JTAS 3 & the LSP Modular Cutter modules

[snrdg121408]

Hello all,

In the Modular Cutter: What do modules cost Reynard identified a new source for the Modular Cutter found on MgT HG 2e pp. 102-103/PDF 103-104. After reading the article my opinion is that NOLATrav was on the right track on how to build modules.

MgT JTAS 3 pp. 87-96 revised the costs and construction for the Open from MCr2.0 to MCr1.8, Fuel from MCr 1 to 1.85 by adding a fuel processor, and ATV from 1.8 to MCr2.1 by adding a vehicle cradle and collapsible stowage. After doing a check I was able to recreate the three default modules.

The articles overview of the modular cutter's structure now makes more sense to me as well as making the MgT Modular Cutter a closer match to the original from CT.

 

[NOLATrav]

Thanks again. I suspect the JTAS article has more - and more imaginative - modules than I presented in my quick pass.

My idea was to take a cargo module as a baseline, then apply a 10% or 25% increase in price to allow for more capabilities. I expect the costs I presented would change a bit as, for example, I never priced a fuel purifier, just went with my basic design paradigm.

I prefer the CT-style external module, with the Cutter itself being cockpit & engines connected by a long docking clamp. But that's just fluff, really, as long as things are consistent it can be whatever we like.

If the JTAS article is anywhere near as good as the Deployment Shuttle supplement (which I find to be very good), I'd say stick with the JTAS article. Especially since you were able to build them using the design rules.

I did however spend some time over at Freelance Traveller and there doesn't seem to be anything there regarding Cutter module variants. Since Mongoose has expanded and defined the modules for 2e with the JTAS article, maybe it would be more useful to write them up under the Cepheus rules? I'm not sure how much would change (not much, I presume) but a "system-agnostic" look at them might be useful.

cheers

 

[snrdg121408]

Hello NOLTrav,

Thanks again. I suspect the JTAS article has more - and more imaginative - modules than I presented in my quick pass.

For a quick pass I think that you hit the mark without knowing that Mongoose had already addressed the issue. Yes, the article includes the following modules: Starport Shuttle (Passenger), Assault Boat, Fieldwork shop, mining, and shelter.

My idea was to take a cargo module as a baseline, then apply a 10% or 25% increase in price to allow for more capabilities. I expect the costs I presented would change a bit as, for example, I never priced a fuel purifier, just went with my basic design paradigm.

In MgT HG 2e I was not sure if there was a cargo module which turned out to be effectively the open module, but the cost did not make sense.

I prefer the CT-style external module, with the Cutter itself being cockpit & engines connected by a long docking clamp. But that's just fluff, really, as long as things are consistent it can be whatever we like.

The article addresses the MgT 50 modular Cutter's use of the 30 ton hull section. Basically the bay and hatches are designed to help streamlining when entering an atmosphere. However, the cutter still needs to have a 30 ton module to keep the 20 ton section from snapping the spine.

If the JTAS article is anywhere near as good as the Deployment Shuttle supplement (which I find to be very good), I'd say stick with the JTAS article. Especially since you were able to build them using the design rules.

I think I have a copy, but I'll have to check. I will be using the JTAS article as the basis for anything I put together. Back in 2016 I had a project going to build a multi-mission ship for the Interstellar Wars using the modular ship rules. Unfortunately, the project is unfinished because I got distracted.

I did however spend some time over at Freelance Traveller and there doesn't seem to be anything there regarding Cutter module variants. Since Mongoose has expanded and defined the modules for 2e with the JTAS article, maybe it would be more useful to write them up under the Cepheus rules? I'm not sure how much would change (not much, I presume) but a "system-agnostic" look at them might be useful.

The editor is always looking for material to publish in Freelance Traveller and why I think you should submit your material. Of since Mongoose is publishing JTAS you might try them as well.