Carbine

The Carbine (also known simply as "ConstructionMech") was designed for industrial work such as building roads, digging, debris removal and building construction.

History
The original CON-1 Carbine came off of Bluth's Little Rock factory (on the North American continent of Terra) in 2691. It took over ten years to get the design created by Bluth into production due to a legal battle. Once in production, the CON-1 was produced at a pace of dozens a week. In 3028, the CON-7 model was introduced, timed to the marriage of Melissa Steiner and Hanse Davion so as to attract the attention of all the Great Houses. However, the results of the announcement of the Fourth Succession War put a slump in sales until after the war ended. The 'Mech was sold all throughout the Inner Sphere until 3058, when the Word of Blake seized Terra. All sales ceased and all parts for the machine were removed from the market.

However, new CON-7s have appeared in Chaos March that have been produced after 3058. After the end of the Jihad, Republic of the Sphere investigators discovered that the Word of Blake kept the design in production and made several armed versions to augment their militia forces. (These Carbine-MODs are listed in Variants below.)

By 3132, the design was in use throughout the Inner Sphere. When the HPG Black Out occurred, many of the designs were converted over into makeshift combat 'Mechs.

Weapons and Equipment
The 30-ton IndustralMech has an unusual design due to its hunchbacked profile. This unusual profile gives the illusion that its cockpit is mounted in front of the main body while in reality giving it the stability needed for handling heavy loads. As with all IndustrialMechs, the design uses civilian grade parts in its construction. These include an Industrial Cockpit, and "arms" which are hung over the main body. This was done to provide the best possible lifting positions for its cargolifter and backhoe. However, due to the nature of its work handling and digging, the design is unable to twist its torso and must turn its entire body to handle items or tasks.

The CON-7 model is powered by an Renault 120-Rated Internal Combustion Engine which allows the 'Mech move at a top speed of 64.8 kph. Its hull is protected by 3 tons of Caterpillar Indusweave Industrial Armor, giving it enough protection for the hazardous construction sites in which it would be operating. However, the engine is noted for poor fuel efficiency.

Though not armed, the 'Mech can use its Lift Hoist and Backhoe as melee weaponry in an emergency.

Cargo
Its Lift Hoist is rated for 15 tons.

Variants

 * CON-1 (RL) : This armed variant of the Carbine trades the Lift Hoist and Backhoe for five Rocket Launcher 15 systems mounted across the torso. Three heat sinks keep the heat under control. This version lacks hand actuators, so physical attacks are more difficult. BV = 296


 * CON-7M Carbine ConstructionMech MOD : This version is the simplest possible MOD: It is a standard CON-7 Carbine with the lift hoist and backhoe replaced by pair of 15-tubed Rocket Launcher systems in each of its arms, as well as a single such launcher mounted in the left torso. Many were created in the Word of Blake Protectorate but with no fire control or reloads, they were of very limited use in combat. BV(2.0)=306


 * CON-8 : The variant was introduced in 3066; it has Heavier Industrial Armor and Industrial TSM that allows the CON-8 have double the lifting power of the CON-7. This 'Mech also a has 1-ton capacity Extended Fuel Tank, but this does not effect normal game play. BV(2.0)=185


 * CON-8H : The HaulerMech variant of the CON-8, introduced during the FedCom Civil War period. This retains the CON-8's Heavier Industrial Armor, Industrial TSM and the 1-ton capacity Extended Fuel Tank, but variant drops the backhoe in exchange for additional claw-like Lift Hoist help it perform its duties moving cargo and other heavy items. Additionally the design has two 1-ton cargo bays in each of it's side torsos.  BV(2.0)=185


 * CON-9 Carbine ConstructionMech MOD : This Word of Blake's sight upgrade using a CON-7 as its base design. While not having the additional features of CON-8, its most noted change is the replacement of CON-7's industrial armor with BattleMech standard armor. BV(2.0)=246


 * CON-9M Carbine ConstructionMech MOD : This Word of Blake militarized version of the regular CON-9. It retains the civilian design specs which includes BattleMech armor. It was widely used by militia forces as an anti-infantry and missile support unit. It also retained the Lift Hoist, allowing it to remove obstacles on the battlefield. The CON-9 was used in last-ditch militia actions frequently during Operation SCOUR. The Mech is fitted with a Advanced FCS giving it military accuracy with its weapons. It is armed with a 10-tubed Long Range Missile launcher mounted in the center torso. A pair of Machine Guns are fitted in place of the backhoe in right arm actuator. Both of the mech's 1-ton ammunition load out are stored in the right torso. BV(2.0)=289


 * CON-9M-B Carbine ConstructionMech MOD : A second militarized version of the CON-9M introduced during the Jihad. Like the 9M, the variant also fitted with a Advanced FCS and retaining standard Battlemech armor. It is armed with singular with a Class 5 Light Autocannon mounted in the in right arm with its two tons of ammunition. The left arm's lifthoist is exchanged for hand actuator. BV(2.0)=293

Related Industrial 'Mechs

 * ConstructionMech - This generic version was in use in the 3130s. Considered its own design, it used older 'Mech construction rules in its design. The 'Mech has standard armor, but has same equipment and speed as the Carbine. BV (1.0) = 231


 * ConstructionMech MOD - First seen in the Dark Age year of 3132, this 'Mech has two and a half tons of standard armor (less than the non-MOD ConstructionMech). It is armed with two Machine Guns with one ton ammo and a ten tube long range missile launcher with one ton of ammunition. BV (1.0) = 223

Design Quirks
The Carbine features the following Design Quirks:
 * Exposed Actuators
 * Gas Hog
 * No Torso Twist
 * Stable

Note
Carbine first appeared in as the ConstructionMech in original WizKid DarkAge Collectable Miniatures game. This generic version was not given actual name. Initially it was considered to be its own design. This is due in part of Table Top version of this being created using older 'Mech construction rules in its design. The 'Mech has standard armor, but has same equipment and speed as the Carbine. This was later integrated in one in the same design.