BTU EXCLUSIVE: "RONIN'S RAMBLINGS"

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings Readers.

Welcome to my 401st post!

My house's primary heatsink ate itself 10 days ago, so cockpit heat is making me woozey.

I have a single small emergency heat sink, and it is going 110% to cool a bedroom enough so I can sleep.

It was 96F outside today, so the house interior was 89F and humid/sticky as heck.

Welcome to the South, where we bathe in our summertime atmosphere. *yuck*

I've fulfilled & closed out my latest contract, so now I'm looking for work again.

I'm just too dang good at my job.

No gaming nor painting on my part, sorry.

So it's your turn: Paint something, play a game, POST IT HERE!

But most of all: Stay Safe Out There.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Hello Friends and Readers.

Yes, I live. Again, I apologize for not keeping up with this meandering thread.

But if you browse the website, you'll see I'm here daily, keeping up with new ideas and booting the spam.

I had to replace my home's A/C unit with a whole new Carrier heat pump.

While not cheap, at least it works and is more efficient than the previous unit.

I have found a new, long-term contract: I"m back to supporting Uncle Sam's Misguided Children.

I came |THAT| close to an USAF contract, but after a familiarization briefing, my experience guided me to RUN AWAY ... and so I did.

I've dealt with THOSE specific headaches before; but I've not the heart nor stomach lining to deal with them again.

So I'm working again: and the car promptly broke down in protest.

$1200 later, I'm back in the commute again.

That means I'm currently only able to window shop all the pretties I see on eBay.

But then yesterday, I came across a listing that hit me like an AC/20 shot.

https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames. ... onsignment

Look carefully at the descriptions... do you see it?

Seven listings of units painted by our dear departed friend, RPGsheets, James Degenhardt.

Seeing those cut my heart to the quick: I really miss James.

Even tho we never met in person, we did talk by telephone regularly and conversed nigh daily here.

I know I'm not the only person to miss our friend.

I wish I could purchase one of these lots, but alas, financial health prevents it.

Instead, today or this weekend, take a few moments to raise a paintbrush in honor of James.

Paint something.

game somewhere.

Stay healthy.

and mostly: Stay Safe out there.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Hello Readers.

Today is September 11th, 2021.

it has been twenty years since THAT day.

Son & Heir barely remembers that day.

To my princess ... it was history before she was born.

but for many of us: We Remember.

and we Remember to honor the sacrifices of THAT day.

Facts
Nineteen men hijacked four fuel-loaded US commercial airplanes bound for west coast destinations.
A total of 2,977 people were killed in New York City, Washington, DC and outside of Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
The attack was orchestrated by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

The Victims
At the World Trade Center (WTC) site in Lower Manhattan, 2,753 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 were intentionally crashed into the North and South Towers, or as a result of the crashes. The victims ranged in age from two to 85 years. Approximately 75-80% of the victims were men. At the Pentagon in Washington, 184 people were killed when hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the building.

The Heroes:
343 were New York City firefighters, 23 were New York City police officers and 37 were officers at the Port Authority.
Near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 passengers and crew members aboard United Airlines Flight 93 died preventing the hijackers from attacking their targets: the US Capitol or The White House.

Never Forget.
Rebuild. Punish. Forgive. Redeem.
Never Forget.

20 years ago, I spent 36 hours straight, working at the Red Cross: helping people donate Blood, money, food, water and their time to assist their countrymen.

Today or this weekend: please take a moment to remember. And if you can; help your countryman: volunteer or donate.

For so long as we Remember and we continue to assist those in need: the American Spirit wins.

If you got a moment: buy a firefighter a beer.

Stay Safe out there, my friends.

I miss you all.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings Readers and Friends.

No, I haven't kept up here on my Ramblings & Life has kept me plenty busy.

I wanted to post this on the Comstar News front page, but I lack the permissions.
anyway. sorry to be the bearer of bad news;

Robert D. Thurston has passed away.
https://bg.battletech.com/news/passing- ... -thurston/

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituari ... neral-home

He was the Grand Old Man of BattleTech, and he will be missed... but through his stories, he shall outlive us all.

I met him, in passing, once at Convention. I regret I didn't take the time to get to know him better.

Now that I'm in my 40s, I'm at the age where not only are IRL personal heroes are passing on, but so are the Writers of my fictional heroes.

I suddenly feel so old.

Stay safe out there, my Friends.
-Ronin, OUT-

[Steve Ronin]

Hello Readers.

As many of y'all know, my Princess attends Liberty University. (She is maintaining a 3.5+ GPA)

She is also a proud member of LU's Spirit of the Mountain Marching Band.


We just found out that LU will be playing in the 2021 Lending Tree Bowl ... and the Band has been specifically invited!
https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/st ... 863424002/

So please, this December 18th, starting at 5:45PM EST, tune into ESPN to watch my sweet Princess and her marching band.
...oh yeah... a football game will be played as well.

If I can wrangle flights/cars and hotel, I hope to be there as well.

A little taste of Quality Marching Band content: https://youtu.be/2M4TZsIKVkU (and YES, I do happen to be in the video)

Stay Safe Out There, My friends & watch some Football.

-Ronin OUT-

[Steve Ronin]

Howdy Y'all.

so, I did some things.

1. attended MUSTER gaming convention in Williamsburg this past weekend.

2. well, it's only fair that I warn the other drivers.


That is all.
You're welcome.
I now have MORE 'Mechs to paint, thanks to the convention.
so let's see yours.

Stay Safe Out There.
*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings All Friends.

and welcome back from our long hibernation.

Unfortunately, it seems that my March, April and May posts did not make the transition to the new forum software.

But I have posts and stories and tales to tell.

lessee.

I went on vacation.

I visited Iron Wind Metals with Son&Heir.

Grud went to GenCon and got me GOODIES.

I've started painting a LEVEL III of ComGuards: just for whacking Clanners, ya know.

I broke some stuff.

I fixed some things.

I painted other things.

like I said, I've got tales to tell.

Unfortunately, no time tonight.

but hey, I'm sure Y"ALL have painted or gamed or SOMETHING during our time apart....



Until next time...

Stay Safe Out There!!!
*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings Dear Friends!

This Post is IMAGE HEAVY. You are warned.

As I previously mentioned, I have some content for you....

but before I get to it, I have a Christmas gift request for a t-shirt:



oh, and if you can arrange a meeting with Richard Dean Anderson, I'm a huge fan, too.

So far this summer, I went to see a movie and got some debut swag...



And then I started painting up a true Level III of ComGuards (36 Mechs)


White Primer w/ Flat clearcoat.


trying to get the panel wash right.


homemade wash is hard and getting paneling right even more difficult.
Back to the PineSol for this one.

But for this forum, I know what y'all want to hear about....


I have made the Pilgrimage.

I was given the 50c tour by the MAN HISSELF, the great Gentleman and CEO of IWM, Mike Noe.
No, despite wanting a selfie, I restrained myself: i've heard that Mr. Noe is not a fan of selfies and I didnt want to spoil the Awesome Vibe.

The production floor


Molds archive to the right and miniatures/bits store house center and left.


I could've taken dozens of pictures and would never be able to express the Awesome Vibe I felt while visiting.
but I did not, because I wanted to be a good guest.
which turned out for the best.

My son was with us on vacation: he was very jet-lagged and spent that day sleeping in... but I knew I had to share this experience with him.
So a few hours later, I went back to hotel and dragged a confused Son& Heir to IWM.
An IWM that had closed, except for Mr. Noe, who being the Awesome Dude that he IS, let us back in and gave the both of us the 50c tour AGAIN.
Have i mentioned how much I really REALLY appreciate Mike Noe being an Awesome Guy and letting us Geek Out over his business?
Yes, we bought stuff... a pretty good pile.
but, in addition to being a great host, Mr. Noe even gave us "first time visitor' discounts.


Leopard Dropship (factory 2nd), a Highlander, 2 Striker tanks, a Tarantula and 3 MadCats plus some spare arms/legs.

Mr. Noe even autographed my dropship.


So YES. I've had a great summer. Yes, it has had a fair share of SEVERE challenges.
But overall, I'm blessed.
I've a wonderful wife, 2 great kids who are proving to be great Adults, and Tons of Friends on BTU.org. (Most of whom never write. )
I've even got a favorite MULE who went to GenCon for me and got me Cool Stuff.
That will be a different post.

So. How about YOU?
Did you Paint or Game or what?
Post it up here. We want to see it.
Either way: take a moment, paint SOMETHING.
do your best to Find a Game and Play something.
But Please, give us a holler and show us your Pride.

in the meantime.
Stay Healthy and Stay Safe Out There.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings Y'all.
in less than 4 hours it will be American Celebration of the Eurocentric discovery of the Americas.
aka Columbus Day.
and I.
I have the day off.

Sorry I havent kept up with the blog.
I do need to post pix of the cool stuff that was obtained for me at GenCon.
I have been a little busy.

I'm hoping that tomorrow I might have time to try painting this level III of Comstar again.
Gotta run to HobbyTown USA to pick up some Citadel Contrast Apothecary White.
The idea is that I can replicate B1BFlyer's work as he demonstrated on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/OW1twroJV18

We shall see.
Y'all stay healthy, frosty and safe out there.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings everyone.

I have not forgotten y'all.

Just very busy at work learning a new position

And at home, very busy when I don't collapse into bed at 2300.

New for me: Wife found a new kitten. Thus, I have a new critter to care for.

Bonus, kitten loves to play with dice. Hilarity ensues.

until I post again, y'all are always welcome to paint and post something...

in the meantime.

Stay Safe and Healthy out there.
*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends out there.
For those of you from other lands: I really hope you're having a great week.
I appreciate and love y'all.
I miss our discussions.
I'm hoping to get back to painting and Conventions, so I can meet more of you.

But while we're waiting:
Paint something.
Play a game.
Write some fan fiction.
but most of all:
Post up about it here.

Stay Safe & Healthy Out There.
*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Hello All.

I'm configuring my new 3D printer and saving ideas of what to print.

You've obviously seen my remarks on the design thread.
Here is my list of marked favorites:

Infantry. I mean to print these as close to same size as the piles of MWDA scrap infantry I already have.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3812162
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4581233
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/mercenary-infantry


some Motorized Infantry, because the new kitten LOVES chewing up the Death Ray Designs stuff I got from Aries Games.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4285005

Definitely want more of GI Joe VAMP Mk. IIs. I got a pair via Shapeways years ago; now I want to make my own.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:776310

Some of these up-armored Stinger APCs: I've already made a legit design in Solaris Skunk Werks.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2935380

Transport Stinger trucks: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1896909

and these Super Heavy Transport units: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1659895

feel free to make suggestions by following the comment links below.

Y'know, once I start printing, y'all gonna regret letting me post pictures.

*Ronin OUT*

**The link to the Comments Page has been fixed.**

[Steve Ronin]

Hello readers.

I'm here.

It is just holiday time and I, like everyone else, is crazy busy.

I did, finally, get my gun safe from last Christmas brought into the house.

*oh my aching back*

bonus: the 3D printer fits atop the safe nicely, and the safe is an excellent stable platform.

I have not yet figured out the printer. First print took 2 hours to print a glob of goo.

Time for more learning on YT.

Love everyone, and hope you're all well.

Paint something!

and Stay Safe Out There.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Happy New Year, My Heathens.

I sincerely wish y'all the most Awesomely Bodacious Years ever.

My goals this year: 12 IS Mechs and 5 Clanner scum, all painted complete.

Oh, and SPECK? The check is in the mail.

Love all y'all.

even the silent lurkers.

Stay Safe Out There.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Hello All.

Your friendly neighborhood Ronin has been a busy guy so far 2023.

Married off my niece to a nice young soldier.

Have been sick with Flu and am currently tending family member with Covid.

3D printing easy it aint. And I've found I really need a good class in SKETCH-UP.

So I'm just staying busy.

But I do have 12 Mechs all in primer white for 2023.

So what are you painting for 2023?

Plus, I'm trying to save some cash for the next CGL Battletech Kickstarter.

So what are you doing?

Post up.

And Stay Healthy and Safe Out There!

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Hello All.

Not much to report from this Homefront.

I've been trying speedpaints.

Currently have 4 Mechs being wiped back to their white primer basecoat.

sigh. it aint quite as easy as B1B flyer says.

And I must report that I had to zero the KS fund.

1. Real life .357 Magnum ammo IS NOT cheap.
$33 for 50 rounds; and I bought more than one box.
but I should be set for a few years: I dont use more than about 100/year to stay in practice.

2. the new kitten had the spay surgery and we don't have Pet Medical insurance.
but Kitten is cute and cuddly and hilarious as she is high on meds.

3. the commuter car needed tires, and ya gotta spend $ to make the $.
hopefully new rubber will help the overall ride and improve wet weather handling.

... so yeah. the savings account has now a total of $1.38
meh.

Me and Mine are healthy, safe and content.
I sincerely wish the same for ALL of Y'all.
In the meantime: Paint something and post it.
We'd look forward to seeing it.

So Stay Safe out There.
*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings BTU.org friends and family...

Y'all know of my kiddos: Son&Heir and Princess.


*4 year old picture*

Just a little advertisement for my Princess' primary love.

https://youtu.be/JWIbe7o91wM

*she makes 3 appearances in the commercial*

Come out and see a show.
https://www.dci.org/corps/jersey-surf

Love y'all.
my feline overlords are calling.

Stay Safe Out There.
*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Attention: this is a PSA!

Son&Heir and I will be attending our first official tournament.

https://www.reddit.com/r/battletech/com ... &context=3

Haven't yet determined what to deploy: they actually expect me to bring PAINTED miniatures?!?!!?!

... well, that is ONE way to whittle down my pile of choices.

(Distant voices crying "shame! shame! shame!")

...oh, shaddup already.

I will post an AAR when it's written.

Paint something!

Post something!

Stay Safe Out There!

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings y'all.

Progress report:

ONE DVS-2 Devastator Assault 'Mech painted.

Baseline of British Army khaki w/ light woodland green breakup.

Washed in Coffee brown and Citadel Athonian camo shade.

Three Kanga -X Hover/Jump tanks updated with identifying color panels.

currently awaiting warm daylight and a dull coat to finish.

Paint Something.

Post something.

This is the Way.

Stay safe out there.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings Folks.

I present to you my AAR from Saturday's Battletech tournament that was hosted by the fine fellows @ the Maryland BattleTech Brigade.

Both myself and Son&Heir attended. I present proof: I am dead center of the action, wearing the old school armor diagram shirt.



unfortunately, Son&Heir is juuuuust out of frame.

We had a blast at GAMERS CORPS in Ellicott City, MD. ( https://www.gamers-corps.com ).
Very nice store, plenty of gaming space, large selection of Battletech and an Excellent staff.

Daniel ranked 13th of 20, and I was not dead last.

This, despite us misunderstanding the rules packet: which simplified, could have read: Only MECHs released since Clan invasion, that Catalyst provides a record sheet.

So hours of juggling and min/maxxing got my RGB Rangers disqualified.

Who are the RGB Rangers? Why 3 Clan HH experimental Kanga-X hover/jump tanks and 1 SLDF Royal Devastator-2.



Daniel only had to exchange one Mech: a SLDF Royal Phoenix Hawk for a standard 3025 P-Hawk.

I had to scramble to assemble a 3039 force: Banshee-3E (the sucky one), Grasshopper-5J, Centurion-9AL and a Hunchback-4G. (AC/20 makes me happy)

Even with surrendering about 1000 BV to each opponent, I only lost 3 Mechs and killed 5 over 3 Matches.

Next time: i'll read the event rules much more carefully.

In the end, everyone walked away with some sweet swag.

I waltzed away with a trio of 3D printed Mechs from Mechwarrior 4 and 5: OWENS, STRIDER and HELLSPAWN; as well as a CGL Clan Salvage box with an INCUBUS.



Both the OWENS and STRIDER will eventually end up in the colors of my Kuritan 8th SoL battalion.

I would like to post a Huge shout out and Massive Thank You to HAMMER and MATT of the MBB; they did a yeoman's work in organizing and running the event: BOTH were fantastic to everyone.

So there. That is my AAR.

I've Painted. I've Played. I've Posted.

YOUR TURN.

Just remember: Stay Safe Out There!

**Ronin OUT**

[Steve Ronin]

Hello All.

Just a note about the Kickstarter for BattleTech: Mercenaries.

at this time, it is at $4.6 MILLION with 17k+ world wide backers.

Will they make it to $5 Million?

Don't know, but either way: H*** F****** C**, Batman! Catalyst is milking this for ALL the marbles.

It sure beats the old days when most people's response to BattleTech was "I thought that game was dead?"

Paint, Play and POST!

and stay Safe and Healthy out there.

**Ronin OUT**

[Steve Ronin]

Hello friends.

Just a quick note.

I've become aware of a crushing need in our Battletech community.

Melissa Noe, Chief Office Wench of IWM and wife of Mike Noe, has been struck low by Cancer.

I have donated, and I ask you to do the same.

https://gofund.me/9c5b040c

Thank you in advance.

Stay safe out there.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Hello Readers.

I would like to go to GenCon 2023.

So I'm selling bits from the hoard.

yes, I know: eBay bad.

Please take a look tho; I will be adding more soon.

I've lots of MWDA to thin out.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=30 ... steveronin

If you do buy from me, please hit me up here: I'll give you a 10% discount.

thanks much y'all.

Stay Safe Out There.

**Ronin OUT**

[Steve Ronin]

Hello All.

So the Kickstarter: yeah, THAT one.

$7.3 million pledged w/23k backers and only 2 hours to go.

Short of selling a gun, I'm a max investment for myself.

and the eBay project is slow.

the only place where the cash is flowing is OUT of my pocket.

$1100 in car repairs in the past two weeks. ouch.

I've naught for artistic muse to paint.

Its up to y'all.

Stay Safe out there.

*Ronin OUT*

[Steve Ronin]

Greetings y'all.

Thought y'all should be the first to know, outside of my family.

I'm not going to GenCon 2023.

I was just hired for a new position as Help Desk Team Lead.

And the new company will not advance me any PTO.

And I cannot afford to take a 10 day vacation without pay.

Plus, the previously mentioned car repairs ate my GenCon funds anyway.

I'm trying to make a killing via eBay, but that ain't bringing in as much as hoped for.

So. GenCon 2024 it is. sigh.

so. there it is.

In the meantime, I'm going to paint something.

And I'm going to try 3D printing again: hopefully will get more than a plastic blob.

So: HOW ABOUT YOU?

Post your painting (house, car, Mech, boat ... Navy ship in haze grey)
Tell us about any games you've played recently (preferably Battletech, but Chutes-N-Ladders is okay too)
Or if you just want to chit chat about General Life, that is fine too.
...fer instance...
the Princess with a few dozen friends making music last year.
https://youtu.be/XOanT1BAmxA?t=11

Anyway.
Most of all, Stay Safe Out There.

*Ronin OUT*