Carbine

Carbine
Production information
Manufacturer	Bluth Corporation
Use	ConstructionMech
Model	CON-7
Class	Light
Introduced	2691
Cost	(estimated) 1,562,600 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere IndustrialMech
Mass	30 tons
Chassis	Unspecified
Armor	Caterpillar IndusWeave
Engine	Renault 120 ICE
Communications System	Marconi 63-T
Targeting Tracking System	None
Heat Sinks	None
Speed	64.8 km/h
Armament	1x cargo lifter 1x backhoe
BV (1.0)	235
BV (2.0)	198

Description

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

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 10 years to get the design created by Bluth into production due to a legal battle. Once in production however, 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 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, after which 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 Blakist MODs represented the first mass conversion of IndustrialMechs for militarized MOD use.

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

Weapons and Equipment

The 30-ton IndustrialMech 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 it gave it the stability needed for handling heavy loads. As with all IndustrialMechs, the design uses civilian grade parts in its construction, which 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 SteelTek cargolifter and Lonca 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 a Renault 120-rated internal combustion engine which allows the 'Mech move at a top speed of 64.8 km/h. Its hull is protected by three 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 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 heavy industrial armor and Industrial TSM that allows the CON-8 have double the lifting power of the CON-7. This 'Mech also has one-ton capacity extended fuel tank, but this does not affect normal gameplay. BV (2.0) = 185

• CON-8H 

  The HaulerMech variant of the CON-8, introduced during the FedCom Civil War period. This variant retains the CON-8's heavy industrial armor, Industrial TSM and the one-ton capacity extended fuel tank, but drops the backhoe in exchange for additional claw-like lift hoists to help it perform its duties moving cargo and other heavy items. Additionally the design has two one-ton cargo bays in each of its side torsos. BV (2.0) = 185

• CON-9 ConstructionMech MOD 

  This Word of Blake upgrade uses 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-grade standard armor. BV (2.0) = 246

• CON-9M ConstructionMech MOD 

  The Word of Blake militarized version of the regular CON-9. It retains the civilian design specs which includes BattleMech armor, and 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 is variant is fitted with an advanced FCS, giving military accuracy to the LRM-10 launcher mounted in the center torso and pair of machine guns fitted in place of the backhoe in right arm actuator. Both of the 'Mech's one-ton ammunition bins are in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 289</ref>

• CON-9M-B ConstructionMech MOD 

  A second militarized version of the CON-9M introduced during the Jihad. Like the 9M, this variant was also fitted with an advanced FCS and standard BattleMech armor. It is armed with singular with a light AC/5 mounted in the in right arm with its two tons of ammunition, while the left arm's lift hoist is exchanged for hand actuator. BV (2.0) = 293

• CON-9M-D ConstructionMech MOD 

  A failed militarized CON-9M version developed by Jake's Discount Equipment Warehouse. Designers added ferro-fibrous armor, light but of limited value, and double heat sinks. The latter, forced into an IndustrialMech chassis, proved unstable, leaving the 9M-D largely incapable of long-term operation. The CON-9M-D is armed with two machine guns and two SRM-4 launchers. BV (2.0) = 257

• CON-9M-J ConstructionMech MOD 

  Introduced in the Dark Age, this variant puts a pair of SRM-4 launchers in the center torso, supplemented by a pair of machine guns in the right arm. All ammunition is stored in the right torso. An advanced FCS is present. BV (2.0) = 271

• CON-9M-JB ConstructionMech MOD 

  Developed by Jake's Discount Equipment Warehouse, this variant uses an 11 ton ICE engine to reach a top speed of 86 km/h. It has advanced FCS to guide the four heavy machine guns that are installed into a Machine Gun Array in the right arm. Three tons of heavy industrial armor protects the 'Mech. BV (2.0) = 302

Custom Variants

• CON-9M Carbine "Karenna" 

  Used by Steel Wolves freeborn Karenna, removed from active duty in 3133, this variant of the CON-9M wields a lift hoist and a light AC/5. Karenna would grab enemy vehicles with the hoist and gleefully gun them down with the autocannon. BV (2.0) = 280

Design Quirks

The Carbine features the following Design Quirks:

• Exposed Actuators
• Gas Hog
• Stable

Related IndustrialMechs

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

• 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 an LRM-10 launcher with one ton of ammunition. BV (1.0) = 223

Apocryphal Content Ends

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Carbine Pilots

Notes

• Carbines first appeared as the ConstructionMech in original WizKids Dark Age Collectable Miniatures game. This generic version was not given actual name and initially it was considered to be its own design. This is due in part of tabletop 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.

Gallery

• 

  CON-9M-JB Carbine MOD from Technical Readout: Irregulars

• 

  CON-9M-J Carbine MOD from TRO:I and CON-9M-D Carbine MOD "Deluxe" from XTRO:Caveat Emptor

• 

  ConstructionMech miniature from MechWarrior: Dark Age set

Bibliography

• Experimental Technical Readout: Caveat Emptor
• Ghost War (novel)
• Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I
• Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons
• Technical Readout: Irregulars
• Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex
• Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised