7 replies to this topic

[Shadey99]

So... I've only run 2 rounds so far in my TDR-5S with two differing builds: The Double D TDR-5S and a AC10 TDR-5S. Both did 'ok'... Though both were more tests of speed and agility more than firepower. I did go all 'zombie', but with no CT or head weapons it's rather useless at that point.

The CT does stick out a bit to much when turned sideways... I'm not sure it's 'XL safe' Though. The Arm mounted ballistics makes a gauss rifle the biggest thing that will fit and dual UAC5 is not even possible (AC5+UAC5 isn't either). So the biggest paired ACs are the AC5s.

If I was willing to drop in FF and deal with the heat I may run a Brawling TDR-5S. The Pulse lasers taken solely because of shorter time time on target required for damage.Or toss the Streaks and toss in a 300 std for the Blazing TDR-5S, no FF needed... You can think of it as a big oversized SDR-5K...

So what are your builds with them?

[Oni74]

I'm experimenting with the 5SS configured with 2PPC, 2 MPL, 3ML. In the 2 matches I played last night, I've had good results - just need to be really careful with the heat management.

Using the 2PPCs+advanced zoom module in chain-fire for long/mid range sniping, then using the ML and MPL for short range brawling helped with the heat management. YMMV

[Lance McRaven]

I am just having a ball running my Thunderbolts stock, for the most point right now. Upgraded to endo, put in some heat sinks... I will start to build them up, once I adjust to TWELVE NEW MECHS, all at once.

[Pariah Devalis]

Running my TDR-5S with reliably high scores. Loadout as follows:

Upgrades: DHS, ES
Engine: XL 300
Weapons: 2x AC5, ERLLas, 3x MLas
Utility: 4 external DHS, AMS
Ammo: 4-tons AC5, 1-ton AMS
Armor: 400 Points, maxed everywhere but legs, each leg at 49 points.

Run it mid line, abuse the arm mounted ERLLas and twin ACs, stay mobile, and do not forget to armor roll. I run 48/69/48 front armor on the torsos to absorb that much more punishment.

[Ngamok]

Pariah Devalis, on 17 October 2013 - 10:52 AM, said:

Running my TDR-5S with reliably high scores. Loadout as follows:

Upgrades: DHS, ES
Engine: XL 300
Weapons: 2x AC5, ERLLas, 3x MLas
Utility: 4 external DHS, AMS
Ammo: 4-tons AC5, 1-ton AMS
Armor: 400 Points, maxed everywhere but legs, each leg at 49 points.

Run it mid line, abuse the arm mounted ERLLas and twin ACs, stay mobile, and do not forget to armor roll. I run 48/69/48 front armor on the torsos to absorb that much more punishment.

I keep wanting to use the missile slot with an LRM15 but I always look at it and think it's too slow. Then I put an AC/10 in it instead of twin ACs.

[Pariah Devalis]

I tried that. I went with two lrm5 instead and an ac10, but the LRM hunch makes me nervous and I get nonreg hits with the AC enough that the ten leaves me high and dry too often. That and I struggled to output the sort of sustained hurt the twin 5s dish out.

[Finn McShae]

Like that build Pariah, been thinking of dropping my LRM 15 + Arty for another AC/5. I still like to run STD engines on mine at this point, I have an aversion to XL engines for some reason (eventhough my beloved jagers all run em).

I've had lots of success with the 5S(P) in almost stock. Just add DHS and endo, replace the MG and SRM with a AC/5 + ammo , artemis FC for the LRM, and you're good to go.

As for the missile hunch, I keep mine (I can't stomach a Thud without some missiles) and I haven't noticed my side torso getting popped any faster than my other torso or CT. I twist a lot, and the Thud really spreads damage well. Maybe once people get used to having them around, and if popular builds run XL's all the time I'll see increased hunch targetting, but at this point, not for me.

I have found the "missile" shoulder on my Orions gets popped much faster than the hunch on my Thuds.

I haven't found a 5SS and 9SE build I really like yet. Probably because I can't cram my favorite AC/5 on them anywhere!

Edited by Finn McShae, 17 October 2013 - 11:13 AM.

[Kusanagi Hazen]

Thunderbolts can absorb so much punishment, in my opinion people should want to run standard engines. Even though there are no CT hard points, all the variants have a decent spread of weapons across the arms and torso to keep your 'Mech viable even after losing a side.