BATTLETECH: The Thunderbolt

The #Thunderbolt is one of the most prominent, powerful, and plentiful #HeavyMechs in all of #Battletech / #Mechwarrior. It strides across the fields of battle, embodying what most people think of this weight class. It has a storied history, starting in the #AgeofWar and serving the #StarLeague, and #SuccessorStates, or #GreatHouses of the #InnerSphere. It has known every war fought under these banners, even battling #Clanners with centuries of new technology on it.
So, let's talk about this one. It's gonna be fun.
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*As an aside, one piece of art was used from a fanartist, Spooky777. All other assets are in-game shots, or art from official sources:
www.deviantart...
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#battletech #Mechwarrior #HouseKurita #HouseDavion #HouseMarik #HouseSteiner #HouseLiao #Battlemech #SuccessionWars #Mechwarrior #Heavy #HeavyMechs #HeavyBattlemechs #Thunderbolt #CatalystGameLabs #CGL #StarLeague #SLDF #TDR
Note: I am not associated with the Battletech / Mechwarrior IP, and create this under fair-use. Ownership of the Battletech IP resides with several companies at this time. I support all official releases.

[@XShadoWPaws]

"It's more armed than some assault 'mechs, and even more armoured than some too" The Charger really brought the bar down a few notches, didn't it.

[@kennendo8922]

I love this mech. My personal headcannon is the manufacturer provides both left and right side cockpit models since the artists can't seem to agree universally.

[@susiduo3438]

Lmao :D

[@canderoussnurd4265]

I can’t see why not. Or maybe depending on the company that’s building them, they switch where the cockpit is as a way of showing off their company. Or maybe it’s to help pilots out in nations where pilots drive on the left side or right side of the battlefield…..I’ll see myself out.

[@TotallyDapper]

Now they just need to release the two forbidden Thunderbolts! Head/head and missile pod/missile pod! Actually, a dual-headed mech could be a decent trainer.

[@armyboykillalot]

It depends if the planet buying them drives on the left or right side of the road.

[@crackedjabber]

These things are ridiculous. I had a game with a friend, his second or third game. He grabbed the Thunderbolt to round out his lance. That thing would not die. It backed up slowly, trading shots with the entirety of my lance. We destroyed all the armor, then the structure, but we could never get a critical on the thing. Finally it backed into water deep enough to cover it completely. It had traded shots with a full lance for 70-80% of the game, and we never managed to kill it. As it sank below the surface, we could all hear the pilot laughing, and it gave us a 1 finger salute. I couldn't tell you how the rest of the game went, just that the Thunderbolt never died.

[@shanenice5380]

There good solid mechs.wolverine other good solid mech 55 ton mech.

[@alexanderthegreat6682]

That's my experience with them too. A Thunderbolt can hold the line against several enemy mechs and just refuse to die even when used... Less than efficiently as I did in one of my first games

[@Jager1967]

"Just give me Thunderbolts, all I need is Thunderbolts."

[@frankb3347]

One of my favorite lore details of the Tbolt is that is has the roomiest and most comfortable cockpit of all the Classic Mechs. Which from an in universe point of view would be pretty nice. Just get the jump variant and you're good for any kind of mission other then those depending on speed.

[@tenchraven]

Leg room and space for a dorm fridge and a spare jerry can of water. Toss a hammock and sleeping bag in someplace, and you rig that between the legs with the access plates for the heatsinks open in cold weather- that fusion reactor is always running and those sinks keeps you toasty. The same tech spaces would logically have power ports for maintence- a small hotplate is all you need to cook on. Thats enough for a five day patrol. While those poor bugs with the Stingers are living on MREs and two liters of water a day, I've got iced tea, hot coffee, bacon, and real eggs, and I'm not peeing into a filter canteen. :)

[@lemonoeye]

I really have a soft spot for the Thunderbolt. I am from a new generation of Mechwarrior fans where I only watched my father play mech commander when I was a kid, then played my first game through online. But i have to say, i tried some mechs but this mech is what really got me playing MWO and be good at it. Best starting mech for any new player imho.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It's a solid mech, and *can* be forgiving to new commanders in the tabletop too, but no mech is toooo forgiving. Still, a workhorse, definitely.

[@Funkin_Disher]

Soft spot specifically around the MG and SRM ammo bins

[@jimvenanzio6561]

@@BigRed40TECH I see similarities to the "Thor" design i grew up with from Mech Commander 1 onward. Could there have been some sort of coincidence that they share such a similar cockpit and missle rack layout or is this Star League's influence on the Clans?

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@jimvenanzio6561 Clanners come from the SLDF, so I would assume there is some influences on these machines as a result.

[@topcatcoast2coast579]

MechCommander was one of the best ones.

[@1stpogo]

While I am a fan of the Thunderbolt I couldn't help but chuckle seeing every picture used in the video moved the cockpit to the opposite shoulder, first right then left.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I know right? lol

[@timh8996]

At 9:18 the descriptive narrative made me think... “I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain." Priceless!

[@susanbaynham-evans8453]

The Eridani Light Horse T-BOLT ! ENOUGH SAID :)

[@sharlin648]

The Thud is probably the physical embodyment of the generalist 'mech, its got a gun for every range and role, its not under armoured, its not under or over sinked, its decently fast and generally well armed. The off center cockpit is a rarity as well which adds to the unique look of the design and its one of my favorites. If given a choice between a Thud and a Warhammer, I'd take the Thud.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I'm a Warhammer man, but the Thud is great.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

I'm a Warhammer man forever, but a friend of mine back in the day switched from a Marauder to a T-bolt. He had the techs pull out the SRM-2 and do a SL swap with the MGs, and added a couple of heat sinks. It was a brawling monster with enough long-range firepower to complement my Warhammer's PPCs. Even so he managed to shutdown twice. The second time after he faced down a 180-185 ton Liao lance by himself during the kickoff of the Fourth Succession War. All four Liao mechs were toast, especially the one he hit WITH EVERY WEAPON.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

I've learned from Catalyst material that my friend's model from the late Eighties exists as an official variation, the SE. I therefore recommend it to T-bolt fans who want a version more attuned to mech vs mech combat.

[@jonsawyer6977]

“An underweight juggernaut”, that’s the best, most succinct description I’ve ever heard for a Thunderbolt.

[@magni5648]

The one I liked best was "Bargain Battlemaster." That one was about the -5SS variant in particular.

[@TheGreenKnight500]

The Thunderbolt reminds me of an old pickup truck. It's big and ugly but also rugged and practical. It's the ancient stompy dinosaur ancestor to the nimble Summoner/Thor falcon.

[@mathewkelly9968]

Light Engines and CASE are actually worth it , besides saving the pilot , gyro , sensors and life support like it does for XLs

[@brianhenry152]

The Thunderbolt is one of those solid workhorses that any unit or merc outfit will be happy to have in their stables. Few 65 ton mechs can brawl comfortably with heavier opponents, but the T-Bolt has the armor and weapons load out to go toe to toe with just about anything. My favorite way to customize the 3025 standard model is to replace the machine guns and ammo with a flamer (to still deal with pesky Infantry) and tack on another heat sink. Like others have said, there's not much need to fix what isn't broken when it comes to advanced tech in its variants. It does tend to run hot though, so double heatsink are always a welcome change.

[@weldonwin]

The Clans' Summoner/Thor, is just a Thunderbolt wearing Cowboy boots. Much like the Timberwolf/Madcat is just a Marauder wearing massive 80's shoulder pads

[@DerDrecksack87]

The Timberwolf is more like a Catapult with arms.

[@weldonwin]

@@DerDrecksack87 A Madcat is what happens, nine months after a Marauder and Catapult have a sweaty, unprotected fling, on a Canopus Battle-Powder fuelled weekend bender.

[@darwinsfolly2117]

The Thunderbolt is one of my favorite mechs! I wish you would have highlighted the SE series since it's crazy to think of this heavy block of armor as a cavalry mech

[@BigRed40TECH]

Oh I think it's great too. But I only cover 3 variants per one of these videos, and I chose the D because it felt a bit more unique tbh.

[@BlueberryFruitshake]

With the off-center cockpit it always felt like a dump truck to me. A well armoured and well armed dump truck mind you (perhaps the latter too much so) with 4 tonnes of ammo and no CASE you're asking for an ammo explosion to cook you off like a 65 ton firework, especially since the ton of MG ammo is stored in the left arm and damage will happily migrate itself to the torsos. Because of this I think the TDR-5SE is one of the best variants that remains fairly true to the basic model. Simply by removing the SRM2 & MG's you halve your ammo bins (greatly reducing self destruct odds) which in turn helps the Thunderbolt survive longer in a brawl since it only has to worry about a CT crit cooking off the LRM ammo. Some might argue it's stupid giving up weapon systems but come on you're never gonna use a whole ton of machine gun or SRM ammo with the stock loadout, let alone have them make any significant difference in a mech on mech fight. Jump jetting into a guys rear arc and unleashing a volley of laser fire? That'll make a difference. As is the case with the Rifleman and Marauder; there's no point in having firepower if you don't have the heatsinks to use it. Unfired weapons are wasted tonnage.

[@AsuraBoss]

One of my absolute favorites. The Star League Royalbolt is my single favorite heavy mech to default to if I ever have space for one. Nothing will stop the Thud before it hits and nothing will stop it from leaving once it reduces the enemy to smoking remains.

[@WolfHreda]

Yes! The TDR-7M is, in my opinion, the perfect upgrade to the Thunderbolt. It is my favorite variant. Just make the big laser shoot further and make sure the short range missiles hit more often. Make sure the pilot doesn't die if the ammo goes up. Perfection. A close second for me is the TDR-9SE. I love that the Eridani Light Horse decided to forego the SRMs, machine guns, and a third of their LRMs, but gave it a Large Pulse Laser and their signature jump jets.

[@roberthill5549]

Actual quite a solid mech. My biggest gripe is that FASA screwed up the original design. The LRM _should_ be on the left torso, as is shows on the artwork for it. That way it doesn't lose ALL of it's long range weapons if one torso is disabled. It mixup also leads to half of the artists changing the cockpit and LRM around, and half of them leaving it as the original design, which looks better.

[@cavalryscout9519]

Is it NOT on the left torso? I don't have my 3025 book handy right now, but the first few printings were loaded with mistakes (like putting the Ostol stats with the Ostscout, or drawing the Orion's SRM-4 on the left arm and saying in text that it was in the left arm, but putting it in the torso on the stats page, or not assigning an weight to the Hatchetman's hatchet). FASA screwed up so regularly that we always just ignored anything they said that didn't makes sense, and marked the LRM in the left torso anyway.

[@TheGreenKnight500]

This is a great opportunity for an in-universe explanation for the discrepancy. Maybe an engineer accidentally got the blueprint reversed when he sent it to one of the factories.

[@magni5648]

The funniest bit is that when you look at the 3025 variants, the -5SS does genuinely switch the shoulder-mounted missile launcher (now an SRM-6) over to the left torso, while the variants with the LRM-15 have it in the right torso. My personal headcanon is that there are just genuinely some manufacturers that mirrored the torso layout of the Thud for some reason, so you end up with both left-side and right-side cockpit Thuds that are identical other than for the placement of the torso and shoulder weapons and cockpit being produced across the IS.

[@ChaosTicket]

The Thunderbolt is a 3025 Battlemech I actually like. Unlike most Mechs of that era the Thunderbolt has the maximum armor of its weight. Its weaponry gives it something to shoot at every target. Its just very solid. Upgraded models often just build upon that. "Don't fix what is not broken." The Clan Summoner heavy battlemech is at least inspired by the Thunderbolt. The Summoner Prime does lack the close range and anti-infantry weapons. The Thunderbolt IIC also neglects close range weapons.

[@snakeplissken1754]

Decent platform, a real affordable workhorse. 65 tons with decent mobility, armor and firepower.

[@roshee5573]

Back in the 90’s we had club tournaments and I won several using 2 x TDR - 5S and 2 x JR-7D s . Jenners were too quick and focused long range with the Thunderbolts was a great combo

[@pitbandesign1646]

lol - did the same in the 90´s - 2 tdr´s and 2 jenner - its a great combo for tabletop - the thud is the mech which gets more dangerous , closer you get

[@haveltherock6647]

I remember my dad gave me this toy. It was an old Madcat toy with a DIY repaired arm joint. Didnt know what it was till I got to play mechwarrior on the old xbox. Then i REALLY got into battletech with Mechwarrior 5. I've been diving deeper since. And this channel has helped me learn more. Especially while at work. Just passively listening

[@rcgunner7086]

Finally the Thud makes its appearance. :) I've always been a fan of this mech- it's the Swiss Army Knife of the Succession Wars Era and a strong mech in every other period. It has a weapon for every occasion/range, and can be a brutal brawler. My favorite aspect of this mech is the laser battery it carries. Three medium and one large laser is a brutal array of hurt at close ranges and can pry open even the hardest of mechs- 23 possible points of damage is glorious in the Succession Wars... but the heat! LOL!

[@louhodo5761]

You should cover some of the Dropships and aerospace fighters that get these mechs to the planets. What did the old Aerotech box say something like, "mechs aren't worth anything if they don't make it to the ground."

[@danielvandersall6756]

First mech I ever fielded, back in the pen and paper days. While everyone else was drooling over the Warhammer of the Marauder, I took the smaller, tougher mech. Never regretted it.

[@inquisitorbenediktanders3142]

One of if not my favourite heavy, with a few issues: While the t-bolt in most areas is good if not great, it has a major heat problem. I personally avoid the issue by dedicating weapons to specific ranges. Additionally, it suffers from the "and slap an srm 2 on it" problem, which the assasin is more infamous for.

[@DIEGhostfish]

In the old days SRM2s were the only way to launch Infernos. That may have been why.

[@inquisitorbenediktanders3142]

@@DIEGhostfish yeah that would make sense. Would still want some extra heatsinks instead.

[@jonbezeau3124]

TDR's commitment to asymmetry is what makes it one of the best mechs of the succession wars. A lot of designs are tied up with paired LL or PPC that they don't even have heatsinks enough to fire together, while the Tub has one large laser and an LRM for a much better heat / endurance balance. It's too bad the books commit to explosive set-dressing like MGs when the machine has enough heatsink capacity to manage 4MLs and SRM4 but whatchagonnado

[@dragoon508]

One of my all time favorite mechs. A solid trooper that can do most work

[@SeedemFeedemRobots]

the offset cockpit and the drum shaped launcher are the key design trademarks of the thunderbolt and why it always stands out to me, and also, the summoner would be my favorite clannerscum mech for the same reasons (hellbringer/loki being second and Mad Dog/Vulture as third). if there is one thing i wish about the Thunderbolt, is that there is more consistency in where its offset cockpit is placed and that for the variants, and i wish the missile launcher drum is always placed on the opposite torso of its triple med laser array instead of on the same torso on some variants, either way, its will always be my favorite heavy. some heavies look ugly because they just too weirdly designed, but the thunderbolt, looks ugly but in the way a tough machine of war should be. (alongside the Orion, ugly yet mean) vs. or the OG art ostsol or quickdraw

[@josemanuelmunizherrera920]

Gotta say, I love your content. Even more so, when you focus on some of my all-time favorite mechs! The Thunderbolt is an absolute powerhouse. An almost perfect balance of speed and maneuverability, range and damage output, armor and heat management. My mercenary forces on the tabletop are actually led by a CO in a Thunderbolt. A TDR-5SE, which is part of my main battle lance. Usually paired with a Guillotine, for a duo of 4/6/4 moving heavy mechs, with Large Lasers for long range, and then torso mounted batteries of Medium Lasers, for close encounters. It has NEVER performed anywhere even near what you may call 'below expectations'.

[@elchjol2777]

The Thunderbolt,a mech I don't run often. Maybe it's the amount of them I've downed giving some bias. In Battletech 2018 it has the fatal flaw of lots of ammo in the CT and in MechWarrior 5 it is a bit of a headshot magnet. I should give the machine a go on my side sometime,I got more than enough bits from them to put together.

[@CRAZYUNCLE117]

The reason I am hesitant to use stock models of the thunderbolt, is the same reason many don't like the jager. When deciding where to put the ammo everyone asked, "are you sure you want to put it there"? Where the original designer said, "Na, it will be fine."

[@BigRed40TECH]

I only play stock or official variants, and the TDR-5S is the most common one. Just is what it is. :)

[@CRAZYUNCLE117]

@@BigRed40TECH Hye, you do you. I just don't like my ammo in the CT. Far too high of a risk for internal ammo explosion when the rest of the mech can still take some hits. Once they installed case, who cares?

[@ericwollaston5654]

My favorite Battlemech since 1985 when I bought Battletech at the mall. Most commonly, I removed the machine guns and ammo to upgrade the SRM to a six-pack for 'Mech only fights. Downright distinctive and effective!

[@jessejohnson9871]

The 5s is 65tons of fun. Tough as nails, hits like a truck, doesn't over heat when employed well. Was always disappointed nobody made an TDR-A10...well not an official one anyways,

[@elchjol2777]

I'm guessing that TDR-A10 would have a RAC-5 on it along with missiles?

[@faithmcclosky4528]

Another solid video, Red. I love this mech, particularly in the Succession Wars era. I think you did a good job picking out the variants as well, showing the staying power of this design into later eras. Keep up the good work!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Let's just hope I don't botch the Atlas video. lol

[@faithmcclosky4528]

@@BigRed40TECH I have faith in you!

[@wheturangi]

Solid is what people say about this design. Not perfect and not optimized, but a versatile, flexible mech. I prefer paired weapon systems like dual LRMs or PPCs, but the TDR can handle nearly any situation. It will always be a solid support mech. I cant say anything bad about it except for its twisted hunched back shape. It does have that left side blind spot, same as the Awesome, but who cares about that except pesky light mechs.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

Sneaky light mechs that try to blind-side the T-bolt get all of its short-range weapons, plus maybe a punch or two. That'll teach 'em!

[@wheturangi]

@@observationsfromthebunker9639 You know that the Tbolt and AWS have a blind spot? Its on the ;eft hand side about a hex back. Look for it and you will see how a light can get there and unload on them.

[@tennoskoom2233]

The hero variant in MW5 is ridiculously well optimized for laser vomit. I modded mine to have 2 MP and 2 SP lasers in each side torso while keeping the LL in the arm, and DHS everywhere. It can alpha continously and has almost max armor.. i can even trust AI with it, and if using cover, it barely goes into Red armor

[@Aceshot-uu7yx]

I guess you could say good enough is perfect?

[@Maladjester]

The Thunderbolt is my personal favorite. Big enough to threaten anything, it can take a punch, there is no range at which you are safe from its weapons, great blocky asymmetrical no-nonsense design, and it has the best name. ♥

[@sauceelf653]

Very informative video, thank you for presenting.

[@robertgriffin662]

I have really enjoyed this video series! I don't play BT but have always enjoyed the TRO's and miniatures. The Thunderbolt is one of my favorites and especially love the original 3050 TRO image of it. Just one BADASS MECH!

[@ImperviousSC]

I just started a MW5 campaign a few weeks ago, and I've been slowly working my way through your playlist. I really liked using the T-bolt until I had to up my tonnage. I don't like the default fits though. I refit it with a Large Laser, a Streak SRM6 with 2 tons of ammo, 3 Medium lasers, fists, and max armour. It really was a workhorse for me. I admit I sacrificed long range damage for more short range damage , but I also found that there were always better options for focused long range damage when it was one of the bigger mechs in my lance, so I could keep the pressure off of the smaller ones by getting into a brawl sooner. Then as it became one of my smaller mechs, I always kept something like a Warhammer in my lance for long range damage, so it didn't need it anyways. I kept 2 identically fit ones in my inventory, one of which was on the field for pretty much every fight I was in while the other was inevitably being repaired. It also seemed to always be relatively cheap and fast to repair too. It was a sad day when I sold them for something bigger..... I'm looking forward to seeing how it does on the tabletop too. I snagged myself both the AGOAC and Alpha Strike boxes. Just have to find the time to paint them up and give them a go. The T-bolt in one of those boxees is definitely one I'm looking forward to fielding.

[@stormcrow28]

The Thunderbolt is my third favorite heavy mech after the Orion and the Crusader. It's a common anchor in many fire and command lances in Marik space, and I'll often run Archer, Crusader. Thunderbolt and Orion lances during any era of BT. The 7M is one of the best mechs from 3050, since it enhances all of the features of the design and doesn't set out to intentionally cripple or reduce its effectiveness like the Grasshopper or Quickdraw refits. I also like the Royal Thunderbolt, which eliminates the mgs for small pulse lasers, adds in Endo Steel, 14 DHS, an ER PPC, CASE, a Streak 2, Artemis for the 15 rack, and the 3 ML. The Project Phoenix mods for the T-bolt along with the RecGuide units add a bunch of jump capable and fast cavalry options for this old trooper.

[@Lieutenant_Dude]

About the only things off about it imo are the machine guns and srm2. These are two weapon systems that honestly seem to be wastes of space and tonnage compared to the damage you get from them. At least in medium or heavier mechs. Taking the machine guns and srm2 out and using the tonnage for an srm4 or 6 would make more sense.

[@TheStraycat74]

haven't done heavies yet, was getting ready to do a full clan tech rebuild on the LAM's, but they changed the rules at some point... no Endo Steel, no Ferro-fiberous, no XL engines, no Omni-mech/omni-fighter technologies. so for the LAM's you'd have old designs with clan weapons and clan double heat sinks,... that isn't worth taking up my time to redo them.

[@blastimir]

One of my favourite mechs (alongside the ATLAS of course). Great video as always. Keep up the good work!

[@Wrootplonk]

Gotta love the TeaBowl. Getting my hands on one in HBS-BT is something I always look forward to.

[@OptimusJedi]

It’s such a cool design. It really feels like a walking tank.

[@TheGreenKnight500]

Just looking at the design, it really makes sense that it's one of the earliest mechs in the timeline. It looks like something people would make when the technology is still new. While the Mackie was a giant walking pill, the T-bolt is a giant walking box. But just like the B-52 and various old firearms, it was practical enough that it stayed in use long after its time.

[@FanimusMaximus]

At last my favorite Inner Sphere mech!

[@kennethelkins-wulff9644]

Love these videos BR40k! I can't wait to get the next one! It's like my Birthday every day that one of these hits my notifications! Great video! Keep up the great work!

[@travislewis5058]

I like replacing the mgs and ammo for a flame thrower and second srm2

[@g.d.graham2446]

Whenever I get Thunderbolts, I tend to focus on two different firing systems when I maximize the armor, such as 3-4 medium lasers mixed with 20-25 LRMs. Always decent but never amazing at anything, but perfectly reasonable.

[@Dariushellstrome]

I had the metal mini for this back in the day along with the LAM from your other video

[@malusignatius]

It's a solid, versatile design, but I admit it's one that in the HBS game I find easiest to deal with (assuming I don't need the salvage). Just drill the CT until the MG ammo pops.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Sure, I don't disagree. But HBS Battletech, though in spirit is very much like BT, isn't necessarily like BT when it comes to damage and shooting.

[@malusignatius]

@@BigRed40TECH Oh yeah. I totally understand that. I mean, if nothing else, AC-2s are actually useful in HBS. :P

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@malusignatius I love AC2's in MW5 and HBS BT. lol

[@WolfHreda]

That's why I always replace my MGs with Small Lasers and an extra heatsink in place of the ammo.

[@malusignatius]

@@WolfHreda Oh yeah. I lucked out on my current run and got some Inferno racks early on, so my Thunderbolt's got an Inferno launcher instead of the SRM-2 rack and a pair of flamers instead of the MGs.

[@patrickligot5100]

One of my favorite mech designs from the Age of War to Star League era. Timeless classic.

[@dracphelan]

The Thunderbolt is my favorite mech. I used it to tie up 2 mechs heavier than it for 6 turns in a game yesterday.

[@sebastiang.5032]

One of the best all-rounder Mechs the IS has to offer.

[@zanebarber8688]

This is an awesome series, I love how well everything is explained

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

The T-Bowl is one of my favorite intro-mechs. It looks great, it lacks many of the horrifying flaws of its contemporaries without being hyper optimized (meaning most variants still have room for field refit kits and small tweaks to personalize them), and it has some interesting variants that change its abilities without abandoning its core functionality.

[@captaingeneralconch]

Absolutely thunderstruck by this thunderous thunderbolt of a thundering video red lightning 🌩

[@Hardbass2021]

I really like the looks and aesthetics of the Thunderbolt. One look from it, and I can say that it will do it job well and beyond. Especially that offset cockpit.

[@AdairCorbin]

I'm a dad, who loves corny jokes. And the thunderstruck line was nearly to much for me😂 Awesome review for a mech I never warmed up to but will give another shot.

[@mr6johnclark]

thunderbolt with MRM in MWO deadly at medium range. The high mount can do a lot of damage in cover.

[@DIEGhostfish]

MRMs are so much better in the real time games where you can actually aim them rather than rolling scatter. Probably why they froze the timeline before HAGs were introduced because there's no real way to balance them.

[@pitbandesign1646]

there was a quote in the books . .. .something like : every battlemech has two flaws : first the engineer, who thougt, he build the greatest warmachine and second , the pilot, which believes the engineer. ... i dont think this for the TDR, its just a great mech , dangerous in every distance

[@GliderBane]

This is an underrated mech. But, I would never give one to a new player, or one with a really heavy trigger finger. Heat can be a real issue with thing. You have to know when to push it and when to play cautious or you will have all kinds of heat penalties stacked on you. You are not wrong though, I would glady take one of these in my lance.

[@edkushnerick2090]

My all time favorite mech

[@Alverant]

In the HBS turn-based game, the Tunderbolt is a joke. They put the ammo in the center torso. Half the ones I've taken out were due to ammo explosions.

[@boost2.041]

God i love the thunderbolt. Has to be in my top 5 mechs ever

[@tenchraven]

The T-bolt is the blue collar Battlemaster. Swap the LRM rack for SRM6 and HSs while upgrading the LL to a PPC, all you're losing is a little armour and keeping the price of a Commando.

[@magni5648]

That's basically the TDR-5SS. Upgrades LL to PPC, switches LRM-15 to SRM-6, ditchest the SRM-2 and machineguns and adds a flamer. And then it just piles on a borderline unreasonable amount of heat sinks, causing it to run frigidly cold. Doesn't need any changes to the armor, either. One of the best 3025 brawlers around.

[@stephenknizek2651]

A competent design. Good company C/O mech. Since my Davion merc unit’s regimental assault mechs don’t go out very often, most contracts are company-size deals, the Thunderbolt is my heaviest mech in most games.

[@Thud-pq8rl]

I've never really liked this mech until during one of the official events there was a typo from the official paperwork that allowed an Thunderbolt NAIS to be ran with the WoB. It did an exceptional job hunting mediums and even tying up assaults when needed.

[@Cbabilon675]

One of my best heavyweights to build. So much fun.😎 BTW, can you talk about the Bombardier? One of the few unique heavy Max that people hardly speak of.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I cover mechs in their TRO order. I don't pick favourites. the Bombardier is getting covered when I get to TRO:3025's revised mechs. Which will be after I cover the original TRO in its entirety.

[@Cbabilon675]

@@BigRed40TECH thanks for the info. Glad to know your game plan and looking forward to it. Great work ad well😎

[@r0mc0mmedy]

Even if you don't like using heavy or assaults. You gotta love the thunderbolt or atlas for something atleast. When you talked about how the thunderbolt wasn't an easy fight I was like "yeah, my Centurion has issues fighting it. It would with any other heavy or assault mech, but it just has that kind of issue you can't explain"

[@jasonmorello1374]

One thing that this also did was inspire a series of asymmetric mechs. The hellspawn, loki and thor(summoner). Tho most of this came out of the clans, it would be obvious they took many of these with them, and made those variants off these machines.

[@erikbjelke4411]

As a fan of Norse Myth, I really like the Clan Summoner for being called "Thor" by the Inner Sphere. And the Thunderbolt is basically an Inner Sphere Summoner, so I like these. Been a solid heavy fire support option for my heavy lineups in both HBS BattleTech and MW5.

[@brettwerdesheim9767]

Thunderbolt: Tough, Dependable, Faithful. Earthwerks Incorporated, allowing you to move heaven and earth since 2357.

[@bradykirk9932]

I keep one set up for brawling. It chews through lights. 1 LL, 3ML, SRM 6, SRM 4, 2mg, ammo, heatsinks. Keeps the lights and mediums off the bigger mechs.

[@jasonreed1631]

Would definitely rank the Thunderbolt up there with the Marauder and Warhammer as some of the best heavies around. It's not really my cup of tea, but I've never been stupid enough to ignore it.

[@williamjanak2013]

Do you have plans on redoing some of your older, shorter videos like this one? Good video as always.

[@BigRed40TECH]

In 2025, the process of going over the older videos will start, yes.

[@williamjanak2013]

@@BigRed40TECH I hope the KZbin gods will be pleased with your efforts in doing so.

[@mattikuokkanen]

Thunderbolt and Orion are what I call main BattleMech. In my opinion Thunderbolt is better one for having more lasers, thus less dependent on ammunition. I also dare to call it the best Inner Sphere heavy 'Mech, and better than Banshee and Zeus. If I were allowed only 1 'Mech design for entire unit for ease of logistics, Thunderbolt would be a fine choice to fill even a whole regiment.

[@cracklingvoice]

It is rare indeed that taking a Thunderbolt as the fourth mech in a lance is an outright bad idea. One of the best heavy mechs in the game for versatility, and often at home in nearly any role that its speed doesn't preclude.

[@hermes7587]

The Thunderbolt TDR-5S is the Swiss Army knife of mechs. There are few other mechs more versatile and with greater endurance. If you are planning to do a planetary invasion, the Thunderbolt is indeed the mech of choice. Sure, there are Mechs that do one or two jobs better but no other mech is capable of so many different jobs and has so much endurance. The Thunderbolt has the thickest armor possible for it´s weight, sufficient heat sinks and ample ammo supply. Unfortunately the ammo supply is also it´s greatest weakness due the risk of ammo explosions but I rarely found this to be a problem.

[@TheMajorActual]

T-Bolts and Warhammers are what make heavy units work. Sure, there are other combinations, and sure, there are mech's that might be better in 1-on-1 gladiator fights, but you turn your nose up to a T-Bolt at your peril.

[@frankverisco4722]

A heavy mech with 4 plus med lasers on the torsos is always good.

[@canderoussnurd4265]

I have a few of these in my company on standby for when we get those fun contracts against the Feddys. Solid design all around. Though I tend to replace the machine guns with flamers and add a heat sink or two and drop the LRM 15 for an LRM 10. (Mercs gotta save where he can right?). The only other mech I’d say could handle this beast is the Orion and even then it’s a toss up in my mind. Two tons of armor difference is no guarantee in this business.

[@Ti-nf4fq]

Good to see battletech is alive and doing well.

[@lexington476]

The Thunderbolt is an overall General trooper mech, it's just good.

[@TurboWulfe]

This is the grown up version of the Centurion!

[@connorriggs1518]

“Mech Tech”How many weapons do you want on this mech. “Designer” Yes. “Mech Tech”Understood I will see what I can do.

[@TheGreenKnight500]

Years later in Clan space: Scientist: "How many weapons do you want on this mech?" Diamond Shark Warrior who took too many blows to cockpit: "MACHINE GUN!" Scientist: "I call it the Piranha"

[@upandaljm]

Second best original heavy mech. Always a hard nut to crack.

[@andrewboyer7544]

This mech has the added value of making me cry tears of joy when I find doubles and pulse lasers. Wub-bolts are horrifying. Tbolts and Wolverines are the designs I can always find room for. It's also got that ugly beauty.

[@LordElpme]

Also a soft spot for this mech. Loved the design so much I learnt how to use blender software to be able to get the mech added to NBT League Mechwarrior 4 community mod.

[@rylian21]

This remains one of my favorite mechs ever, and my second-favorite heavy of any weight bracket. Decent movement, good armor, and hits like a semi-truck. It sure does look goofy with the offset cockpit, though. Leave it to the Fed Rats to shove an AC into it and ruin the thing.

[@kazekamiha]

A case of being a good, solid mech of it's era and overall. Also I imagine it was used as the basis for the Thor.

[@RidinDirtyRollinBurnouts]

Thunderbolt is one of my favorite mechs in mw5. Its battlefield effectiveness guarantees it a spot in my lance until late game where assault lances are mandatory.

[@vali6717]

The Thud might not be as glamorous as some of its heavy mech peers but it is without a doubt one of the best in its class. I might have a tendency to always modify the design for my own taste but even that is just some light modification. CT ammo storage? Always a bad choice.

[@jonavery4978]

Thunderbolt is a proper beast of a machine. It is everything that a heavy should be, being able to be slotted into any forward combat role and be effective. A perfect jack of all trades mech, weighing in at the best tonnage of mech. All the various scaling bars of battletech overlap at the 65 ton mark. That's when your engines produce the best speed to weight ration, when you can suddenly put at least 20 points of armor on every available section (Less the head, obviously) and where you can mount a perfect balance of weapons to heat capacity. Moreover, the Thunderbolt has an amazing mix of punch and staying power, being able to soften targets at range with its LRMs and then press the attack and not lose any DPS once it switches to close range, but unlike the Catapult or Jager, it doesn't rely on those LRMs to respond at range, so it can still press the attack once it runs dry and because it keeps its primary weapons mounted in the torso, it can mix it up in rockem sockem robots with the best of them. Thunderbolt, Centurion, Atlas, Mongoose. In old tech, you don't need anything else.

[@joelshajan8706]

The top dog version got me through mw5,always love this little stocky tincan

[@solidshot7849]

Love this thing really nice in HBS game, after a little tinkering. The stock ct ammo means it gets sniped way too easy otherwise

[@Aethelwolf]

Always one of my favorite mechs