6 replies to this topic

[Droz]

So, why then is it that the max engine size on a Spider would only be 255 if the base engine is a 240? That doesn't make any sense. Can only go 3 engine sizes higher? The Jenner and Raven go go a lot higher than just 3 engine sizes. Shouldn't this thing be allowed to have AT LEAST an size 295 or 300?

Seriously, IT MAKES NO SENSE.

[Taizan]

Hi there, moved this topic to where this discussion might get more attention and may also be helpful to others with the same question.

[Droz]

ok, was wondering where it went. thanks.

[Sandslice]

Yo!
There are currently three "rules" that dictate engine caps. When I say "engine ratio," I'm referring to engine rating divided by 'Mech weight, or the equivalent of walk MP in tabletop.

1. The netcode rule: Because of the netcode, 'Mechs are capped at an engine ratio of 8.5, with fractions rounded up. This affects the Spider, Cicada, and Jenner (with the Jenner getting a very slight boost - 0.07 or 1/14 - from rounding.) It would also affect any other light or medium 'Mech that is added, if its stock engine ratio is at least 7. (Heavies can't get that high due to the 400 rule; see below.)

2. The class rule: Light 'Mechs can otherwise boost their engine by 1.4x their stock engine rating; mediums 1.3x; and other 'Mechs 1.2x.

3. The 400 rule: Tabletop Battletech actually has "advanced rule" engines up to 500, but 400 is the standard limit. Only the Cicada - ru5(320*1.3) = 420 - would be capped out by the 400 rule (and don't worry, the 420 XL engine would weigh 44.5 tons using MWO calculation anyway. )

So what you're seeing is this.

Spider: Stock engine ratio 8 (240/30,) so the netcode rule limits it to ER 8.5, which is a 255 engine. The Cicada has a similar problem, only being able to get up to a 340 engine from its stock 320.

Jenner: With a stock engine ratio of 7 (245/35,) it has a bit more room to roam - which is why it can get to 300 XL.

Raven: The Raven-3L has a stock engine ratio of 6 (210/35,) so it can get its full 1.4x multiplier, stopping at a 295 XL engine --- just above 8.4 engine ratio.

Hope that clears it up! ^^

Edited by Sandslice, 15 January 2013 - 09:42 PM.

[Droz]

That is just so incredibly confusing. Whatever. Sometimes I feel like I'm just so done.

[Kalliope Dupre]

@Sandslice fantastic explanation, thanks for that!

[Ranzear]

Droz, on 17 January 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

That is just so incredibly confusing. Whatever. Sometimes I feel like I'm just so done.

You're limited to a multiplier of your stock engine, 1.4/1.3/1.2/1.2 for Light/Medium/Heavy/Assault, or 8.5 times your tonnage, whichever is lower and rounded up to the nearest multiple of 5.

Same thing said in one line. Commandos are limited to 1.4x150 = 210 rating, except the new hero which instead would get a 245 if not for 8.5x25 tons limiting it to 215.

Only the cicada encounters the 400 maximum rule under these rules, but once netcode is fixed that should become the only rule again.

Edited by Ranzear, 18 January 2013 - 07:41 AM.