Why Do We Love the Valkyrie?

Today, we look at one of my favorite Inner Sphere Light Mechs!
Valkyrie IIC-MF Record Sheet: www.dropbox.co...
Resources: TROs: 3025,3050,3039. Legends Sourcebook. First Succesion War Sourcebook, Wars of Reaving Sourcebook, Shrapnel #11, IlClan Rec Guide 09, Field Manual 3085
Novels:
Warrior: Coupe. Book 3 of the Warrior Trilogy
Warrior: En Garde
Main Event
Thank you to Dwane Loose, Anthony Scroggins, Matt Plog, Bishop Steiner, Alan Blackwell, Chris Lowry, Dale Eadeh, Harri Kallio, and all the other BattleTech artists that have brought the IP to life through their amazing work.
BattleTech imagery and mech info remains the property of Topps.
Some imagery/video from Pixabay
#BattleTech #Mechwarrior #CatalystGameLabs #lore

[@dayaninikhaton]

A introtech refit I do is remove the LRM-10 and replacing with a pair of LRM-5s. Frees up a ton for more reloads, prevents a single hit from knocking the missile capability from being lost entirely, and allowing for indirect split fire.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That's an interesting swap.

[@ioanmilenov5231]

LRM-5s are really weight efficient as it turns out. I love this refit on my CN9-A in combination with removing a ton of LRM ammo as well. Let’s you pack on an extra ton of armor to shore up those side torsos and an extra heat sink to boot.

[@ambientlight3876]

I've created a 3025 tech variant that includes a 180 Fusion and moves 6/9/6, has 10 heat sinks, 5 tons of armor, a medium laser, as well as an LRM 10 and one ton of armor. Wanna go Clan tech? My clan variant has endo steel, 10 double heat sinks, moves 5/8/5, possess IS case, 6 tons of armor, a ER CLAN Medium laser, plus a CLAN LRM 20 with 2 tons of ammo. How's that for fun?

[@dwwolf4636]

3x MML3......

[@huckjeffrey5057]

I have always done that with any LRM-10 armed mechs.

[@stephenknizek2651]

Operating at company level merc contracts, a trio of Valkyries led by a Phoenix Hawk lance commander is an amazing Striker Lance package.

[@MechanicalFrog]

**Slaps lance** We can cram so many LRMs into this thing.

[@macrux152__8]

Valkyrie is a decent light mech, If you don't want PPC's(Panther), or Large Lasers(Wolfhound), or a TON of small weapons(Firestarter), then what you need is the Valkyrie.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's nice to have a few around.

[@mattikuokkanen]

The only advantage I see in Valkyrie over Dervish is the cost. Am I missing something?

[@catboxvideo]

@@mattikuokkanen i believe IN Universe the reputation, cost, ease of maint, and quantity available have a great deal to do with it.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

Because of were it was built and availability, the Valkyrie was the standard light/recon mech of the Fed Suns.

[@mattikuokkanen]

@@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey Somewhat redundant with Dervish as both are made in FedSuns. "But it's a light 'Mech..." So what? I suppose quantity over quality serves garrison and militia forces to cover more ground. In offensive oriented forces Valkyrie just eats limited 'Mech cubicles on DropShips. Other than that, Valkyrie as FedSuns 'Mech would have made much more sense if Dervish had remained in Lyran Commonwealth instead moving over before Valkyrie was even on the drawing board.

[@enthusiasticgrog465]

We thank you Shoji Kawamori and the Macross franchise.

[@blktom]

Unseen in the house!

[@frankb3347]

The original QA always frustrates me. It could easily move at 6/9/6 (keeping up with Wasps and Phoenix Hawks) simply by switching the LRM 10 to two LRM 5s and dropping the redundant heat sink. That wouldn't really change it's performance other then let it keep up with it's piers. As is it's always lagging behind. :/

[@MechanicalFrog]

True. But like many of the 3025 designs, they're deliberately not min-maxed on purpose.

[@JadeHarpy]

I actually just painted a Valkyrie VLK-QD for my sister to introduce her to Battletech over the holidays. She thinks it looks cool and likes missiles, I like that it has just two weapons that are both solid and reliable enough to make a new player feel like they're punching above their weight

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's absolutely a good starter mech.

[@Mofflin1]

This is the way.

[@RyeFields]

Its definitely one of the best mechs to also learn tabletop on, as it teaches range brackets to newer players once they have a handle of the game. Sometimes weird works surprisingly well

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is absolutely a good learner mech! Good point.

[@screenmonkey]

Ah yes, you ripped off our wasp, and added 10 more tons

[@MechanicalFrog]

"How dare you?"

[@lexington476]

The Stinger is better anyways 😀.

[@blktom]

Wasp (and Stinger) LAM is 30 tons... and he did say LAM.

[@Takantwins]

The MF version is a real interesting one. iATMs don't get brought up all that much, so it's nice to see them used. When messing around with the design I also leant into a IIC variant. Kept the speed, upped the tonnage to 35. Endo and Ferro, obviously, and standard engine. Main weapons became an LRM15 w. Artemis and two tons of ammo, and an ER Large laser in the arm. A small pulse laser in the CT adds some Anti infantry firepower if needed, and 11 double heat sinks means it can jump and fire the long range weapons with impunity. Makes it more a sniper/fire support hybrid but I dug it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I like that. The ER LL and the LRMs are a good long range combo.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

This mech makes a great partner to something more short ranged. Like a commando.

[@MechanicalFrog]

100% Agreed.

[@Linda-zf2ps]

When I first played BattleTech back in 1988, the first two mechs I rolled up were a Locust and a Valkyrie. The Locust didn't last too long, but that Valkyrie was still active 12 years later, having survived countless lance-level table top games, and even company-level games against Clan tech players. Used wisely, it is a great indirect fire support mech, the LRM 10 just powerful enough to eventually whittle the armor off anything up to 60-65 tons without exposing itself too much.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is a survivor.

[@Bomfunker91]

The Valkyrie is one of those mechs I keep forgetting exists, but every time I remember it, I go "Oh yeah...I like this little fella." It and the Panther are a very interesting deviation from the norm for light mechs.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"I just think it's neat."

[@ursulcx299]

Everytime you said "QD" i heard "Cutie" and I was like "Damn that's a nice nickname for this lil guy"

[@MechanicalFrog]

That was totally deliberate and not just my mush mouth.

[@scytheseven9173]

The Valkyrie's a good trooper for the succession wars. It's a bit slow, but it manages heat well and can put out decent ranged damage with that LRM-10. It doesn't have great endurance, with only 12 shots, but that should be adequate for most singe engagements, especially since it's a light 'Mech and thus should be trying to limit its time in engagements. Thanks for the video, MechFrog!

[@krissteel4074]

It is quite a good idea to keep the context of the era of the mech's rise and production. For the time it was made it was tough enough and fast enough as a longer ranged harasser, but most importantly it wasn't hugely expensive either which is something to factor in over a long period of time. That and you might not survive on the front lines of the succession wars very long in 30t of anything else!

[@workshoptelescope]

“It was also cheap enough that risks could be taken on missions where its loss would not be the catastrophe the loss of a heavy fire support mech would for a guerrilla group’s efforts.”

[@demonicfleas]

I think the VLK-QA would pair well with a Commando 2D. Looking forward to giving it a shot.

[@rmcdudmk212]

It can work. I have a friend who likes to run those two in a pair he liked to run up the flanks while heavys drew fire.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I bet it would.

[@aytakk]

R.I.P Angus. Glad you included that story.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Going to keep sneaking them in from time to time.

[@BadB-WingPilot]

I'm going to be super vanilla and say my favorite variant is the VF-1A. The YF-19 is a close second.

[@MechanicalFrog]

If it works, it works.

[@riptors9777]

An actually very decent light fire support mech, either as fire support for larger mechs or as part of a raid/guerillia lance wreaking havoc on the enemies supply lines. What speaks in favour for the valkyrie is her maneuverability in dense terrain, making it possible for her to strike and then jump into the security of heavy woods or partial cover no problem. The LRM 10 also makes it more effective against vehicles then the panther, giving up to 2 chances for motive system crits on any tank. And with its speed and jump capability it will have no problem getting in those side and rear firing arcs to trigger those crit chances. The valkyrie is definatly a team player though and not for lone wolfs, so the pilot has to know the limitations of his machine... no heroics or grand solo actions with this one. The other downside is ofcourse its dependency on ammo. That LRM 10 is only backed up with a medium laser, so long protracted fights are not in her favor, hence the aforementioned guerillia/raider role. For the mech commander the valkyrie is a cheap yet effective fire support mech with some tactical and due to its maneuverability even strategic possibilities that will perform well in most team setups. Definatly a thumbs up from me for any merc unit starting out or looking for a good mech to hand to fresh recruits, cant go wrong with a valkyrie

[@tenchraven]

Late to the party, but... Best mod I've found to the Valk is to swap the LRM-10 with a SRM-6 and a pair of MGs. Replaces both the Stinger and the Wasp, and the change is simple enough. If you went with one MG, half a ton of ammo, you could put in a second ton of SRM ammo, but thats a YMMV change. Either way, you field them in a pairs with the basic model. With the QD, your choice of a real ML for the range is the change I make, to. Or S-SRM6 in place of the LRM w/ Art. It's a lot of "hi, how yah doin?" for it's weight. But an XL in a 35 tonner is a waste of C-bills. And the Clan rebuild is a waste of tech- LRM20-C and an ERML-c w/ 5/8/5. Because it's funny and cheap

[@Yacovo]

Putting an XL enginein a light mech like the QT2 definitely is putting a lot of faith in that mech's armor. Thanks for the video.

[@MechanicalFrog]

No doubt!

[@Vulpine407]

In the old, OLD days of Battletech (I'm talking mid-80s) back before there was a BV system to rate a 'mech's cost/effectiveness, most gaming groups chose forces based strictly on tonnage. In this, the Valkyrie was a very good buy. You could get three of them for 90 tons and that allowed you to harass heavier 'mechs by surrounding them and using the Valk's superior movement to stay at LRM ranges, thus denying opponents the use of their mid to short range weapons at most times. If your group allowed simple system swaps, then a Valk with two LRM 5s instead of the LRM 10 allowed you to pack more reloads in, thus increasing the time you could bombard opponents at long range. this became even more effective if you had a lance with a good, fast spotter in the fourth position feeding targeting data to your three Valkyries. Such a lance could be "purchased" for as little as a hundred and twenty tons. Even after the advent of BV and C-bills, Valkyries continued to be good buys.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

The Valkyrie has always been one of my favorite light mechs. Merry Christmas to you and your family Mr. Frog.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a good one. Thanks so much. Happy Holidays and have a great 2023!

[@freeranger00]

The Valkyrie is sort of the secret weapon of the 3025 lights. Few give it a second look, but if you employ it correctly the only thing that it really needs to fear is a Phoenix Hawk. Shame that the Dracs and Fed Suns never got along, because a lance of a Jenner, Panther, and two Valkyries would be a lot to handle for many heavier opfors. I enjoy using the Valkyrie, I have a friend who hates them and Enforcers. Using a Fed Suns lance to teach new players about range brackets and cover is a lot of fun.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm so glad to hear it's getting good use and is successful.

[@kathilmechworks4895]

Do like these a ton. One of the best light guerilla fighters out there. It isn't an accident that the Allard brothers both held off much bigger mechs with these.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a solid one.

[@Ironclockwork]

Considering how much House Kurita was laying on the pressure during the First Succession War, the fact that the Valkyrie could pull its weight in sustainable combat is proof positive of its solid design.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good point.

[@jefaus06]

Because it only goes 5/8/5, the Valkyrie misses the flexibility to be in Scout/Screening forces, where it can more easily disengage, and finds itself in Quick Reaction/Vanguard forces facing Mediums and Fast Heavies. That's my logic for why it isn't as popular. I'm reminded that the Valkyrie joins quite a few light LRM Mechs, such as the Firefly and Hornet which struggle with speed, but are with less armor, but more close in bite. That extra armor is a wise choice. A variant I recently made installs both Ferro-Fibrous and Endo-Steel to install the same powerplant that is in the Javelin into the mech. It keeps the same weapons and heatsink loadout and boosts the Jumping range to 180 meters. Being only 275,600 C-Bills more than the original QA model, I could see this version being popular with people looking to increase the scouting potential of their forces. Such version coming out before the VLK-QD is probable, as it uses less advance tech. Maybe in 3044 or slightly earlier.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like a decent trade for some bonus speed.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

Ahh, the Valkyrie :) One of my favourite Light Mechs. I wished it were faster but you can't have everything. The variant I used most often in the Merchant Adventurers Company (Thackstone's Battalion, 3rd Crucis lancers RCT) was the VLK-CC - this stripped out the weapons suite and replaced them with a pair of SRM6's. Essentially a slower implementation of the concept in the 10N Javelin. I used to run them paired with a Jenner to really do a number on enemy back armour and internals.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a fun one. And adorable too.

[@RightClickAnxiety]

I havent played Battletech or MechWarrior since I was a teenager, but I have a lot of love for the games and the universe. I just wanted to comment that I love the aesthetics of the Archer mech and I used to run one that I built with the super long range ICBM type missles from the Battletech additional materials book (I forget what it's called, it had the rules for mechs that transform into jets). God I loved Battletech, wish I had friends to play nearby.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Archer is great. I'm looking forward to doing a video for it some day soon.

[@WickedPrince3D]

I got to play in a tourney at a con some years back. The rules were 1 or more mechs, total weight 75 tons; any tech. Everyone else took clan mechs with clan equipment. I decided I was not playing to win, nor playing to be in the center of the fight, I wanted to remain mobile so if I was being outgunned I could get the heck out of dodge. For these reasons I picked a Phoenix Hawk and a Valkyrie. I do seriously wish I could remember all the modifications I made; but my doctrine at the time was usually XL-engine, double heat sinks, and upgraded weapons. I kept both mechs at standard speed for their main design; usually keeping most energy weapons as standard because I felt the range addition wasn't worth 50% more heat. I am pretty sure my Valk had the LRM upgraded to a 15 with an extra ton of ammo. The intention being to never put it in the line of fire. The P-Hawk remained mostly stock outside of the XL-engine and double heat sinks while improving armor a little; possibly upgrading the Large Laser to an ER to improve ranges to match most enemy mechs long ranged weaponry; and possibly medium pulse lasers, and removing the MGS and ammo for extra heat sinks. At one point I jumped up to the roof of a large building to discover a madcat also popping ground enemies from above on the far side of the roof. Determined to make somebody feel my wrath I charged the 'cat and successfully pushed it off the roof. Didn't kill it unfortunately but I did manage to put some more damage into it before going down. The Madcat of course did not last much longer than I had. With very inferior equipment I ruined a madcat's day, which I counted as a win.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Perhaps it humbled the Timberwolf's mechwarrior a bit? Probably not...

[@WickedPrince3D]

@@MechanicalFrog Yeah he wasn't terribly amused, but I thought it was hilarious. :D

[@keebbles]

I went with 2 LRM 5s to save tonnage and split them to each side so I could retain a working LRM in case of damage. Half ton Fascam A, half ton swarm, and full ton regular ammo in Case to save mech. Area denial, area effect damage and std ammo for traditional usage. The med laser eventually was chanded to 2ER smalls , on each arm. Sprawlings improved JJs for that extra jump boost distance. Armor was increased and only frame changed to IS later. I wanted a PWS but tonnage and space was always a problem. Flirted w adding a SRM4 ct with ammo there, but mech became a logistics nightmare for ammo above specialty ammo needs. What I did do was add better fire control, ECM, sensors, & comms. The CT got active probe added and extra HS. A light TAG was added to LA and RA got a med pulse upgrade. I used this as a control flanker. Seed paths, hammer infantry locations or massed mechs with swarm missiles as they moved to cleared mine field paths. Fade and spot w/tag or continue bombardment until I ran dry and withdrawl to resupply LRM bins. As it worked in pairs with another mech damage, intel, and control were more easily achieved. Locusts w LRM mod, or better yet a Bug with LRM 15 with same ammo profile as mine and using my Tag data could really hammer larger mechs to point that once they reached frontlines their armor was severly reduced and possible crits and heat probs were extant. Most damage would be to legs from fascam A and swarms barrages. Again Tag let our artillery mechs have a field day unseen by enemy. Stingers with tag in place of mgs were also used to keep enemy guessing. Sometime lrms would be fired in plain view targeting ground to make enemy believe more mines were in play. Mixed shots of fascam A and LRMs possible from the split lrms allowed for this deception 😊. If my valkyrie had to fire its lasers. Something had gone wrong in plans. Using fascam A also allowed our mechs to seed and area and use it as an escape path.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Better to have the lasers and not need them, than to need them and not have them. Solid build.

[@77professional]

Reasonable and mobile fire support on a budget.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Not too shabby and good to have a few around.

[@77professional]

@@MechanicalFrog I made a custom Dark Age one for one of my mechwarriors. XL Engine, 6/9/5, 6 tons of Light Ferro, Endo Steel, LRM-10 with two tons of ammunition and case, and finally a Clan ER Large Laser replacing the standard laser. It is a nasty mech that punches above its weight but almost never enough to become a priority target if in a medium lance but is terrifying to another light lance. You can get a similar result with an IS ER Large Laser and dropping a ton of ammunition but I don't think it is quite worth it for what you get.

[@bthsr7113]

It's a light missile platform with respectable output while retaining flexibility. I could easily see building a mercenary or beefy garrison force around these. And like other mechs whose name was made in the Succession wars without advanced tech to lose, there's a whole lot of improvements to make with salvage and proliferation of more advanced tech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sure there are some pretty wacky field refits out there.

[@thecuriousanthropologist]

This is one of my favorite light Mechs. I use a Bushman model (from Fang of the Sun Dougram) as a proxy for it in my games of Alpha Strike. It may have something to do with how they are used, but I never saw one be destroyed in a game. There were some close calls but the Valkyries always pulled through and were always an annoyance to their opponents, firing from afar and making sure they could never ignore their backs. It isn't fast, nor the most well armored or armed, but it is cheap enough to add one in almost any lineup and it will always carry its own weight.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Absolutely agree.

[@sim.frischh9781]

It took a couple of iterations until i found a version i like, but the current artwork looks solid. Not spectacular, but solid. Personally i like the mech but on the base version i would opt for 2 LRM5s and an additional ton of ammo. The QDD seems pretty much like the ultimate version. Overall the machine is a great design in that it commits sensibly to an important role with budget being minded as well. Great mech!

[@MechanicalFrog]

I just saw that dual LRM-5 idea and it's not too shabby.

[@sim.frischh9781]

@@MechanicalFrog I never understood why people keep using LRM10s where two LRM5s would be much more efficient. Unless you include ARTEMIS, the 5s are significantly better a choice. Heck, give the majority of mechs with an LRM10 two 5s instead and you could drop the price of LRM5s due to mass production!

[@DIEGhostfish]

I dislike the new head.

[@sim.frischh9781]

@@DIEGhostfish It´s not the prettiest, but hey, you can´t please everyone. Personally i like both the Project Phoenix and the Matt Plog one.

[@robbybarbera]

The reason for the QF refit was so you could blast Ride of The Valkyries, while yelling about your love of napalm in the morning over the comm links.

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is an excellent point.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

Your iATM build is something I need to research, but it looks good on paper. The Valkyrie makes an excellent light raider as well as light combat unit. The extra armor giving it much greater durability than an average light.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I took some flack for using that clan homeworld tech but, thankfully I have a note that reads, "I can do what I want."

[@michaelpfister1283]

I have played with the Valkyrie quite a bit, and I love this machine. My "go to" in the ilClan era is a modified -QD that has had a weapons refit. Lore reason is accumulated battle damage has forced various weapons to be replaced over the years. The LRM-10 becomes a pair of LRM-5s, still fed by a single ton of ammunition. (sorry! LOL) The medium pulse laser has become a medium x-pulse laser, backed up by a pair of small x-pulse lasers. Armor is 6 tons of light ferro-fibrous. It leans into the role of battle armor killer, but still has a decent LRM punch. I also have a second upgrade variant that uses clan-spec weaponry ... but I am keeping that one a secret. he he he

[@MechanicalFrog]

I can forgive the 1 ton of ammunition... this time. :D

[@Brigand231]

I mean, sure, it doesn't have an autocannon, but it's still a FedSuns icon. In my experience they're somewhat durable for a light mech and able to provide modest fire support en masse. Behind the scenes, of course, it shares heritage with the Wasp, Stinger, and Phoenix Hawk and is seen as the sort of middle sibling of the four so it's an actual promotion for a Wasp or Stinger pilot and a stepping stone to bigger and better things. I forget when you got into the game, but many of the designs you feature in this series trigger a lot of nostalgia because they've been around since the game was newish. I don't mean to sound critical, but I think that perspective is somewhat glazed over in this series - These days there's an "infinite" pool of designs to choose from, but back in the day it was more of a game of rock, paper, scissors when it came to choosing units. The Valkyrie easily fell into the "mobile" and "long range" categories, which was a very uncommon combination back then.

[@jamesbeard5513]

I decided to do my ilClan 'salvage' variant. Using the C as the base, the weapons are the same, the FF is increased to 5.5 tons for maximum coverage, and the Clan CASE II remains, but most of the motive system has been removed. The 150 XL is replaced with a 180 Light Engine, the XL Gyro replaced with a standard Gyro, it adds IS EndoSteel for additional weight savings, and the 8 Improved Jump Jets replaced with 6 Standard Jump Jets. This change also lets me put in an Artemis V Fire Control System for the LRM 10 and a Clan ECM suite in the head to conceal where that missle fire is coming from. It gains ground speed, improved weapon performance, and survivability for the loss of 60 meters of jumping. Granted, the variant you created would likely eat mine for breakfast, you villainous member of The Society. As far as I know, the iATM has been discarded due to its creation and use by that group and is no longer produced anywhere after the rebellion of the scientist caste. Whether that changes in the ilClan era or not, who knows, but I will say those are some nasty weapons.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like a speedy winner. I'm sure the iATM will leak out eventually, or an IS clan will discover it independently.

[@chekovsgunman]

One of my favorite Panther refits is essentially an up-gunned Valkyrie with a LRM 10 in the CT and three Medium Lasers in the arm. The weight saved from dropping the PPC and two heat sinks frees up the tonnage for a 175 engine, a fifth Jump Jet, and half a ton of armour. It’ll cook you if you try to alpha strike, though, so don’t do that.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I don't know if we're allowed to take the PPC out. The Dragon might be upset.

[@joshlong9140]

Fun and informative as ever. Thanks MF.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you enjoyed it! Have a great weekend.

[@sebastiang.5032]

I adore the Valkyrie. I have one painted for my 5th Crucis Lancers.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is a QT.

[@swiftdraw]

The long range support corner stone of my 100PV Periphery merc Alpha Strike list. Like everything else on the list (Wasp, Merlin, Marshal), it does fine until something more competent starts focusing it. It's deathly allergic to things like Firemoths and other speedy punchy things. Still, I like it for the cost. Kind of slow at only 10" on movement, the jump jets and LRM's help it keep it arms length and I try to keep the heavier Merlin and Marshal between it and any hurty things.

[@haileysaint5443]

I do like the original QA model, as well as the QD, the QD3, and possibly a few others including the Valkyrie C and your VLK-IIC-MF. However, I couldn't help trying to cram a Plasma Rifle onto the Valkyrie. I mean, I could have, but I didn't want to. So the VLK-ISM Valkyrie was born as a mixed-tech platform. It uses Clan Endo-Steel internals, a Clan Standard Fusion for durability (still retains the VLK-QA's 5/8/5 movement), Clan DHS, and 5.5 tons of Clan Ferro-Fibrous armor. Its weaponry completely alters the Valkyrie's role from light fire support to a PBI nightmare; well, sorta. In place of the LRM launcher, it mounts a Plasma Rifle with 2 tons of ammo, and replacing the right arm Medium Laser is a trio of Micro Pulse Lasers; a 4th was added to the left arm simply because I had an extra half-ton and couldn't increase the armor any more (and it didn't need Clan CASE II since the Plasma Rifle ammo doesn't explode until after it's fired at an enemy and hits them).

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm not going to find fault with the Plasma Rifle route.

[@georgesulea]

So, this may sound odd, but I find these videos soothing, and usually watch a mech video before drifting off. Thank You Sir.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Now imagine trying to be a student in one of my history classes. It'd be the best 45 minutes of sleep you got through the day.

[@georgesulea]

@@MechanicalFrog 🤣🤣🤣

[@catboxvideo]

I had a merc unit working against the clans who had a QD ended up salvaging two clan LRM 10's and some clan ER Sls and ended up swapping its MPL for a pair of clan ERSL (its arm got mangled) and installed the two LRM 10s and two tons of ammo - yes that is still technically only one ton per launcher, but the bennies of the clan LRM linked to ART IV made it a hell of a light fire support option. I will often take a Valk to pad a light lance - if they are available - another good show mate.

[@DIEGhostfish]

You seem to be describing the launcher and artemis as separate, was this Roguetech or bta 3062 rather than Megamek?

[@catboxvideo]

We always used the write up verbatum from the rules - it states that the ArtIV must be mounted in the same location as the launcher - we ruled that that meant it was an add on component and could be ported to replacement launchers as such. Plug n play - so to speak. It was a table top campaign in the long ago before times. ... ... listen to the stories of the old warriors, they played using cardboard mechs with crappy plastic stands.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

Not much to add here, you said it all about the Valkyrie. I've used a Valkyrie before as a #4 in command and fire lances, mostly. But as an add-on to a recon lance it works well too, especially since most scouting lights don't have long-ranged weapons. It's not fast for a light, true, but it's supposed to tag along behind the faster lights & mediums to provide LRM support. For my heavier lances the Valkyrie made a good agile & tough(er) scout that could hit encountered enemies at range, while giving indirect fire coordinates to heavier units. If closer to other lance mates when the enemy was encountered, the Valkyrie would hang back and play the bodyguard role, adding its LRMs against prime targets. All in all, the Valkyrie has a lot of longevity as a light support 'mech, and its upgrades mainly reinforce that characteristic. More bang for the C-bill compared to a bug or a comparable role Medium, and it'll probably last longer than both.

[@joelaugustin6407]

My QD1 won the final dual of a match when my brother's Griffin headshot my King Crab. We both had one flight of LRMs left and his missed while I crit his ppc. He conceded since he had a gyro crit and couldn't chase me down or outrange my ERML. The Valkyrie is one of my favorite lights alongside the Wolfhound and Piranha.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent win for the Valkyrie!

[@ambientlight3876]

The Valkyrie is a solid, well armored light 'Mech that also survives due to something that a lot of light mechs lack: a solid long range weapons. It's not a great scout due to its lack of speed but it does great as part of a fire Lance.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Quite true. It's a solid one.

[@ambientlight3876]

Its been a while, but I thought I'd add a new comment!: What about a variant with a Clan LRM 20?? I'm sure it could be done without even using an XL engine. Yes and 2 tons of ammo of course :)

[@user-cp4ku4gs7q]

Love the Valk in all it’s forms

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glorious!

[@AlmostWicked]

I fell in love with the QS5 variant.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's an interesting one.

[@TheStraycat74]

3050 full clan tech rebuild of the Valkyrie. 5/8/5, Endo-steel, clan XL and DHS, 5 tons standard cockpit and gyro, 5.5 tons fero-fiberous, 2.5 tons jumpjets, leaving 13.25 tons of pod space. PRIME config: 2 LRM-10 (r/lt) with 2t ammo (r/lt cased), 2 ERML (ra), 3 MG (la) with 0.5t ammo (cased), 2 extra DHS, 2 clan mech flamers LA. ALT-A: Large Pulse Laser (ra), 2 MPL (la) 2 DHS, 2 Flamer (la), 0.25 cargo (player choice, would fit an elemental i think?) Alt-B: 4 Streak SRM-4's (r/lt), 4t streak ammo (r/lt cased), 3 MG (la), 0.5t MG ammo (la cased)

[@MechanicalFrog]

I like that Prime config.

[@TheStraycat74]

@@MechanicalFrog there are Flamers on prime and alt-A, so mini-frog would love it!

[@kenhodge9046]

This mech is pretty friggin fun. One of the few minis I have been trying to get hold of, 2 or 3 is the goal.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Definitely a fun one. And that's important.

[@Xenophon_Xanthippus]

I like making the LRM10 into 2x LRM5s. Saves a ton for either more ammo or a 2nd medium laser. Choose either greater longevity at long range or more brawling potential once exhausting your missiles.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I hear that's a common field refit.

[@mathewkelly9968]

While I loathe the Federated Suns as a Capellan Partisan I've always been a fan of this mech despite the hit or missness of the LRM 10

[@MechanicalFrog]

When the dice gods smile, it can be quite the asset.

[@Mofflin1]

I absolutely love the Valkyrie, but I always felt that it suffers from what I call Shadow Hawk syndrome. It tries to do something at every range bracket and rarely takes enemy scalps as a result. All the same it’s a durable scout and nice work covering it. On a side note I also had to laugh that half the stories of them involved them getting utterly dunked on even when the protagonist is piloting it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is fair.

[@hentaioverwhelming]

The Valkyrie is the only mech where it is appropriate to play Wagner's "RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES" into combat

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent point.

[@ryvius555]

I'm entirely sure why, but I love the Valkyrie. Have a whole lance of them for my Lyran Guards, a Royal Guard, one for a merc unit, and a Valkyrie C for my Exiled Wolves. Alongside the Wolfhound its my favorite Inner Sphere light mech. Their tough, they look cool, and their fun to play with.

[@meining-mech4378]

I imagine an indie band composed of Valkyrie pilots is called “Death Cab for QD”. (LOL). - I have only used the Valkyrie once in an engagement, and not one that I think it was meant for. It languished behind cover no as not to be obliterated by any of the four assault class mechs my buddy had fielded. It is certainly better for those lower BV games, perhaps at the 6000 or lower, perhaps in pairs supporting other lights. It definitely strikes me as an insurgent kind of unit for groups unable to afford or risk losing a heavy as you pointed out. It is an attractive looking mech. I like its old art and new, but ooof the old Ral Partha model was sort of janky.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Well done on that pun. I did not own the Ral Partha model, probably because I thought it looked weird.

[@randyslater199]

Ahh the Valkyrie, already within The Collectors...... Collection though will add the MF version to give a quote from a famous 80's film.... "I LIKE IT!!!!"

[@MechanicalFrog]

"I'd buy that for a dollar."

[@spacewolfblackmane19]

It's a great little trooper much in the same vains as the legends such as the Wolfhound, and Panther. Combining in my opinion the best aspects of both, without compromising too heavily, or being unbalanced. With decent armor and weapons it can support with Lrms, and still defend itself with a medium laser or two. But it isn't quite as slow as a panther. It's a great add on if you need holes filled.

[@hideshisface1886]

A mech that is a proof that sometimes simplicity is really pretty optimal. It is not outstanding on paper, but does exactly what it was designed to do. It is a fast, agile lurm boat and it is only hampered by low ammo count. That being said - it escapes one of the biggest problems of light mechs - range. Your typical light mech is this annoying little thing that runs around like a chicken on speed between far bigger and punchier machines and is generally annoying - BUT... it is also always in range of things that can turn it into pile of molten slag. Valkyrie... doesn't have that problem. It probably should not flank on its own, but if it has a position to do so, it can do it from safer range or from good cover. And because of its long-range nature, it can also support the frontline simply by staying a bit further away - without having a the same crippling slowness of say... a Panther.

[@RedLion_52]

I actually do like to run a sniper config of the Panther using an LRM-5 and 2 large lasers.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Quite a light show.

[@Max-oi4kj]

Ооо, мне как раз сегодня пришла валькирия, сейчас пойду на почту забирать😊 Да и 12 выстрелов не так уж и мало, редко какая партия длится больше, тем более стрельба активно начинается только со 2-3 хода, если не устраивать раш по центру, но тогда и сама машина может не дожить до израсходования боезапаса. Так что это скорее в кампаниях ощущатся будет, нежели в простой партии с друзьями вечером.

[@MechanicalFrog]

You're spot on. In universe, 12 shots is not good enough. On the tabletop? the game will likely not go on long enough for it to fire 12 times.

[@ChaosTicket]

I like the Valkyrie mostly because its on of the Unseen mechs from Macross. The Valkyrie is just okay. Its decent in various areas, but unspecialized. Its slower than I would want any light mech to be. Light mechs in 3025 should have 96kph speed. They have to be able to outrun other mechs. Its absolutely worse in performance than say a Dervish or Griffin. Light mechs under the 3025 era are usually quite lightly armed. They just dont have the tonnage to carry much more than Medium Lasers. Having a Long Range Missile launcher is significant. That said I like upgrading it so see its potential. Off the top of my head I can think of several variants. #1 is a lost-tech upgrade with weight-saving equipment and mounting electronics(BAP, ECM, C3, TAG). #2 is better weapons to follow up on the Valkyrie as a Baby-Griffin(Light PPC+LRM-15). #3 is the clan upgrade.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I totally understand that people can't accept that lower speed. It is a steep price to pay.

[@roguerifter9724]

The Valkyrie is my favorite fire support Mech for lances where I want an LRM equipped Mech but don't want it taking a Medium or Heavy slot. I didn't realize Justin Allard spent much time piloting one. I thought he piloted a Blackjack when he faced Candace Liao in battle. I always thought Daniel Allard spent much more time piloting a Valkyrie then his brother did I don't like the QT2 but I might experiment with tweaking one to replace the missile Launcher with a medium Pulse Laser or 2. If you are going to lose the LRM might as well go all in on the energy weapons IMO.

[@MechanicalFrog]

He hopped around a bit before the Yen Lo Wang.

[@roguerifter9724]

@@MechanicalFrog Perhaps but I could swear Warrior: En Garde said, or at least strongly implied that the Valkyrie he piloted that day was new to his unit.rather then a machine he had a lot of experience with. Edit: I just checked. The Valkyrie wasn't just a new arrival it wasn't even permanently assigned to him or his unit. It was just loaned to them by another unit stationed on the same planet. I imagine the techs and logistics personnel from that unit wished it hadn't been recovered with all the parts and work it must have needed to be made fit for battle again/ Hell even as limited as industrial capability was in that era I'm surprised it wouldn't have been cheaper, easier, and faster, to get a replacement .

[@sethharley5557]

Loved the video thank you for sharing, i hope you and yours have a merry Christmas

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you! You too!

[@Richy0326]

The younger sibling who big brother Whitworth is very proud of.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hmm... possibly.

[@onethousandmuffins6842]

If you’re interested in another light mech that’s also a little on the slower end but also pretty tough, The Firebee is a very fun (if toasty) mech that’s great for taking legs off lighter mechs and ruining the days of combat vehicles.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hmm... I'm not sure how I feel about that one.

[@Mr_Fahrenheit_]

Awesome video, just like always. Love the Valkyrie and love the channel! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year MF!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks so much! Have a great holiday and happy New Years!

[@STSGingie]

The QD is a bit of a cutie. I laughed.

[@MechanicalFrog]

A bit silly perhaps, but I couldn't resist.

[@STSGingie]

@MechanicalFrog We all need a little more silliness in out lives so we don't take it too seriously.

[@beskar66]

Merry christmas to you to Frog and Frog family

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you, beskar. I hope you have a good Christmas and a great 2024.

[@beskar66]

@MechanicalFrog same to you Frog keep up the amazing work

[@MechanicalFrog]

The nonsense must flow.

[@135forte]

I think next time I run one, I will try the QT2. I never seem to have luck with indirect fire, I like terrain heavy maps and the Streak as a panic button sounds nice.

[@gryphon3241]

I've got a valkyrie on the painting bench right now 👍

[@MechanicalFrog]

Nice! What's it going to be painted up as?

[@gryphon3241]

@MechanicalFrog Davion, specifically the Albion Military Training Academy 2nd Training Cadre. I "need" a fed suns unit and didnt want to do a scheme that everybody does like the crucis lancers or brigade of guards. Its honestly sent me down a rabbit hole and i think i'll wind up doing military school units for all the houses

[@MechanicalFrog]

That sounds cool.

[@DairXV]

I like your Valk IIC, I personally would trade the ER Med Las for an extra ton of ATM Ammo. Likely the Inferno because external heat on someone not expecting it is fun. But yeah Valkyries are fun to bring in under Double Blind play. You're opponent figures out they are dealing with lights, and sends some accurate, if lighter damaging weapons their way, to find they didn't send enough punch to put the machine down, and probably had (in my experience) whatever lights the sent dead before they could get a visual.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I considered adding the third ton of ammo but was worried it was going a little too far to put all the eggs into one ATM basket.

[@DairXV]

@@MechanicalFrog That is fair, especially when there is a real chance of losing the ATM before expending all the ammo.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Unfortunately, true.

[@Iruelthe11]

The issue is that any scout mech has its job done better and cheaper by a combat vehicle - either by a hovercraft or a vtol

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah but... big stompy mechs...

[@lukedudley5030]

Thanks for the awesome christmas present :-) the first mech i ever used and as ive already stated one of the luckiest mechs ive ever used too :-) why do we love the valkyrie? Its because its a great support mech at a great price :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

There will be one more video on Christmas Day. Have a great one!

[@ajax31100]

When I played originally, I didn't like it. It was partly the weapon loadout and partly just the look of it. I hated the barrel arm, when other similar looking humanoid mechs like Stinger and Wasp didn't have it. About a year ago I played a premade scenario, which had a Valkyrie in it. I was much better than I remembered it being. The new catalyst sculpt may have something to do with my change of opinion, too.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Well, I'm glad your opinion came around on it. :D

[@willh8950]

I like the look of the Valkyrie but ive been super unlucky with it. In a 3049 Merc company campaign ive been playing, I have a Valkryie jokingly named “Lady Death” by my friends as three pilots have been killed in it within 12 missions, starting with mission one drop one killing the units 3rd in command when a scorpion got a floating crit that hit the Ammo on the first shot. 🙃

[@lordilluminati5836]

This mech needed a partial wing system

[@MechanicalFrog]

Agreed

[@verysilentmouse]

Valk is my favourite light

[@MechanicalFrog]

A solid choice.

[@HouseDavieMerc]

The criticism of the Valkyrie not having enough LRM ammo and/or not having enough secondary weapons is dead on. Replacing the 11th heat sink for either seems like a huge improvement. How often do you really split fire in a light mech anyway to need that H/S ? Since what makes it special is the LRM I'd pick more ammo. The VLK-QF variant with the flamer is underappreciated. It's 70 BV less then the original and gives you an anti-infantry weapon. Valkyries seem to pair well with the other Davion light-the Javelin.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I can't say I'd ever use the Flamer variant. It just feels too vulnerable.

[@HouseDavieMerc]

@@MechanicalFrog When Fire and Smoke rules were part of the standard rule set it was more valuable. In time limited games where running out of ammo isn't a concern and forces are limited to mostly lighter units and infantry it's cheap support. My local groups like scenarios with mixes of round limits, objectives, unit weight limitations , and/or some RATs . Outside of those situations I would usually stick with the standard.

[@spectre111]

I don't think the Valkyrie is a bad mech, I just think the Panther is better. All hail The PPC!

[@Tatsu_of_Liao]

The Frog strikes again!

[@MechanicalFrog]

The nonsense must flow.

[@spencerjones841]

Honestly the sole design flaw for its era is that like the urbie its oversinked. In the case of the Valkyrie that could buy a much needed 2nd medium laser instead. And in theory could split the LRM-10 into 2 5s for redunancy and a 3rd medium laser or a small and a half ton more armor or more ammo if wanted. Albeit that's less of a design flaw and more so how meh at best the LRM-10 is.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Maybe, but the armor really is an important aspect to keep in mind. Keeping the weight up with max armor.

[@randyfant2588]

I can't say I love the Valkyrie but it is a cheap light mech that fits in well with light recon units, medium jump units or heavy fire support units, making it a decent filler cheap mech for most lances without burdening the lance with a unit that doesn't fit the lances role.

[@Based_Lord_Humongous]

iATM? I didn't know we had access to Society tech here!

[@MechanicalFrog]

I have this note. It reads, "MechFrog can do whatever he wants."

[@fenny1578]

QT2 is just a different flavor of panther, and honestly? It's a pretty solid flavor.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I think we just like saying QT...

[@fenny1578]

@@MechanicalFrog maybe,,,,

[@atmosdwagon4656]

It's not a mech found in any Mechwarrior game (yet) so my usual breakdown from the cockpit perspective isn't possible. That said, this is not a mech I would really ever consider fielding outside of the Succession Wars because LRMs are quite unreliable at the best of times, and that's really all it has. During the Succession Wars I can definitely see it being an infuriatingly durable target that trades up on action economy because it's fighting targets whose weapons are cooled by single heat sinks and are packing much lower armor values per capita. But once Lostech makes a comeback, it's just a straight up bad mech to field. At that point, the mech's limited ammunition and lack of speed make it a great liability unless deployed in extremely rough terrain. The root cause is that LRM launcher; there are so many more counters to LRMs by the Clan Invasion that you're really leaning on dumb luck that enemies aren't fielding units with ECM and/or AMS to make them work vs mechs and even many heavier vehicles. It is a design that benefits immensely from Clan tech and not just in the "it wins by cheating big numbers" way. Clan-spec LRMs since have a much closer minimum range and weigh a bunch less which finally lets the Valkyrie carry more than one ton of ammo. That, and Clan internals are a godsend because they save those precious critical slots to fill out the remaining externally mounted Double Heatsink you will need to field all that hotter, newer tech. Swapping the VLK-C to Clan Endo may not be "economical" but once you're doing Clan-Tech, even the setting says all notions of traditional economics goes out the window alongside the space magic. Even just adding another ER Medium Laser and tacking on a targeting computer would make the design far more viable for what it's trying to accomplish: Durable jumpy fire support.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fair analysis. The 3050s+ were very hard on IS Light Mechs.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

The Valkyrie is a mech i always WANTED to like. They look cool. They have decent weapons. They aren't Panthers (which are cool, i just don't like the DCMS even rhough they have cool mechs). But i never ran one before. I like the AFFS. My only complaint is that they aren't Comstar. 😂 Ill have to try some in Alpha Strike ... Do they make the new plastic models???

[@hmad898]

theres a plastic valkyrie in the inner sphere command lance

[@MechanicalFrog]

There were Valkyries in the ComGuard at Tukayyid.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

@@hmad898 good to know! Thank you!

[@ogrehaslayers605]

@@MechanicalFrog I'm in! I wondered. Comguard had everything in the battle

[@jasonfarley9025]

But I LOVE the Valkyrie because Davion pride is STRONG

[@MechanicalFrog]

Orange sun strong?

[@mbr5742]

It is the Shadow Hawk of the light weight class - neither fish nor meat. Not bad but not great either. I prefer my mechs to be more focused and the lights more mobile. With a 5/8 profile it can be hunted down by quite a few mediums that can outpunch and outlast it. With the Griffin being the ugliest opponent

[@nukenuked5749]

yes yes yes yes a new video wooot wooot thanks frog and happpy mechmass

[@MechanicalFrog]

Enjoy! Have a great holiday!

[@nukenuked5749]

will do mate enjoy the snow ill be baking over here 😁😁😁😁@@MechanicalFrog

[@rmcdudmk212]

Its a cheap, fairly fast fire-support flanker. Whats not to love?

[@MechanicalFrog]

I know, right? This video could have been much shorter... :D

[@rmcdudmk212]

@@MechanicalFrog yeah but you still killed it thou. 👍

[@Primearch-GG]

I'd probably run the Valkyrie 2C in pairs and trios, with each mech carrying 1ton std and special ammo each, with the latter being either inferno or magpulse. Btw, Mech Frog, can you check your mic settings? You were whistling a lot throughout the video.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks for the tip. I'll double check the settings.

[@Primearch-GG]

@@MechanicalFrog you're welcome.

[@williamd8360]

Will you do the Panther? Thats my favorite for some reason. I cant give a good reason why. ; )

[@MechanicalFrog]

I will definitely be doing the Panther in the near future.

[@jasonfarley9025]

Aaah, the Valkyrie! Now THIS is a Mech I have a lot of experience with. Unlike you, I LOVE the VLK-QD1. It is the fire support Mech for the recon lance in my Second Davion Guard force for the Chaos Campaign we are playing locally. Artemis plus an LRM-15 makes a BIG difference to the damage output. And if your Valkyrie is taking priority fire then you haven't offered better threats at better range bands properly.

[@MechanicalFrog]

A fair point. I'm glad you dig it.

[@kenhodge9046]

ACTUALLY!!! Question - You going to do a video on Battle Armor - Achileus??? Maybe you already have but I cannot find it anywhere.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I may have covered it in a group video in the past. I cannot remember.

[@lexington476]

Can you do an episode on the Hermes II? I would really love to see an MF take on the Hermes II.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sure we will get to it at some point... Not high on the list, though.