the shape of things to come

The Master Engine Table, p. 49, lists the tonnage taken up by
engines of various types and ratings. IndustrialMechs may only
use standard fusion engine types from this table as well as all the
listed non-fusion types (ICE, Fuel Cell and Fission). The non-standard
fusion engine types on the table (Compact, Light and XL)
are provided for the benefi t of BattleMech and Combat Vehicle
construction (which begin on pp. 44 and 94, respectively).
Tech Base: ICE, Fuel Cell, Fission and Standard Fusion engines
are equally available to IndustrialMechs of Clan or Inner Sphere
tech bases.
Space: In IndustrialMech design, each of the engine types
permitted above may boast a diff erent tonnage at a given rating,
but takes up the same amount of space in terms of critical slots
occupied on the Critical Hits Table. A 220-rated fusion engine, for
example, weighs half as much as an internal combustion engine
(ICE) of the same rating, but uses the same default 6 slots in the
IndustrialMech’s center torso.
Fuel
Though it is not tracked in Total Warfare standard play, any unit
that mounts an internal combustion or fuel cell engine consumes
a signifi cant amount of fuel. For IndustrialMechs, both of these
engine types incorporate a storage capacity that provides enough
fuel for extended operations, measured in Walking MP and an
operating range (in kilometers). Rates at which these fuels are
consumed will be covered in Tactical Operations, but for statistical
completeness, designers may fi nd the information below useful:
IndustrialMech ICEs provide a base range of 600 kilometers,
or 20,000 Walking MP. IndustrialMech Fuel Cell engines provide
for a base 450-kilometer range, or 15,000 Walking MP. These fuel
capacities are considered integral to the engine and so do not
cost any additional weight or occupy any additional critical slots
in the IndustrialMech’s Critical Hit Table.
Additional fuel tanks (see p. 244) can expand these ranges, but
will cost tonnage and occupy slots.
RA
A ForestryMech tends to the large estates of an affl uent Duke.
Because his CattleMaster needs to
keep up with some fairly large critters,
David chooses a decent walking
speed of 4 MP, which gives the Work-
Mech a top speed of 6 MP (4 Walking
MP x 1.5 = 6 Running MP). This means
that the CattleMaster’s Engine Rating
will be 100 (25 tons x 4 Walking MP = 100). David has
chosen an internal combustion engine (ICE) to keep costs
low. Looking at the Master Engine Table, a standard 100rated
ICE weighs in at 6 tons. David reasons that the
engine’s integral range of 600 kilometers is more than suffi
cient for the CattleMaster’s purposes, and so does not
add more fuel. He subtracts 6 tons from his 20 tons of
unspent weight for a remainder of 14 tons. Because all
IndustrialMech engines are treated as standard engines in
terms of size, the CattleMaster uses the default engine
slots on the record sheet’s Critical Hits Table.
Edward deems speed of lesser
importance to his Buster’s mission,
and so settles on a Walking MP of 3,
yielding an Engine Rating of 150 (50
tons x 3 Walking MP = 150). Briefl y, Ed
considers installing a Fission engine
for 10 tons, a Fuel Cell engine at 7 tons,
or even a Fusion engine at a mere 5.5
tons, but he ultimately opts to keep costs low and chooses
an Internal Combustion engine. The Master Engine Table
shows that a 150-rated ICE weighs 11 tons, leaving the
Buster with 29 tons remaining (40 tons – 11 tons = 29 tons).
The Running MP for the Buster is 5 (3 Walking MP x 1.5 =
4.5 Running MP, rounded up to 5 MP). Edward likewise
decides against adding to the fuel supply at this time, feeling
that a range of 600 kilometers is more than enough for
his IndustrialMech design.
Prioritizing cargo capacity over
speed, Geoff rey also gives his Uni a
modest overland speed of 3 Walking
MP. This requires an Engine Rating
of 210 (70 tons x 3 Walking MP =
210). As the Master Engine Table
shows that this would take up an
incredible 18 tons if he selected an ICE for the job, Geoff
instead chooses a lighter Fuel Cell engine at a cost of 11
tons (leaving 45 tons; 56 tons – 11 tons = 45 tons). The use
of a Fuel Cell engine—as with all engine types available to
IndustrialMechs—requires no variation in the critical slots
placed on the ’Mech’s Critical Hits Table. Like David and
Edward, Geoff decides that the default fuel supply for this
engine—450 kilometers, in this case—is good enough for
the Uni’s needs.