ScrapYard Armory

Radio check.  Is anyone out there?

It’s been a long time. I wonder if anyone is still checking in on the ScrapYard for new content.

For those faithful few still pining for updates, today is your day.  Just as the franchise seeks the attention of new and old audiences alike, we will relight the flames of this humble blog.

Kickstarter

Anyone who keeps a close eye on the tabletop BattleTech scene are probably well aware of the runaway success that is the recent Clan Boxset Kickstarter.  Catalyst Game Labs kicked off the campaign and was inundated with pledges of support. The campaign funded quickly and crossed the one million dollar mark and headed into the heart of the campaign with a full head of steam.

It is great to see this kind of fervor over the BattleTech universe.  With the success of this Kickstarter, it seems logical that we would see more such campaigns in the future.

Solaris Skunk Werks

Back in the day, I was a minor contributor to the original SSW program.  When the code base changed hands from LostInSpace to SkyHigh, I tagged along, always keeping the program in my view.  When SkyHigh chose to pass the development torch, I was there. I had it in my head that I would be able to tackle the continued development of this massive suite of programs but life had other ideas.

In the meantime I moved the code to GitHub and more of less kept vigil over the account always believing that one day I would have the time to support it.  That day did not come, not for me. But something did happen eventually. Imagine my surprise when I got an email notification for a pull request on the oft forgotten repository.

After some brief discussions with the new and energetic developers I passed over control of the repository to them.  I’ll stay on the team for the time being. Maybe one day I’ll be able to contribute in earnest again. For now I am elated to see development work continue and releases start once again.

You can follow along on GitHub or even find a way to contribute in any way you can.

SSW on Github

3D Printing

Earlier this year I decided to treat myself and buy a 3D printer.  3D printing has been on my mind for ages but until recently they have been too expensive for me to even consider.  But today there are many affordable printers with large build volumes and good quality.

I bought a Creality Ender 3 for around $230 and spent a good $50 or so on various upgrades.  After going through my first kilogram of PLA I can report that I am impressed with the quality.  The printer takes some getting used to (3D printing will almost always be a learning process) but once I had the machine dialed in I could print with abandon.

I’ll plan on sharing more about my journey in the world of 3D printing, and its application to my BattleTech hobby in future posts which will cover upgrades, models, tips, and tricks.  

Custom Tokens and Boards

Over the last few years I’ve been at least somewhat busy producing custom token sets for use in BattleTech and other games.  You can find them on TheGameCrafter. I have ideas for more tokens, and possibly finishing up those custom cut building sets.

• Warfare Pack (120 tokens in 5 colors)
• Battle Pack (60 tokens in 5 colors)
• Reinforcements Red (60 tokens)
• Reinforcements Blue (60 tokens)
• Reinforcements Green (60 tokens)
• Reinforcements Yellow (60 tokens)
• Reinforcements Purple (60 tokens)
• Reinforcements Grey (60 tokens)
• Command Counters (80 tokens)
• SSRM Board
• SSRM Board w/Planet

Conventions

I don’t go to nearly as many conventions as I used to.  This year the only convention left on my radar is Pax Unplugged in Philadelphia.  I’m not sure exactly how much time I’ll have for some BattleTech games, but I may have to make an effort to do something, even if it’s as simple as an introductory Grinder.

Time marches on.  Looking forward to what the future holds. If you are out there, give me a Lima Charlie…