions for non-resonant Kuiper belt objects. The Tongva are the native people of the area around Los Angeles, where the discovery of Quaoar was made. Brown et al. had picked the name with the more intuitive spelling Kwawar, but the preferred spelling among the Tongva was Qua-o-ar."

Convoy 4 - Div15 Compact

Compact, Xtra-Heavy Chassis, Heavy Suspension, Large PP (PC & SC) (10dp), 4 Solid Tires (12dp), Driver (no equip); LFT with mag (20/HT) in 1 sp. turret, SWC, spoiler & airdam, HD-antilock brakes, HDHTM, safety seat, 9 foam/sand dischargers (B 2R 2L 2T 2U) 52 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (10 pt WG rear, 10 pt WH front, 6 pts WH rear) 9 pts LRFP Component Armor around driver [2 sp.], no cargo space, 143 pts Composite Armor (2 Metal/140 Plastic): F 0/30 B 0/30 R 0/30 L 0/30 T 0/16 U 2/5; HC: 3 (4 over 60), Acc. 10 (HDHTM 20), Top Speed 120 (80), Pwr 2300, 4438.6 lbs. (max 4440), $15,793.00

• IFE Option - Compact, Xtra-Heavy Chassis, Heavy Suspension, Large PP (PC & SC) (10dp), 4 Solid Tires (12dp), Driver (no equip); LFT with mag (20/HT) in 1 sp. turret, SWC, IFE, spoiler & airdam, HD-antilock brakes, HDHTM, safety seat, 40 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (10 pt WG rear, 10 pt WH front), no cargo space, 132 pts Composite Armor (2 Metal/130 Plastic): F 0/28 B 0/28 R 0/28 L 0/28 T 0/13 U 2/5; HC: 3, Acc. 10 (HDHTM 20), Top Speed 120 (80), Pwr 2300, 4440 lbs. (max 4440), $15,580.00

Design Notes - This is part of the Convoy project, see here for the lead post.  Convoy 1 is a lead vehicle while Convoy 2 is the "tail end charlie," and Convoy 3 is for salvage, and this one was conceived as an interceptor.  I wanted a fast car with a flamethrower that would zip in between the other convoy vehicles and harrass threats, especially bikes (who can't enjoy getting roasted).  The 15K tag was limiting, but I felt I could get it done with a compact.  Without data in front of me, I thought a compact with a large engine could handle this; FTs are cheap, cause fires, great accuracy, and provide smokescreens.   And I thought with an LFT with HT ammo the damage would be decent while also fitting inside a compact's turret.

I got basically everything I wanted given the cost constraints - except the small size meant that for convoy duty, I felt I needed an extra mag for the LFT - and that meant sacrificing either an IFE or component armor (hence the options above).  The large engine took up space as well, but for this to be a true "interceptor" it needed to have the high acceleration (HDHTM give this a zero to 60 in 3 seconds, and a top speed of 80, which was perfectly fine in its role in a convoy - when most cars will be at cruising speed to sustain power factors, and all cars need to be together around the truck, which won't be too fast given the low HC).

I wanted the convoy cars to all have solid tires (this just makes sense given the debris on a highway), safety seats, and fire extinguishers if at all possible.  This has most of that, but not perfectly so. 


Convoy Notes - This makes a convoy of 4 cars.  Convoy 1 is $24,983, leaving $55,017; Convoy 2 is $17,489.00, leaving $37,528, Convoy 3 is $21,731 leaving $15,797, and now Convoy 4 is either $15,793 (leaving 4 bucks for bubble-gum) or $15,580 which leaves $217 for more substantial equipment.

Possibly I should use more of the same type of car so I could haul consistent spare tires.  Either all Convoy 3s (salvage pickups, maybe 2 of them with no cargo expectation and full armor) or convoy 3 and all midsized etc.  OK, maybe I'll try that next.

Venus 2037 - Div10 Compact

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 4 PR Tires, Large PP, Driver; RL (10/reg) front, SS (10/reg) back, SWC, BA for driver, 254 pts plastic Armor: F70 B45 R50 L50 T19 U20; HC 3, Acc. 5, 4439 lbs. $9,952

Design Notes - Whenever it has 2037 in the title, it's one of my original designs from back when I was a teenager.  I found my files a bit ago and I'm slowly putting the cars up here with a scan of the original car picture.  As I had trouble finding good names, I would use shortcuts, and "galaxy" was my earliest theme.  I designed a car for each planet and this is the original "Venus"

Ironically, when I first started this blog, I had only half of my original car files, so I didn't have a Venus.  As such, I decided to make a new one, and that's found here and then an update of that (a compact with a turreted HMG) here.

I'm unsure if this car actually accurate, but I'll save that for the updating.

Coaster 2059 (AADA Fix) - Div10 Compact

Intro - This first update is from a draft post, Sept 29, 2009; as part of the project to update the AADA Vehicle guides.  This is from the AADA Vehicle Guide #1, "Coaster Deluxe."

Original - Compact, Xhvy Chassis, Heavy Sus., Med PP, 4 SD tires, driver; MG (20/reg) front, MD (10/reg) back, 1 extra space, 225 pts Plastic Armor: F45 B45 R40 L40 T30 U25; HC 3, Acc 5, 4200 lbs, $9825

• Original Notes - The original was designed with cargo space, and since this is the oldest of schools, there were no engine options; once PC/SC is allowed, a Med PP can carry the max weight.

2059 Update: Compact, Xhvy Chassis, Hvy Sus., Medium PP, 4 SD tires, driver; MG (20/reg) front, MD (10/reg) back, 2 smoke/oil dischargers; 10 pts FP CA around driver; 215 pts platic Armor: F45 B45 R40 L40 T25 U20; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90, 4190 lbs, $9995

• Design Notes - This was my first attempt back in 2059 (2009, ahem).  It's fine.  My first impression 4 years later was to add power to the engine and a turret, because why not with a base 1 space weapon?  I was about to add a turreted HMG, but that's already the Venus series (here and here), and my commitment to 'weapon system as identity' meant I couldn't go there.

2063 Update 1: Compact, Xhvy Chassis, Hvy Sus., Medium PP (SC), 4 PR tires, driver; MG (20/reg) in 1sp turret, MD (10/reg) back, 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L); 37 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 10 pts CA around driver; 77 pts Composite Armor (35 LR Metal/42 Plastic): F 8/4 B 8/4 R 8/5 L 8/5 T 1/16 U 2/8; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90, 4440 lbs, $9967.25

• Design Notes - OK, so there what to like here. LR Metal armor may or may not be necessary in Div10, but it really is cheap ($113.75 difference), I didn't go to LR CA though because I just felt 1 pt matters there and there's very few lasers in div10.  I'm not sure if I can keep Solid tires and keep this a Div10, but that should be an ultimate goal.

2063 Update 2: Compact, Xhvy Chassis, Hvy Sus., Medium PP (SC), 4 PR tires, driver; HMG (15/HD) front, MD (10/reg) back, 10 dischargers: 5 oil or smoke, 5 foam or sand; 36 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 10 pts CA around driver; 53 pts Composite Armor (39 Metal/14 Plastic): F 8/0 B 8/0 R 9/0 L 9/0 T 3/7 U 2/7; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90, Pwr 1540, 4438 lbs, $9984.50

• Design Notes - This was an attempt to get an HMG and to do that I dropped the turret, and I like the lethality and variation but I'd still like to get some solid tires in here..

2063 Update 3: Compact, Xhvy Chassis, Hvy Sus., Medium PP (PC), 4 Solid tires, driver; HMG (10/HD) front, MD (10/reg) back, no dischargers: 36 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 10 pts CA around driver; 52 pts Composite Armor (38 Metal/14 Plastic): F 8/0 B 8/0 R 9/0 L 9/0 T 3/7 U 1/7; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90, Pwr 1470, 4408 lbs (max 4410), $9977.00

• Design Notes - OK, so here's 1 version of a standard 'Coaster' with an HMG; I couldn't keep the dischargers though.

2063 Update 4, Div15: Compact, Xhvy Chassis, Hvy Sus., Medium PP (PC & SC), 4 Solid tires, driver; HMG (15/HD) front, MD (10/napalm) back, SWC, safety seat, HTM, HD brakes, 10 dischargers: 4 oil (FBRL) 6 smoke (2T, 2U, 1R 1L): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T; covering tires of those sides as well) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 5 total links, 36 pts total for Wheelguards/Wheelhubs (you choose where), 9 pts LRFP CA around driver; 48 pts Composite Armor (35 LR Metal/13 Plastic): F 8/0 B 8/0 R 8/0 L 8/0 T 1/5 U 2/8; HC 3, Acc. 5 (HTM 10), Top 95 (70), Pwr 1610, 4436.6 lbs (max 4440), $14,455.25

• Design Notes - This is going to be the last.  As you can see, it's really a glorified div10 car.  The LR armor does matter more in Div15, as with all the other defensive methods.

Thrym - Div5, Div10 Compact (Galaxy)

Compact, Std. Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 HD Tires, Driver (no equip); RL (10/reg) front, 10 pts CA around and driver, 32 pts sloped Metal Armor: F 8 B 7 R 7 L 7 T 2 U 1; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 100, Pwr 1400, 3560 lbs. (140 lbs to max capacity, top 97.5), $4,994.00 

• Div 5 SWC Option - Compact, Light Chassis., Heavy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 HD Tires, Driver (no equip); RL (10/reg) front, SWC, 10 pts CA around and driver, 21 pts sloped composite Armor (20 Metal/1 Plastic): F 5/0 B 5/1 R 4/0 L 4/0 T 1/0 U 1/0; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 107.5, Pwr 1400, 3206 lbs. (124 lbs to max capacity of 3330, top 105), $4,999.30


• Div 5 RR Option  - Compact, Light Chassis., Heavy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 HD Tires, Driver (no equip); RR (9/reg) front, 10 pts CA around and driver, 23 pts sloped composite Armor (20 Metal/3 Plastic): F 6/0 B 5/0 R 4/0 L 4/0 T 1/0 U 0/3; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 105, Pwr 1400, 3313 lbs. (17 lbs to max capacity of 3330, top 105), $4,992.90


• Div 5 RR/Defense Option  - Compact, Light Chassis., Heavy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 HD Tires, Driver (no equip); RR (10/reg) front, JD (10/reg) back, 10 pts CA around and driver, 20 pts composite Armor (16 Metal/4 Plastic): F 4/0 B 4/0 R 4/0 L 4/0 T 0/2 U 0/2; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 105, Pwr 1400, 3329 lbs, $4,892.00


• Div 10 Option 1 - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 PR Tires, Driver (no equip); RL (10/reg), HRSWC, 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 6 smoke dischargers (2T, 2U, 1R 1L); 39 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver, 80 pts sloped composite Armor (32 Metal/48 Plastic): F 8/5 B 8/5 R 8/5 L 8/5 T 0/14 U 0/14; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90, Pwr 1400, 4093.6 lbs. (4200 is max weight, top 90), $9,995.40


• Div 10 Option 2 - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP, 4 PR Tires, Driver (no equip); RR (10/reg), HRSWC, 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 6 foam dischargers (2T, 2U, 1R 1L); 39 pts WG/WH, 10 pts CA around driver, 64 pts sloped composite Armor (32 Metal/48 Plastic): F 8/1 B 8/1 R 8/1 L 8/1 T 0/14 U 0/14; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90, Pwr 1400, 4098 lbs. (4200 is max weight, top 90), $9,991.60

Design Notes -This was in my draft pile dated Oct 8, 2010 and temp named "metal div5" which gives the 'high concept' behind the design.  In the Div5 options, I think it's probably better to have an RR than a RL with a I also felt committed to using the HRSWC on the Div10 versions, even at the expense of armor; I need to test the efficacy of that.

Name Notes -Thrymr is a moon of Saturn discovered in 2000, one of the Norse group, named after the King of the Frost Giants. Originally the moon was named Thrym, which I know from the two sources below, so that's what I'm using:

From Dungeons & Dragons:

and to a lesser extent, from Marvel pic from here.

Superflash 2063 - Div25 Compact (Updated)

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Large PP (PC & SC), 4 FP-Radial Tires, Driver (no equip); MG (10/reg) in 1sp turret, ramplate, SWC, HD-antilock brakes, active suspension, HD shocks, HDHTM, overdrive, safety seat, roll-cage, spoiler & airdam, 4 oil dischargers (FBRL) 4 smoke dischargers (2T, 2U): smoke linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (to oil & also linked to that side's weapons); 20 pts WG/WH, 150 pts sloped Plastic Armor: F 40 (ram) B 30 R 30 L 30 T 10 U 10; HC 5 (6), Acc. 10 (HDHTM 20/Overdrive 5), Top 120 (80/140), Pwr 2300, 4440 lbs., $24,028.00

Design Notes -The original obsolete design is here:  

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus., Medium PP, driver, 2 PR tires back 2 PRR front, VMG in turret, SS back, 162 pts. Armor: F30 (ram) L31 R31 B30 T20 U20; 4 5pt WG, Acc. 5, HC 3, 4437 lbs $12,041

It's obsolete because it has a 2 space turret, and mismatched tires. Those are from the game changing.  The other detriments are from my not understanding how to make a ram car.  To make this an upgrade, I felt I needed to keep a MG of a type in a turret, the SS became all the dischargers, and I kept the rammer.  I put in all the stuff ramcars love, except for rocket boosters, which I still don't know how to use.

Lowdown 2057 - Div20 Compact

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Soild Radial Tires, Driver; Laser front, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 3 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 39 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around PP and driver 183 pts Plastic Armor: F 38 B 38 R 40 L 40 T 12 U 15; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90 Pwr 1540, 4432.8 lbs. $19,994.00

• Metal Option - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Soild Radial Tires, Driver; Laser front, SWC, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 39 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around PP and driver 56 pts composite Armor (32 LR Metal/24 Plastic): FBRL 8/0 T 0/10 U 0/14; HC 4, Acc. 5, Top 90 Pwr 1540, 4438.8 lbs. $19,621.00
• Div 15 Option 1 - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Soild Tires, Driver; Laser front, 28 pts WG/WH, 10 pts CA each around PP and driver 61 pts composite Armor (37 Metal/24 Plastic): F 10/0 BRL 9/0 T 0/10 U 0/14; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90 Pwr 1540, 4436 lbs. $14,994.50
• Div 15 Option 2 - Compact, Heavy Ch., Heavy. Sus., Med PP, 4 Soild Tires, Driver; Laser front, 8 oil/smoke dischargers 10 pts CA each around PP and driver 160 pts Armor (Plastic): F 33 B 33 R 35 L 35 T 12 U 12; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90 Pwr 1400, 4070 lbs. $14,980.00 note: Exchange dischargers for 10 pts WG/WH, save $300.

Design Notes -The obsolete original is here:   

Compact, Hvy. Ch., Hvy Sus., Medium PP, driver, 4 PR tires, Laser in turret, 170 pts Armor: F40 R30 L30 B35 T20 U15, Acc. 5, HC 3, 4070 lbs. $14,710

Ah for the days of the full turreted compacts.  Ah well.  Anyway, I'm wondering if the Div15 is a decent option.  BTW, I tried to get it down to div10 and that won't work.  Maybe a trike?  But, as you can see from my site, I just don't understand trikes; are they even allowed in regular duels?  I recall that bikes aren't allowed, but it has been 30 years.

Update: I added the second div15 option because, uh, it actually reflected the original better, but with CA.

Desperado 2057 - Div18, Div15, Div10 Compact (Updated)

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Solid-Radial Tires, Driver; MML (10/incen) in 1sp. turret, 2 linked MML (10/incen) front, smartlink, TC, HTM, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 40 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 175 pts Plastic Armor: F 35 B 35 R 38 L 38 T 14 U 15; HC 4, Acc. 5 (HTM 10), Top 90 (67.5), Pwr 1540, 4439.6 lbs. $17,750.00

• Div 15 Option - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Solid Tires, Driver; MML (10/incen) in 1sp. turret, 2 linked MML (10/incen) front, smartlink, TC, HD-brakes, HTM, overdrive, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 40 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 89 pts composite armor (24 Metal/65 Plastic): F 5/8 B 5/8 R 7/5 L 7/5 T 0/14 U 0/15; HC 3, Acc. 5 (HTM 10/Overdrive 2.5) Top 90 (67.5/110) Pwr 1540 4439.6 lbs. $14,900.00


• Div 15 Option - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Solid Tires, Driver; MML (10/incen) in 1sp. turret, 2 linked MML (10/incen) front, smartlink, TC, HD-brakes, HTM, overdrive, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 40 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 89 pts composite armor (24 Metal/65 Plastic): F 5/8 B 5/8 R 7/5 L 7/5 T 0/14 U 0/15; HC 3, Acc. 5 (HTM 10/Overdrive 2.5) Top 90 (67.5/110) Pwr 1540 4439.6 lbs. $14,900.00


• Div 10 Option - Compact, Std Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP, 4 PR Tires, Driver; MML (10/reg) in 1sp. turret, 2 linked MML (10/reg) front, smartlink, TC, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, 33 pts WG/WH, 43 pts sloped composite armor (16 Metal/27 Plastic): F 3/4 B 3/4 R 5/4 L 5/4 T 0/6 U 0/5; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 97.5 Pwr 1400 3699 lbs. $9,988.10

Design Notes -This is an update of an obsolete design:

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus., Medium PP, 4 PR tires, driver, RL front, RL in turret, 191 pts. Armor: F50 R35 L35 B36 T15 U20; Acc. 5, HC 3, 4196 lbs., $9883

It's obsolete because of the 2sp turret, and I'm wondering if I had the right engine (I guess 4200 lbs could use a Medium PP).  The update jacked it up to div18 (which most people use as div20).  I guess it's the PR tires. Anyway, I provided a number of options, and the div10 one took the most ingenuity, given I was committed to keeping the entire weapon system intact: 3 MMLs with a smartlink and targeting computer.

It's the Div10 design process that keeps me committed to using the Excel designer (from the fine folks at MADHAT) - the ability to manipulate the armor numbers, and balance this with that, is best accomplished with a spreadsheet.  The online ones don't help in the same way (let alone my 30 years ago system of filler paper and a watch calculator).

Prowler 2057 - Div10 Compact

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP (PC/SC), 4 Solid Tires, Driver (with BA); RR (10/reg) front, bumper trigger front, 40 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA each around PP and driver; 69 pts composite Armor (39 Metal/30 Plastic): F 8/3 B 8/3 R 11/3 L 11/3 T 0/7 U 1/11; HC 3 Acc. 5 Top 95 Pwr 1610 4438.8 lbs. $9,982.50

• 2063 Update  - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP (SC), 4 Solid Tires, Driver; RR (10/reg) front, SWC 10 foam dischargers linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons), 40 pts WG/WH, 10 pts std CA each around PP and driver; 66 pts composite Armor (38 Metal, 28 Plastic): F 9/2 B 9/2 R 10/2 L 10/2 T 0/7 U 1/13; HC 3 Acc. 5 Top 90 Pwr 1540 4438 lbs. $9,999.00

Design Notes -In my draft pile dated Oct 5 2010.  I realized after looking at it that it was actually an update of the veteran (near stock) Prowler:

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus. Medium PP, driver, 4 SD tires, RR front, SD rear, (includes BA for driver); Plastic Armor: F50, R40, L40, B33, T15, U15; Acc. 5, HC 3, 4198 lbs. $9,830

This draft design, called "Amateur Night", even had the BA for the driver.  I like the update because it's something to have a SWC, dischargers and CA in a low division. The foam grenades are a cheap paint substitute (they block shots like paint, but do they coat the car?)

Pibroch 2063 - Div20, Div30 Compact (Updated)

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (SC), 4 Solid Tires, Driver; TwL (front), SWC, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 40 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 165 pts sloped Plastic Armor: F33 B33 R35 L35 T14 U15; HC 3 Acc. 5 Top 90 Pwr 1540 4439.6 lbs. $19834.50

• Div30 Option - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Med PP (PC/SC), 4 Solid Radial Tires, Driver; TwL (front), HRSWC, active suspension, HTM, overdrive, HD brakes, 10 oil/smoke dischargers, linked to 5 laser reactive webs (F, B, R, L, T) and 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 37 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 140 pts sloped Plastic Armor: F30 B30 R30 L30 T10 U10; HC 5 Acc. 5 (HTM 10/Overdrive 2.5) Top 95 (70/115) Pwr 1610 4437.6 lbs. $29,847.00
• Pulse Option - Pulse the TwL, add $5000 and go up a fighting class.

Design Notes -This is an upgrade of this 2057 car:

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus., Large PP, driver, 4 PR tires, HL front, 138 pts Armor: F28 R30 L30 B25 T10 U15, Acc. 5, HC 3, 4378 lbs., $17,994

In recent years, I've grown disenchanted with the mighty HL.  Back in the day, it was the only 4d weapon that could fit in a normal car and as such it was a fearsome and desired item.  Not anymore.  The TwL still has fascination to me since it has the +6 on it.  This means that the average damage isn't 10 or 11 (avg 3d6) but 13 (avg 2d6 + 6).  Considering that 4d6 average is 14 (I think, I'm not going to run the numbers now), that's pretty sweet. I remember that from back in D&D, the pluses are a permanent benefit. 

Name Notes -See original.

Comeback 2057 - Div18, Div15, Div10 Compact (updated)

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP (sc), 4 Solid-Radial Tires, Driver; RL (10/incen) front, SD (10/incen), HR (incen) on rkt platform (linked to ram), ramplate, SWC to RL, HTM, 10 oil/smoke dischargers linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 28 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 165 pts Plastic Armor: F50 (ram) B30 R30 L30 T13 U12; HC 4, Acc. 5 (10), Top 90 (67.5) Pwr 1540 4436.6 lbs. $15,800

• Div15 Option - Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP (sc), 4 Solid-Radial Tires, Driver; RL (10/reg) front, SD (10/reg), HR (AP) on rkt platform (linked to ram), ramplate, SWC to RL, HTM, 10 oil/smoke dischargers linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 29 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 183 pts Plastic Armor: F50 (ram) B35 R35 L35 T13 U15; HC 4, Acc. 5 (10), Top 90 (67.5) Pwr 1540 4438.6 lbs. $14,994
• Div10 Option - Compact, X-Hvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., Medium PP (sc), 4 PR Tires, Driver; RL (10/incen) front, SD (10/reg), HR (AP) on rkt platform, SWC to RL, HD brakes,10 oil/smoke dischargers linked to 4 bumper triggers (also linked to that side's weapons) 30 pts WG/WH, 9 pts LRFP CA around driver 80 pts composite Armor (36 Metal/44 Plastic): F8/9 B8/9 R8/8 L8/8 T2/5 U2/5; HC 3, Acc. 5, Top 90 Pwr 1540 4438.6 lbs. $9,842

Design Notes - Update of this compact, rendered obsolete by a 2sp turret in a compact:

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy Sus., Large PP, 4 PR tires, Driver; 2 space Rocket Platform with MFR, RL (10/incen.) front, SD (10/reg) back, ramplate; 182 pts plastic armor: F50 (ram) B30 RL 40 T9 U15; HC 3, Acc 5, 4439 lbs, $9,991

At first, I not only couldn't keep this under 15 for my tastes, let alone 10. But with metal, I may have made it OK.

Bowip 2057 - Div10 Compact (Updated)

Compact, Xhvy Ch., Hvy. Sus., 4 PR Tires, Large PP, Driver; VMG (15/reg) front, SD (10/reg) back, 10 oil/smoke dischargers; 40 pts plastic WG/WH; 15 pts Metal, 121 pts plastic Armor: F 5/20 B 4/25 R 3/25 L 3/25 T 0/11 U 0/15, HC 3, Top 110, Acc. 5, 4436 lbs. $9985.50

Design Notes - An update of this 2037 design. Even though I wanted to jettison the SD, I felt that to be a true 'update' I needed to retain the original weapon-systems and body type. Arbitrary, maybe, but the decision was colored by the realization that there must be thousands of Div10 compacts with a single VMG. Throw in a SD and it's not derivative (or plagiarism, heh) I was able to employ the principle that when you have more weight than cost available, go with metal armor.