Why Do We Love The Chameleon?

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Chameleon IIC-MF Record Sheet: www.dropbox.co...
BattleTech imagery and mech info remains the property of Topps.
Some imagery/video from Pixabay
OG Chameleon Line art from the 3058 TRO
IlClan Rec Guide 25:
Project Development: Johannes Heidler
Development Assistance: Aaron Cahall, Étienne Charron-Willard,
Chris Wheeler
BattleTech Line Developer: Ray Arrastia
Assistant Line Developer: Aaron Cahall
Writing: Keith Hann, Edward McEneely, Lance Scarinci, Chris Wheeler
BattleTech Line Editor: Aaron Cahall
Editing: Geoff ‘Doc’ Swift
Production Staff
Art Director: Anthony Scroggins
Assistant Art Director: Ray Arrastia
Cover Design and Layout: David A. Kerber
Illustrations: Alan Blackwell, Harri Kallio
Some iconography my edit of the battlemech line art was purchased from Ken Turner on ArtStation
#BattleTech #Mechwarrior #CatalystGameLabs #lore

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sorry about the audio issues. Ever since the last Audacity update, these audio issues are being introduced during compiling. I thought I caught them all but apparently not.

[@NightSentinel51]

Ok "audio issues", sure. You better pay up those C-bill unless you want Comstar to drop by. 😂😂

[@gerritvandenbosch4681]

What audio issues?

[@marsar1775]

if it helps, i heard no audio issues

[@marklippert3390]

The voice audio goes silent mid sentence a couple times about halfway through the video. @@gerritvandenbosch4681

[@floridaman3823]

What?

[@Nikotheos]

Because it looks exactly like if a Battlemaster had a Mini Me, and that’s adorable.

[@hatework4282]

One simply cannot argue with facts.

[@argokarrus2731]

So could I call a chameleon a BabyMaster?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fair point.

[@MrMyu]

@@argokarrus2731 Miniboss

[@gumbo821]

The minimaster

[@mikavanpolen8418]

I love the chameleon in Roguetech. Just something funny about getting a training mech and realizing it has better hardpoints than some of the famous mechs of equal tonnage.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm glad it has some use there.

[@HalIOfFamer]

Learned about the chameleon from RT. It was so good early on that I decided to look it up. If modifying according to hard points was a thing in table top this would have been goat.

[@raifsevrence]

@@MechanicalFrog It can be pretty good in BTA as well. Quite a bit of potential for a fast, durable, hard hitting heavy scout. Still not something you want as a front liner or brawler, but it's surprisingly fast for a 50 tonner.

[@brianhenry152]

Ah, the Chameleon! The most powerful mech in Crescent Hawks Inception. I remember spending a LOT of time playing as Jason Youngblood trying to recover your training mech in one piece as the Kurita Jenners lay waste to the Citadel. I really like how this mech's meager heatsinks are actually intentional in order to teach rookies about heat control. If any mech deserves a CGL resculpt, it's this baby!

[@MechanicalFrog]

An excellent memory...

[@NewsOfTheInnerSphere]

I know that it's possible to defeat the Jenners using the Chameleon, but I still have yet to do that feat in CHI.

[@meshuggahshirt]

The most singular Chameleon I ever saw was on Luthien; the techs had replaced its entire weapon loadout with a Lord's Light PPC in the arm, four medium lasers, another heat sink, and a bit more armor. Believe it or not, it was still a trainer; the logic was that since Jenner and Panther pilots were always in demand, cadets could learn to fire and service the main weapons of both Mechs before they assigned to either, and teachers could conduct high-heat training without explosive systems on board.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Makes sense to get some practice with a PPC.

[@bthsr7113]

@@MechanicalFrog And how many base tech mechs use a quartet of ML in at least one config?

[@witherrose1566]

@@bthsr7113 Hunchback 4P, the lineholder, the atlas, wolfhound. To name a few without any special upgrades

[@lucendacier6851]

I've grown to appreciate the Chameleon. I wish there was more detail on its "spoofing other 'Mechs" trick. That seems like something that could be useful if weaponized. I'm curious about the lore behind the Chameleon IIC-MF: is it still meant to be a training 'Mech? Targeting Computer + Pulse Laser sounds like switching on easy mode for the trainees, which I can't imagine the Clans would approve of.

[@DIEGhostfish]

They could use them the way the scorps do, called shots with the -1 to hit disabled.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Once it's packed with that much tech, I wouldn't want to give the MF to a greenhorn.

[@MrMyu]

It makes much more sense to have a battle-ready training mech than a dedicated trainer that's hobbled from the start, so I think the move towards upgunning and enhancing the mech is a good one. If you still want to teach good heat practices, you can always turn off heat sinks. Then if push comes to shove, you turn off training mode and crank everything up to full potential.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a great idea for a training mech. The lore for the Chameleon really makes it fun.

[@DapperRaccoon]

I'm seeing a "Hold the Line!" scenario where the defending cadets have a Cameleon, Valkyrie, Stinger, and are led by a cadre member in a heavy mech appropriate to their faction and time period.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That could be fun, and difficult.

[@stormcrow28]

Because the Chameleon is a fun mech to use to train newbie players and has some solid variants that allow it to be used in real combat (7V, 7Z, 8 and 9V).

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely.

[@Bolththrower]

Looks like the upload has some audio issues (narration cuts out) in around 11:00 going foreword a bit. This happens twice. (Chameleon 8V).

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sorry about the issues, I'm working on a fix with the latest version of Audacity.

[@Suodemon]

I thought it was an Enfield for a second. I would love to see the Enforcer family of mechs(Enforcer, Watchman, Enfield) covered at some point. Great video MF.

[@Bluehairedgirl89]

Yes! That would be awesome!

[@MechanicalFrog]

I dig the Enforcer, so that is likely going to happen.

[@Suodemon]

@@MechanicalFrog BTA 3062 introduced me to the Enfield, and its been a favorite ever since. Enforcer is fun, especially with lostech

[@dubuyajay9964]

Hello, Desert Punk.

[@Bluehairedgirl89]

@@MechanicalFrog the enforcer is a amazing mech there is something about that combo of a ac-10 and a heavy laser while still being a medium mech. The enfield is pretty interesting as well but I love the idea behind the watchmen a attempt at a cheap mass produced trooper mech.

[@gregdomenico1891]

What I really like is how well the lore is on it. And as a Training mech, it's set up to teach new Mechwarriors alot of different things; especialy with the different range brackets on the weapons. And most important of all, Heat Kills on the Battlefield! Manage it well.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah the lore really enriches this mech.

[@toxofoz6233]

Crescent Hawks Inception was my introduction to Battletech so I've always had a soft spot for the Chameleon.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good memories from that one.

[@dakkath414]

I mocked up a SL-era Chameleon that uses ferro-fibrous to increase protection, DHS, and a Chameleon Light Polarization Shield. It's the kind of mech you secretly give to the drill sergeants to use while watching over the trainees.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Deceptively tough.

[@merkarion7883]

@@MechanicalFrog Chameleon Light Polarization Shield....fitting for a Mech of this Name...but combine it with Clan-Tech and a Clan ECM ...The Exterminator was Yesterday, now the Chameleon Hunter Killer Star reigns Supreme😁😁😁

[@marsar1775]

I think the reason a lot of these training mechs last so long is even when they specialize its not too hard so they can be adapted. and everyone buys training vehicles, so theres always a lot of the and plentiful parts. Generally easy to use, yknow, for training. in a setting like battletech, those soft factors may matter more than an atlas' armor in terms of long term survivability

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely.

[@bthsr7113]

Heck, the USAF basically weaponized a trainer into a light ground attack plane, and everyone was able to get certified on it lickedy split.

[@Ruggedtoaster]

I used to have a scenario for a star league era training mission gone wrong with a Crocket, Shadowhawk, and two Chameleons, with rookie pilots being swarmed by light mechs with veteran pilots. It was fun and the chameleons would really hold their own which surprised more than one opfor that was looking to score some easy salvage.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's awesome to hear the Chameleons tended to do well.

[@BlizzardWizzard]

I love the chameleon 4B, it's fun, it's fast, it's cheap, and when I run it into close range, I get to grab a fist full of dice for all the small lasers. It's a hoot, even when the first shot of the game is an Ultra AC20 through its cockpit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

They have a certain charm.

[@georgehillyer7959]

….thats a story worth telling….

[@jeremysaklad6703]

I've mentioned this before, but I really like how the 7V forces green MechWarriors to learn how to manage heat effectively. It doesn't run hot enough to be immediately dangerous, but it'll certainly teach recruits not to panic and alpha strike at the first sign of trouble.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely a good lesson to learn for green mechwarriors.

[@tripwire31]

(Frog this is badass, thank you for doing this) Ah the Chameleon, if it was 55 tons it'd be a definite pick for me out of the other "iconic" 55 ton mechs of the 3rd Succession Wars era. This thing has looked badass since it showed up in TRO:3058 and the CGL design is STELLAR! The standard 7V, 7VQ, 7Z are my preferred variants of the Chameleon. While the 7V has single heat sinks I just treat it like the Thunderbolt 5SE, it's a brawler, though one made of glass. The 7VQ is just a fun Wobbie mech that I will absolutely be turning my first Chameleon into once the Mercs kickstarter boxes hit shelves. It's a mean mech almost like the Exterminator 4D, and again it can't take as much of a beating. The 7Z is certainly an odd choice, but it's a mech I treat more like a 50 ton Awesome with lasers that will brawl until it gets cored (very likely due to XL engine) Once again Frog, thank you for getting a vid on this mech out to show people other great mechs that's not just another TRO:3025 beasts.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you. I'm glad people are seeing the good in it and not just the two audio hiccups.

[@anthonyspecf]

The Chameleon. The most common mech in the Inner Sphere that never shows up :D. It does make an appearance in Crescent Hawk's Inception, but not really outside of that. I get it, it's a trainer. Still, I find that amusing.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah it's basically forgotten after CHI.

[@NutjobGTO]

I like the 8V because it looks like a completely shocked face

[@STSGingie]

Its a handsome mech for sure. Its that big Battlemaster dome cockpit canopy that does it for me. Its also nice to see a mech dedicated to training and not just old hand-me-down chassis no one wants anymore. The automated grading computer was also a nice touch.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I thought it would be fun.

[@Kingofdragons117]

Reminder the Crockett was a training mech as well. XD

[@STSGingie]

@Kingofdragons117 Good reminder, it was also pressed into front line service but unlike the Chameleon, it went extinct till the war of 3039.

[@BoisegangGaming]

Honestly the chameleon having heat issues makes sense as a training mech. Teaching pilots when to press their heat sinks and when to cool off is probably really hard in-universe. In general, training mechs seem like they're absolutely necessary because of how different a mech would handle compared to a human body. Getting a pilot adjusted to that would be very difficult, even with a neurohelmet. Proproception and information processing would probably be a lot to take in at first.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely.

[@sim.frischh9781]

Chameleon MF. When you really want the underdog to become OP. I like the design and even the old artwork, but i am also honestly glad they gave it a rework. Harri Kallio made the mech really look nice yet pretty much stayed completely true to the very first iteration.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Totally agree. And don't give the MF to a greenhorn. They cannot be trusted with that much expensive technology.

[@GenMagnus]

I love your "Why Do We Love..." series! I always look forward to seeing your releases. On an editing note, on the 7V, the page lists the engine as a 300, but your narration notes it as 200.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you.

[@bthsr7113]

That heat issue feels helpful for teaching restraint and range bracketing.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely.

[@covahredro8370]

This is the first time I've seen this mech, but funnily enough it looks incredibly similar to ones I used to dream about as a kid(especially the cockpit area). In the dream we were fighting in a a rocky desert with high rock mountains(like some places in the States). There was 3 of us piloting these mechs, two of us had already been destroyed. One slammed high into a mountain side as though it was sitting on a throne. Cockpit destroyed and bellowing black smoke. The other a wreak on the ground near by also bellowing black smoke. Then me fighting in the last one standing, fighting again two mechs, one bipedal that as orange and looked thin simplar to the Transformer combiner devastater and the other a quad like mechanical dog/bull that was also orange and thin looking. Most of the combat was mainly physical attack by each machine, almost a standing wrestling match trying to topple the other to the ground. I managed to void the charging attacks of the bull type and put it down with a few good shots to the head. But got tripped over by a bunch of people using framing trackers and cables. I ejected just as my mech was being destroyed, hiding up in the mountain side watch as they cheered our defeat. I changed out of my suit into just regular cloth and walked down to them to blend in, which I did. To then seek my revenge on later. Then the dream ended. I had this same dream several times, with small variations.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Quite the dream. I wonder if it means something... or if a mech is just a mech.

[@covahredro8370]

@@MechanicalFrog Know Idea really, sometimes it made me think, "Am I really fighting on the right side" or "why are these people my enemy?" But it was something that got me into mechs in the first place. Though I did grow up on shows like Robotech, Transformers, Exoforce and of course Battletech. I even had drawing of the mech, its weaponry and even some technical data written up about it at one time(as good as what kid can do)All gone now. But it was good to be reminded of a fond memory of a dream. So thank you

[@MechanicalFrog]

Have a good one. :D

[@Dragon_Blade]

I have a soft spot for this mech due to how much time I spent playing Crescent Hawk’s inception. This was the first mech I got really good at using. I learned how to control heat and move strategically to get through that game with this mech intact

[@bruceford6133]

I believe it was in the first BattleTech Boxed Set as the BattleMech used in the example for the Build Rules in that set. I don't have it handy to double check though at the moment. But the Chameleon has been around for far longer as that example before it was written up in that TRO.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It definitely was around. It's just a shame it didn't end up in the 3025 TRO.

[@DiggingForFacts]

It might be a trainer, but I've got mine slated to lead a warcrimes lance with a Firestarter, Wolfhound and a Hermes II. The Chameleon should be able to just edge it out in damage in a pinch and theoretically anyone willing to disregard Defiance Industries' paperwork could swap the training tech for comms equipment to create an ad-hoc command mech that could keep up with a fast cavalry lance.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"It's only a war crime if you lose." - Malvina Hazen

[@TheStraycat74]

I see Froggy video, me click thumbs up. Thanks for making the workd a slightly better place. Stuck in Chicago traffic ATM, so I'll post my 3050 full clan tech rebuild later.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you. Sorry about the traffic.

[@TheStraycat74]

@@MechanicalFrog over the road truck driver... Chicago happens.

[@jeremysaklad6703]

Bad news about the 7Z TSM refit: changing the myomer of a 'Mech requires a complete rebuild, classified as a Class F refit. You need a BattleMech factory to hand for that, and it's often easier to just build a new 'Mech from scratch at that point.

[@MechanicalFrog]

With duct tape and a dream, anything is possible.

[@ChaosTicket]

The Chameleon is a mech I discovered years ago reading about the Crescent Hawk's Inception game. Its not a bad mech, being quite well armed, fast, has jump jets, and not overly reliant on ammunition-based weapons. Its flaws? Well its got about 55% of its maximum armor, so its in the Light armor range, and it doesnt have enough single heat sinks to handle firing all its weapons. Thats pretty light in comparison to many mechs of the era. It is maybe too similar to the Phoenix Hawk though. The real shame is that the SLDF never made a stealth version with a Null Signature Generator or Chameleon Light Polarization System. Then it would live up to the name.

[@christophermzdenek]

I played that game, and the joy of sneaking it off the field in the middle of an invasion was the coolest thing ever. Not an option you'd ever consider they would include back in those days.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Might be the only game where it makes an appearance.

[@jamesmortimer4016]

The fact that the 9v packs a case 2 for that cute little halfton of MG ammo is so fucking silly. "These 500kg of MG ammo might CRITICALLY DAMAGE the mech when struck. Better give it the same protection AS MUTIPLE TONS OF AC20 SHELLS!"

[@MechanicalFrog]

It really does beg for a different weapon option...

[@Lastburn]

🎵You come and go, you come and gooooooo🎵

[@MechanicalFrog]

Do da dooo...

[@HouseDavieMerc]

I always thought that the Chameleon was a missed opportunity. During the years of the "Unseen" issue they had a copy and paste replacement for the Phoenix Hawk for games but never made a variant to match the stats. SO close.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It would have been cool to see it get some limelight after those first early years. So odd it took until the 3058 TRO to end up in one.

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

Basic upgrade from baseline: Drop all the small lasers, replace them with CASE for the MG ammo, and another ML. Swap for DHS and Heavy Ferro for the 7 tons of armor. Maybe swap that LL for an ER. Durable, cheap and fast.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Could work.

[@GrozaMariposa]

"If I listen to your lies, would you say I'm a man (a man) without conviction I'm a man (a man) who doesn't know How to sell (to sell) a contradiction You come and go, you come and go Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon You come and go, you come and go" -Pilot of the CLN-7VQ probably

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is now part of my Chameleon headcanon.

[@scottmccool7242]

Because it dominates against those Kuritans if you can get one out of the Pacifica training grounds in time. Nostalgia!

[@Brigand231]

I don't know how, but ONCE when I went back to the training grounds later in the game and lost a mech in a fight I was able to scavenge one of the ambush Jenners. The funny thing was it called it an "ENNER" without the J.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Ah yes...

[@Brigand231]

Because it's flexible and dependable for its weight even without the lore and quirks.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a pretty solid mech with some minor heat issues. Not bad for an early tech design.

[@Brigand231]

@@MechanicalFrogIn an age when Battlemechs were hard to come by and repair parts even more rare, any mech is a treasure.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

Great video! Super interesting! Just some trivia: Barnamord is Swedish. Pronounced barna roughly as (born-uh) is the word for children and Mord (murder).

[@MechanicalFrog]

I do define the word. Maybe that's the part that was cut out in the audio bug.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

@@MechanicalFrog oh no, you did fine! I been studying Swedish for a few years and saw my chance to show off!!! 😂 I don't get to do that very often 😔 lol

[@TheGiggityG]

Putting out a hell of a lot a great content frog. Great to see.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The nonsense must flow. Thank you.

[@wraith7989]

The MF version has only reinforced my undying love for the Bushwacker.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Heh.

[@haileysaint5443]

Personally, I like most of the Chameleon variants, though the classic 7V will always be loved. I took the CLN-9V and made my own variant, the CLN-9ISM. I kept with IS tech, and really just swapped the weapons load. The 9ISM mounts an ER Large Laser, a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers, and a pair of Flamers. Everything else is like the 9V.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like that would work well. Useful at all ranges.

[@Yacovo]

Countless cadets dream of headshotting an assault mech with their piddily Chameleon while in academy. Thanks for the video.

[@h.a.9880]

I feel like the original Chameleon would do well to drop the machineguns, their ammo and one small laser to invest the newly freed tonnage into some heatsinks and a bit of additional armor. Other than that, the Chameleon is a beautiful machine and it's almost a waste to have such a nice looking mech be a only a mere trainer. Well, the beauty of the BT setting is that any Mech will eventually be pressed into frontline service, once the good stuff has been wiped out in a totally-not-a-ComStar-false-flag nuclear explosion.

[@bogatyr2473]

I absolutely love the look of the Chameleon and the design fits the lore perfectly.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a good example of a solid mech that is made awesome by some really neat lore.

[@egaroadkill8701]

The Chameleon is great. Even the original with its heat issues. I had a lot of fun in an adventure with the 6th Defenders on Grand Base using a captured Chameleon with a communications setup minus the Large laser, and added two more medium lasers. The GM allowed me to spoof other mechs, and use ECM. My electronics guy would keep things interesting as we infiltrated formations, attacked bases, pilfered supplies, etc... I've played the 8 and 9V. I prefer the 9V's durability. Sibco training in the MF will be messy. Then again how to make a clan warrior omelet without breaking a few kids.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Oh that's awesome. Clan life is hard... that's for sure.

[@oninojohn]

the 9v looks good to me. many interessting tidbits in this one. good job!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks! Have a great day!

[@michaelpfister1283]

Chameleon is a great machine, especially when you do make a few tweaks to its armament. 🙂 Any 6/9/6 50-tonner is great. Its like someone decided to improve on the Phoenix Hawk and then made it a training 'mech. LOL

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a fun one.

[@RibusPQR]

Poor Mech Frog. No matter how much experience he accrues, he will still be Green.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"It's not easy being green." - Kermit the Frog

[@madcat789]

This is one of my favorite too. Can't wait for a mini to come out.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Should be a good one.

[@riptors9777]

The training mech that was introduced with crescent hawks inception i think? Wich also was the best mech you could get in that game. Good medium mech, obviously famous for being a training machine but no slouch in a real fight either. Though as usually personally i would ditch the machineguns... machinegun ammo is one of the most terrifying hazards when it comes to ammo explosions cause you wont find so much as a scrap left of the mech when it goes kabloey It can fit alot of roles on the battlefield, skirmisher, light mech hunter (especially against wasps, stingers and the like) raider... you name it the chameleon fits.. aslong as its not an outright slugfest or storming fortified positions.. then again thats not something you want to use any medium mech for if given the choice. Only downside is that due to being mainly seen as a training machine it skimps on the heating, making it rather hard to bring out all its firepower as mentioned in the video, so not exactly a beginner friendly mech in a real firefight... ironically considering that you would likely see mostly green pilots in it. As for its variants, i am not a big fan of inner sphere ER large lasers so any that carry those are in my opinion wasting weight on a way to hot for its bang weapon system, especially since the chameleon should have no issue getting any target in range of a normal large laser. Infact having 2 medium lasers and 3 additional double heatsinks would give you much better performance then any single ER large laser.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah CHI seems to be where most of us old schoolers were first introduced to the Chameleon.

[@matthewpena3932]

Just passing along a mech we will likely not see in plastic. The Thunder because the C4 version just makes me smile and it would be fun to see it in your why we love series. Edit: Interesting I guess the "Lightning" would be the Rec guide version of it so we might see the Lightning in plastic. Ya it is a different mech ish but it really uses the same base model.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Something to ponder, concerning the Thunder. It's an interesting one.

[@LazykidsWorld]

I have two in Roguetech the enemies had that annoying mimetic armor which i can never salvage 😢 and they make my hit chance 20% at best. The mechs themselves are my go-to mediums while I try to survive enough missions to get heavies into my mercenary company.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Nice to hear they perform in that game/mod.

[@mwhyte1979]

Got to say that the Mechanical Frog variant would be a vicious close range city fighter as long as the pilot realizes that they should get in quick and rip the hell out of it's opponent and then run away real fast and hide to repeat the process all over again. Remember speed and agility can equal armour as long as you don't get to cocky.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yep. Go all Muhammed Ali. Get in hit hard and get out.

[@mr6johnclark]

The Chamerlon is a thinking man's battlmech in getting into a fight specially whenhe's being backed up with an entire lance. It's basically bait

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sneaky sneak bait.

[@ManuelPombeiro]

Thanks for doing this videos. I love them. I do the #AMechADay series of posts on FB and I noticed there is a mislabel of the Chameleon CLN-7VQ "Q-'Mech" (8'41") where is labeled as the 7Z version. Thanks again for your time doing this.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks for doing what you do for the BT community.

[@spamuraigranatabru1149]

A friend of mine has been waiting for this for so long!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Today is the day!

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

I like your MF variant, but I think I would drop the small lasers in favor of either more cooling or more likely a Watchdog system. Either way you have created an excellent raider in my opinion with the MF variant.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fair enough. It's nice we can season to taste.

[@jasonhenninger8220]

The Chameleon or "So you want to be a Mechwarrior..." IS trainer: 6(7)/9(11)/6, XL, Endo, TSM, 13DHS, 11t Armor, ERPPC, 3 MLasers, SRM6 (1t A), 2 SLasers. (BV2 1809) Clan trainer: 6/9/6, XL, Endo, 8.5t Ferro, 13DHS, ERPPC, 2 ER MLasers, 2 AP Gauss (1t A), LRM15 w/A4 (1t A), targeting computer (BV2 2709)

[@MechanicalFrog]

The SRM6 is a nice touch to provide some opportunity to work with missiles.

[@Gigas0101]

I'd want to strip out the three small lasers for an extra heat sink and to go from a half to a full ton of machine gun ammo, but that somehow feels blasphemous... The machine feels like the limited sinks for that laser load are meant as a teaching tool to drill weapon discipline and heat management into new mechwarriors.

[@matthewpena3932]

This is the mech I learned to play the game with.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Awesome!

[@Takantwins]

I like the Chameleon certainly. The notion of having a heavily energy based training mech with jump jets and emphasising heat management and understanding manoeuvrability seems like a great idea. Though honestly it feels a little... Idk, big? Part of me would have been tempted to scale the design down to a 40 ton 5/8/5. You'd have saved a lot of money doing so and could still have the same weapons loadout. Guess it's not so good for preparing you for the light mech movement profile though since it's a medium and light trainer. And the MF version as always is appreciated. Seems like it'd be a nightmare to face too. TC and a large pulse? Terror. Though is it still a trainer at that point?

[@MechanicalFrog]

The IIC-MF is so pricey I'd be wary of giving it to a greenhorn.

[@EdmondHiggins]

I have used these in many campaigns over the years, because of the lore most players should have a few of these. Tthe mini looks good, Merc Kickstarter mechs when lol. Before I knew better I often used these to teach the game. (There are much better mechs & ways to onboard players.) They still feature heavily in my "Training Day" campaign start and we made a mission for the CLN-7VQ assassination. Next time get a chance I'm using this MF version, it is mean.

[@jasonfarley9025]

I think I am with you on the 9V. It seems more my speed.

[@georgesulea]

I need to play with megamech; your IIC variant looks like fun:)

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is quite nasty.

[@mako8643]

I cut my teeth on the old TRC-4B Chameleon in the 2nd edition box. Got a soft spot for this one. 🙂

[@MechanicalFrog]

Nice! Between that and Crescent Hawk's Inception. The Chameleon had a good start.

[@Aceman52]

While I like the 9V, your MF variant is a beast! Great job!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank ya. It's a bit of a cop out just making everything clan tech but, the 8 and 9V are pretty good on their own.

[@thatoneguy5856]

I bloody love the chameleon. I have a loadout in battletech advanced 3062 including heavy ferro. An XL engine. 7 X pulse lasers and enough cooling and armor to ensure it lives. Perfect for moving behind the enemy and getting engine kills

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm glad it made it into the mod.

[@thatoneguy5856]

@@MechanicalFrog what is your opinion on X pulse lasers in general?

[@dubuyajay9964]

I'd love to give the 7Z a run due to the PPC, ECM, and IFF quirk that can change ID, but I am concerned about how quickly this energy sniper with jamming can overcook.

[@dayaninikhaton]

I LOVE the Chameleon. Especially as a sneaky machine

[@MechanicalFrog]

Operation Sneaky Sneak is go.

[@madcat3525]

Great video! Looking forward to more videos.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks for watching!

[@KingMakerRook]

The Chameleon is such a good lad, for some reason my brain reads it as the Spectre’s older brother. Similar shape and a big arm laser, I think My only critique is that sometimes you refer to the original art of something, but rarely when you do that does the original art show up on screen. I think it would be nice to know which you’re referring to when you talk about it. Also the last couple videos have had random moments of audio cutting out. Otherwise, loving these.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sorry about the audio issues. I'm working on a fix.

[@KingMakerRook]

@@MechanicalFrog you’re doing great work, hopefully the issue isn’t one that you have spend a ton of hassle on

[@fenny1578]

Lizrd,,, lizrd run hot and look both ways at once,,, is good lizrd,,, Another one of those mechs I wish flands would have let capture bases lol. One day I'll get in that discord and go nuts explaining the history of btmuxs to you. :x

[@g3heathen209]

Audio cuts out around the 11:30 mark.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks. Sorry about that. Working to fix the issue.

[@wraith7989]

I always found it odd that a training mech didn’t have any kind of missile or ballistics weapons on it. They kind of need to know how to use those things too.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah that's the only thing missing. Maybe that's what the Wasp is for.

[@jasonfarley9025]

Yeah, I do like a Chameleon. Bit light in the armament department, at least once heat is taken into consideration. It's also amusing how little training most Mechwarriors get in using ammo based weapons. I am not sure if you want to encourage green warriors to fight like ammo will never run out!

[@Bluehairedgirl89]

(Thank you for all the work you put into this video it was really good and I enjoyed it. It’s nice to see that old training mech get some teeth. I especially liked your MF version at the end. Although because of my own weirdness I would have preferred a all pulse laser design rather than use Er lasers, even if it meant using less of them. Thank you for designing your own variant and testing it out.)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you enjoyed it! Have a lovely day.

[@Bluehairedgirl89]

@@MechanicalFrog thank you! You too!

[@randyslater199]

Love the Chameleon IIC-MF the most, Special Forces Training Mech ;)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah I wouldn't trust that one with a greenhorn.

[@nukenuked5749]

Sweet mate a new video Was just watching explorer corps again for the 3rd time wile on a long drive Thanks again mate for another amazing video mate Got to get over to the USA one day and sit down for a beer or six with you frog Have a good one mate

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a lot. I needed this comment after some rough ones this morning. Have a great day.

[@nukenuked5749]

Will tonight mate partying with my gf and thanks mate

[@nukenuked5749]

and thanks again mate you make my drives home so much better thanks again mate

[@Cobalt-60]

I use the original variant in 3025 light recon lances as the command vehicle accompanying Wasps, Stingers, and Locusts. It's job is to protect the unit as it falls back from attacks launched by faster recon mechs like the Jenner, Spider, or Assassin. Recon lances IMO should not be in combat with medium or heavy lances but meeting their surveillance and flanking missions and then leave. And I do use the even more lightly armored 3025 version with 4xSL (not 3x) but design fixed by moving the MG ammo to the side torso. This version (along with the other lights) is brutal against infantry.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I can see it absolutely excelling in that role.

[@Cobalt-60]

Yeah, it will never alpha-strike with all its weapons, but have such an incredibly diverse load-out, it can deal damage at any range. Any 3025 mech that moves faster than 6/9/6 is going to either: A) not have much in the way of long range firepower; B) not have much in the way of armor; or C) by the time it gets to the Chameleon will most likely not be able to survive a point blank attack from 2xML, 4xSLs, and 2xMGs (26 pts. max damage) {or if in an adjoining hex drop one of the ML and a punch from a 50-ton mech!!!}

[@MechanicalFrog]

Versatile and agile. I like it.

[@Cobalt-60]

The only mod that we allowed to it under the older rules was that we said that you could not change any of the weapon systems (the targeting system would not handle it), BUT you could pull the PXH-1D trick and remove the MGs and ammo and add 2 more heat sinks. Deals with not only some of the heat issue, but also removes the ammo explosion issue (while degrading the anti-infantry ability). The 4xSL version (TRC-4B) {fixed with the MG ammo moved to the LT} still has [admittedly not great...] only 96 pts. of armor. The rare HER-2M and JR-7F are the only 7/11+ move mechs with more armor. Neither of which has a LL.

[@laggybum3218]

Another mech I would live to see in MWO!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It would be nice to see in the game, for sure.

[@leonasmith6180]

Your voice over is fading in and out, but still a thumbs up from me. Leona

[@MechanicalFrog]

Huh... Thanks.

[@chrissegee]

Great trainer, cheap, prolific, decent armor and loadout. Probably wont immediately die when that lucky PPC/LL hits you unlike a Stinger/Wasp or a Locust, Cicada

[@MechanicalFrog]

Not immediately dying is a good thing.

[@chrissegee]

@@MechanicalFrog unless you are a Capellan ….

[@randomnetsurfer]

Word of Blake "kerfuffle".... LOL!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It seems to work.

[@Primearch-GG]

Who doesn't love an (in)organic fly swatter?😉

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent point.

[@dubuyajay9964]

06:28. Is this one of the reasons Rasalhague has been hesitant to join the IlClan despite being all smiles on the surface? 08:23. What about the 10 default single heat sinks that are standard on all fusion reactors? Wouldn't that cover an Alpha Strike?

[@mr6johnclark]

the first mech i've piloted on Crecent hawks revenge... Yes that dates me.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's ok. The first time I played with it was in the original Mechwarrior PC game. We're all old here.

[@mr6johnclark]

yup @@MechanicalFrog

[@Ironclockwork]

There really needs to be better training missions for newcomers to the Mechwarrior franchise. I've always felt that a lot of the "tutorial" content in the Mechwarrior titles are either nonexistent or somewhat... minimal. On the other side... that song from the Culture Club is now today's earworm in my head. Dammit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Uh oh... hope it escapes.

[@mathewkelly9968]

If you could get away with one of these at the start of the Cresent Hawks Revenge you where doing fantastic

[@biggestboss1756]

if you use the latest dev versions of megamek there is a berserk princess setting that makes the ai much more aggressive

[@MechanicalFrog]

Coming at me all fists and elbows like a whirling dervish...

[@uroghai3439]

Sound cuts out a few times. 😢

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sorry.

[@Primearch-GG]

For once, a mech frog variant that's not only a 2C, but takes the MF initials at face value.😘

[@MechanicalFrog]

It has the pew pew.

[@edwardson6825]

For a true training mech it should have dropped most of the medium and small lasers and installed an LRM5 and and an SRM2. That gives it everything but the autocannon for a trainee to practice with.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fair point.

[@jonbezeau3124]

One would think the Shadowhawk would make an ideal trainer, with moderate mobility, a slightly cheaper engine, and an excellent spread of weapons to work with.

[@nexusofice9135]

Honestly I always like modifying this mech. But it is really useful on a narrative level of play when it can look like something else. Lol

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you like it!

[@Kpiozero]

I love the Chameleon, but I’ve always thought that it should have some sort of missile systems, I mean trainees gotta learn to use them too right?

[@MechanicalFrog]

That is the one thing it's lacking. Then again, the Wasp exists so perhaps that is for missile day.

[@darranhirose8153]

Is it just me or are there some audio bugs (pun intended) with this video? Music keeps playing but the voice cuts out

[@Primearch-GG]

Not just you, it was there last video too, mech frog knows about it as well.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sorry. I'm working to fix it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sorry. Working to fix it.

[@claytonhollowell4488]

Clan Woof, what are you gonna do? Watch as Alaric makes the victims of this atrocity his beeeotch just by negging them like he's some kind of super pick-up artist. Or something...

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds plausible.

[@Pestolents]

03:10 you said Vlar 200 not Vlar 300. Just an FYI not a nit-pick I still love your stuff. 11:01 you loose audio for about two seconds. 11:18 sound droped again, but longer this time. sorry man

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks. I'm trying to find a fix that won't result in this kind of thing.