BTU EXCLUSIVE: "RONIN'S RAMBLINGS"

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 10:30 am

dang it. Just wiped an hour's writing by accident.

frraaaacck ME.

anyway.
discussing deployment of artillery assets.
I've got a lot of LONG TOMs. Canon states that each LT is made up of a 6 vehicle convoy.
So does each LT = a lance by itself? Would YOU game it that way?
In my case, if deployed that way, I've over a battalion of Long Toms. (12+)

But then I've at least a lance each of J-27s w/thumpers, Chapparals, & Thors.
And I'd like to get a lance of Marksman Tanks and TAV-1 Thumpers.

In the picture below, you can see a small portion of my VEE collection.

For my fanon 7th NWH Guards, I'm hoping to fill my Armor battalion with mostly single vehicle type companies.
1 Company of Rommel/Pattons
1 Company of Myrmidons
1 Company of LRM/SRM carriers
1 Company of ALACORNs/SHREK PPC carriers
and then a company of Light Tanks: Vedettes, Galleons, Strikers.

Yep. My infantry battalions are very reinforced, I hope to have 2 wings of ASFs, the Armor battalion will be very heavy, but my Mech battalion will be very strict on the numbers: 52 total.

I can hardly wait until I have the space to lay out the entire regiment for photos. Hopefully early 2012.

I think I'll need to order more decals from FPG

So, lesson for today: save your work regularly when on the PC.
catch y'all later.
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 3:01 pm

Found something truely Motivational over at "Art of Manliness"

Code: Select all

Boys Wanted

Boys of spirit, boys of will,
Boys of muscle, brain and power,
Fit to cope with anything,
These are wanted every hour.

Not the weak and whining drones,
Who all troubles magnify;
Not the watchword of “I can’t,”
But the nobler one, “I’ll try.”

Do whate’er you have to do
With a true and earnest zeal;
Bend your sinews to the taswk,
“Put your shoulders to the wheel.”

Though your duty may be hard,
Look not on it as an ill;
If it be an honest task,
Do it with an honest will.

In the workshop, on the farm,
At the desk, where’er you be,
From your future efforts, boys,
Comes a nation’s destiny.

Tommy’s first speaker for little boys and girls.
by Thomas W. Handford

I think that this stanza just says it all to me, and it is something I'll pass along to my own children.

Though your duty may be hard,
Look not on it as an ill;
If it be an honest task,
Do it with an honest will.

I sometimes hear people while At work, complain about their work.
Especially in these troubled times and 10% unemployment, their complaining makes me wish to smack their ungrateful faces.
I'll confess to have been whining about my Job and management recently;
but I've made the decision to discipline myself and be content with what I've got.
*and I managed to do it without "Occupying" anything.*

But really, this post is meant to be motivational...

To my Readers and Friends ... Keep up the good work and carry on.
And if'n you're feeling a bit sluggardly...
Click the link... http://bands.army.mil/music/bugle/play.asp?Reveille.mp3
And then Read the MANtovational post below.
http://artofmanliness.com/2009/03/28/ma ... -reveille/

and finally ... to the umpty Ba Jillion leaves that suddenly occupied my yard....

See Y'all Later
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:41 pm

ok...
so I decided that I just HAD to post this info here...

Most of y'all know that I work just down the street from the USN's rail gun project.
But do you know when the concept first took shape?

1932.
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/07 ... story.html

Amazingly, today's rail gun layout is much like the 1932 Monster.
Major differences being that the modern gun uses a caliber 1/10th of the 1932 version,
but is designed to produce 5x the damage.

But still ... 1932?
who knew our grandparents were so cool?

actually reading the article clarifies that the cannon in question is a GAUSS rifle

http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/Mod ... il_gun.jpg

*meh* so I'm wrong again.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Nov 10, 2011 11:23 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to all my US MARINE readers out there.

Y'all have given the world 236 years of faithful service.
For which all Americans should be (and I am) absolutely appreciative.
Not bad for what was originally intended to be purely Naval Infantry. Not bad at all.
It must have been the whiskey.

May you always be optimistic...
"They’re on our right, they’re on our left, they’re in front of us, they’re behind us; they can’t get away from us this time!"
-Chesty Puller, USMC, Chosin Reservoir, Korean War

And yes, I've heard this before ... and at least once already today.

To paraphrase Gen'l Patton ... I am happy and very thankful that such men have lived.

*Message Ends*
-Ronin OUT-

** Hey CHRIS: Happy Birthday, Big brother.**

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:33 am

To ALL the VETERANS of the AMERICAN MILITARY who might read this missive:

THANK YOU.
I can hardly say it enough.
THANK YOU.
My family sleeps in peace tonight.
THANK YOU.
I can speak my opinion clearly.
THANK YOU.
I can have that opinion without fear of reprisal.
THANK YOU.
I can worship in peace.
THANK YOU.
I can teach my children to shoot.
THANK YOU.
I can raise my children up in the ways I see as right.
THANK YOU.
for your service and sacrifice.
THANK YOU.

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 1:12 am

Posted without comment.

Please turn on your PC speakers.

thank you.

http://www.usba.com/memorialday/

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Mon Nov 14, 2011 3:11 pm

Hello Readers...
Some of y'all may have blogs.
I beseech you to repost/send a shout out about
America's only active duty POW: Bowe Bergdahl
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowe_Bergdahl
The terrorists have held him for far too long.
Let's bring him home.

H/T: http://tcoverride.blogspot.com/2011/11/ ... hdahl.html

catch ya later.
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:08 pm

Hello Readers,

Just a note about my Saturday at FTW Games in Midlothian, VA.
The Son&Heir and I spent an awesome and hilarious 8 hours there this past Saturday, gaming with fellers from the LotB Richmond Crew.

Commando Metalcarnage ran a rather odd game of "Grand Theft Anything"... which led to Infantry vs Vehicles vs Mechs vs Infantry insanity.

Everyone started with a platoon of MechWarriors and platoon of Vehcile crews.
Then it was a mad rush to grab empty Mechs and Vehicles...
.... and of course, be the last man standing.

I did fairly well... it only took me 3 MW's lives to 'Jack a Whitworth ... which ended up being a worthless & shot to heck -2A mod.
When I tried to grab a Clan Arcas, it also ended up being shot to pieces by the time I 'Jacked it.

Some people are just poor losers ... if they couldn't have a 'Mech ... ya know

But either way, I lasted for 95% of the game, killed 4 platoons of infantry, 1 vehicle and 1 'Mech.

it only took me 2 platoons of infantry, 2 vehicles and 2 Mechs to do so...

A good time was had by all. Mostly.
The Son&Heir was a bit too boisterous with his trash talk, and ended up running afoul the local Enforcer.

Now I've got to go back in 2 weeks to 'plead' his case ... and do some more gaming.

That's all for now.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:30 am

Hello Friends...

Sometimes, a man's just got to laugh...

but then ... have YOU ever seen the Austrailian F-22 ???

And then I found John Cox's site: SFW & quite funny...
http://www.johncoxart.com/2011/09/quiptoons_153.html
http://www.johncoxart.com/2011/05/and_n ... roger.html

finally...

Just google 'funny' ... you'll end up laughing.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Nov 18, 2011 11:52 pm

hello all.
Sorry, but today has been a bust.
Way, way too much going on at work today.
Last minute pack up of a ton of gear for some of my coworkers that are headed to tropical locations on Sunday.
I just love the DoD's idea of "advance notice".

I will say that I do love my new truck.
Only took me 18 years to obtain.

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 3:33 pm

Greetings, Reader...

Living Life and Workin' for a Livin'...

I've decided to attempt to repair the BLACKWATCH that Sounguru painted for me.
I firmly believe that the USPS employs disgruntled ex-NFL punters to move fragile 'Mechs across country.

When I get home, I will post pix of the BLACKWATCH in its current state.

anyway, did some web surfing during my lunch today and found a few interesting tidbits...

1. A crucifixion of the Mac user's god.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011 ... ntPage=all
After reading this review, I'm very tempted to buy the book.

2. A review of some of the best European ads... they're quite

ODD

http://www.dirjournal.com/info/funny-ad ... ve-missed/

3. Finally, a REAL shotgun wedding...
http://ifundb.com/pictures/pictures-914.html

4. A beautiful piece of automotive art...
http://ifundb.com/pictures/cars/cars-983.html

5. He ain't talkin' about me... so it MUST be you.

http://www.saysuncle.com/2011/11/18/dea ... -internet/

6. My new favoritest artist type person on the Internets...
http://fav.me/d17rxmw
PUNAKETTU from DeviantArt!

7. PiP/Ashley has got a new model to play with ... the "Flying Pancake" of late WW2.
http://panther6actual.blogspot.com/

8. I'm still working on my Christmas shopping.
I'm trying to convince the wife, that the following would be greatest present I could ever give her.
http://www.landsofamerica.com/landsconn ... rtyDetails

Almost 3 SQUARE MILES

*about 7 sq. Km *
Now if I can just get JEFF to loan me a down payment....

Time to get back to work...
catch y'all later
Or I may just post the pix tomorrow.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Nov 23, 2011 7:03 pm

Dear Readers...
I caution any collectors with weak stomachs, women, children and the infirm...
the pics below are very graphic, as they clearly show the
love and care that the US Postal Service puts into shipping fragile items.

Mr. Burt, aka SOUNGURU, graciously agreed to do a Northwind Highlanders BLACKWATCH for me.
If you can see past the gory damage,
you'll clearly see the beautiful detail that he imparted to this highly detailed mini.

but first ... the tragic results of cross country delivery by PUNTING...

Horrendous, really.
The chipped paint at the upper CT and around the head and cockpit is all the way to the bare metal.
Both arms were broken off, and paint was chipped off them as well.
Finally, one of the Jump Jets was broken off.

But despite all the damage, You can clearly see the highlighted details and the extremely well done tartan, both on the kilt and the sash.
The sporran and the breast buckle are both painted, and even the medallions are detailed.

I'm just really bummed at the damage inflicted.
I can't fault Sounguru for his packaging either... it was equal to or better than what I usually pack.
But the box ... not a single square corner remained by the time it got to my doorstep.

But enough moaning.... what are my plans to repair this lovely?
1. I'm going to clean the glue from the mounting points for the arms.
then I'm going drill and pin the arms to the body.

2. I'll clean the jump jets and their attachment points thoroughly.
Once done, I'll reattach them.

3. I'm actually already working on this step: matching the OD green that SOUNGURU used.
currently, the best contender is NATO OD Green by Tamiaya, followed by Luftwaffe OD Green by Tamaiya.

4. Finally, I'll do dab repairs on the paint, followed by a limited black wash.

I hope I can do this fine mini justice.

gotta run.
Y'all enjoy your holiday.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Nov 26, 2011 2:16 am

Greetings, Readers...
I trust my American readers are still well stuffed...
as I am... gotta love Triptophan overdose.

...zzz...

uhn! ah sorryh...

I got the arms for the BlackWatch pinned adn the
jump jets replaced.
Now gotta get the paint matched.

As for Thanksgiving...
I'm grateful for many things....
a wife who doesn't beat me much for failing to complete her 'to do' list...
a son who doesn't shoot me in the back much while playing Battletech,,,
a daughter who likes pink .... camoflauge and guns... (how many 9 year olds ask for shotguns for Christmas)

Finally, several friends who appreciate my hobby and understand my addiction to metal crack.

and that's just the very short list.

catch y'all Monday.

=RONIN OUT=

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:28 pm

Hello my Gentle readers,

Just rambling thru the WWW today, staying far away from any shopping sites...
Found the proof that somebody failed his piloting roll...

more heavy equipment failures can be foound here, for your viewing and laughing pleasure...
http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2011/11 ... -pics.html

Here is proof that the Cylons are well on their way to infiltrating the human race...
http://fromthebarrelofagun.blogspot.com ... anagi.html

Must do some studying...
https://www.cia.gov/library/publication ... os/rq.html

Here's a thought: which would you rather be on the receiving end of: Pepper Spray or a PR24 baton?
http://www.softgreenglow.com/wp/?p=13186
... must ... not ... rant ...

OH FRAK IT, I will!!!

Don't mind me: I've worked 2 jobs, while getting a second $25k Assoc. Science degree, at the same time paying for the first $25k education.
oh, yeah... while paying for a house and 2 cars.
I'M the fracking 90% ... so get a JOB or three and stop your whining, you lazy bunch of !@#*&! hippies (aka spoiled rotten children)
And I APPROVE of the above pepper spraying.
Freedom means you CAN disobey the laws ... you just have to be willing to pay the consequences.

I'll be back to posting once my BP settles down...

Later.
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:12 am

This, my friends, has been a really FECAL MATTER week.

+a migraine

+lost work badges ... trust me, i DO NEED my stinkin' badges.

Just miserable feeling ... might be trying to come down with something.

You know I'll post the ramble when I get the muse flowing again.

Stay tuned, my friends.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:59 am

Rule #1: We don't talk about Fight Club. Ever.

Rule #2: Don't MESS with my !*$@*&@! coffee.
http://www.the-whiteboard.com/autotwb1447.html

Rule #3: Cats and Minis do not mix.

more to come...

because it's almost that time of year.

hmmm...
apparently the Germans are still finding old Roman military equipment...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... %3Darticle

My Christmas wish list catalog arrived in the mail yesterday...
http://www.micromark.com/
http://www.reapermini.com/

yeah... I know: so much stuff, so little money. It really would be in most everyone's best interests if I won the Lotto.

really

Work calls.
Catch y'all later.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Tue Dec 06, 2011 1:47 pm

HAPPY DANCE!

HISTORICON 2012 IS COMING TO FREDERICKSBURG!!!!
http://www.historicon.org/index.asp

HAPPY DANCE!

PRAISE THE LORD AND PASS THE AMMUNITION !!!

HAPPY DANCE!

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:41 pm

Greetings Readers...

Just a few notes on why 'hump'-days aren't always that great for me...
1. It is Pearl Harbor Day.
"A day that will live in infamy forever..." and served "to awake a sleeping giant and fill it with terrible resolve"
70 years ago today, and only 200 Survivors remain.

2. Colonel Sherman T. Potter has passed on...
http://tv.msn.com/tv/article.aspx?news=688278
MASH has always been a huge favorite of mine, and Colonel Potter a favorite actor.

3. Even the MythBusters have bad days...
http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/ ... arby-house

OOPS

I hope the insurance will cover that...

...but no more of my whining....

This past weekend, I had the honor to attend an event at the Smithsonian's Air & Space Center at Dulles Airport.
http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/udvarhazy/
I got to see the Space Shuttle Enterprise, but sadly was unable to view the Starship Enterprise
I was also able to see the B-29 Enola Gay. Talk about an old, grim spirit. ...shudder... but I'd rather not.
Also on display was an SR-71, spyplane and movie star, aka JETFIRE.
Finally, I did get to see up close and personal, an Air France Concorde SST.
Those things are TINY. REally, not very much bigger than the SR-71.
and definitely smaller that a B-1 Lancer.

I do have a few pictures, put they are on 35mm, so you'll hafta wait until they're developed.

Gotta run for now.
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 11:28 am

Hello Readers...

Just had a few moments to browse the blog0sphere today.

1. I'll admit, I've never gone the 100% formal route when dressing for a job interview.
But I do always wear a tie and jacket.
http://artofmanliness.com/2011/12/08/ho ... interview/

2. Oh !@&^@!, that's an EXPENSIVE give-a-way. But how to fix it, short of a cruise missile strike?
http://floppingaces.net/2011/12/08/obam ... e-in-iran/
This is one screwup, that even if we NUKED the drone wherever it is, will STILL cost us BILLIONS in classified systems development.

3.

BRB

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Dec 09, 2011 1:37 pm

Hello ... back again.

Just got done reading "Skippy's List" blog.
To make a long story short... don't piss off real geeks.

Problems with Best Buy?
Getting the run around while trying to obtain Customer Service?

Give Brian a Call...

Brian Dunn, CEO of Best Buy

7601 Penn Ave. South
Richfield, MN 55423

Phone: 612-291-1000
Fax: 612-292-4001
Yeah, that's how upset Skippy is/was. Read the whole messy story here.
http://skippyslist.com/2011/12/08/hell-week/#more-4707

Also, how many 'banned' books have you Read or Watched a movie adaptation of?
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/b ... /index.cfm
*any listed as "burned by the Nazis" has GOT to be worth reading.

Want a reason to be good for Santa?
How about: because the Fat Man is packing some serious Heat?
http://santaslittlesecretservice.org/20 ... orth-pole/

oh, and yeah: I Want One!
http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/2011/1 ... day-at-20/
And I really, really need to finish getting my CCW.

I've been looking for any interesting advances in the Battle Armor sciences, but recently, them uber-geeks is staying real quiet.
So in the meantime, I've added another 'interesting' project to my list.
How to turn THIS:

into THIS:

I know that the scale would not be right, but it will be a heck of a tabletop conversation piece.
Anyway, that is all for now.
You all have a great weekend.
Next week, posting will be light, due to career requirements.
I appreciate your understanding.

Stay safe and Keep painting!
-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Sat Dec 10, 2011 12:50 am

Hello all,

Just a quick post as I chill out for the weekend...
Came across this: http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ ... combo-pack
Found it on Netflix. Good CGI and pretty good story, too.
definite recommend.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:38 pm

Hello Readers.
Regular posting should resume tomorrow.
Thanks for your patience.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 1:00 pm

*blerg*

FRAK.

sometimes even copy-n-paste won't save your work.

FRAK!

lost a post that was an hour in the making.

FRAK!

I'm going to Lunch. Will try to post again later.

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:29 am

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Dear Readers.

Suggestion for today (h/t to SoftGreenGlow)

Watch the movie: HAN reacts like a Paladin:
Detect Evil. Smite Evil. Ask questions later.
And yes, I know it's movie magic, bud DANG, that is a FAST draw.

Watch out for Grandma...

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS...

OR MAYBE THIS...

Finally ... what could be MOAR awesome?

More rambling to come...

-Ronin OUT-

Steve Ronin · Post by **Steve Ronin** » Mon Dec 19, 2011 5:22 pm

Ya know... I've looked thru the below article very carefully, and I've seen nothing related to what we do for fun?

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/15/tech/inno ... =obnetwork

"battle tech" my arse....

And how about a step back in time: 37 years ago, the Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather of the XBOX 360 and the PLAYSTATION 3 made its debut.
http://www.wired.com/thisdayintech/2011 ... s-on-sale/
Lordy, I feel old.

Here is a thought: With America's current and in the pipe weapon technology; if we see it, we can kill it.
oh, and "I see what you did there! "
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/12/14 ... r-on-move/

I also believe that the above is a real world explaination for why Super Submarines should be a given in BT.
ONE naval gauss rifle shot would ruin a large surface combatant's day. permenantly.
Do the new heavy vehicle rules allow for carrier sized submarines?
I think so...?

anyway. Catch y'all tomorrow.

-Ronin OUT-

Battletech Universe

BTU EXCLUSIVE: "RONIN'S RAMBLINGS"

HISTORICON IS COMING TO FREDERICKSBURG!!!!