That is not because it is in any way mediocre � no, it is one of the most reliable line �Mechs in the whole 3025 era. But it is that very reliability, its all-round usefulness, which have prevented it from shining in any particular light whenever I�ve used it. It is an anchor and not a unit which special attention by fulfilling special roles � something that can also be seen when we look at its variants.
TDR-5S � The classic Thunderbolt is *the* classic BRAWLER. It has great armour, nice weapons that cover all range brackets nicely and enough heat sinks to use said weapons and keep up a high rate of fire at closer ranges. It is solid on all accounts.
TDR-5SE � There is a small change of doctrine in this variant, typical of its user/designer, the Eridani Light Horse. It mounts jump jets. The only change of weaponry is the reduction in size of the LRM launcher and the removal of the SRMs and MGs. For a 65-tonner, the weaponry is starting to look rather anaemic. Yet it is similar in general to the heaviest SKIRMISHER in First Strike: the Grasshopper. It fares poorly in direct comparison (despite the larger LRM launcher) for two reasons: the lack of a 4th ML (increasing the confidence of forcing a piloting roll) and a lack of HS, making unchecked alpha strikes impossible. But that is only compared to the Grasshopper. It can fire all its laser weaponry while walking without heat or firing the two longer-ranged weapons while jumping, at which stage it even sinks one heat. Which, to me, is an over-abundance of heat sinks in a typical 3025 �Mech � 7 tons are invested, after all (and I do love that Rifleman). So, to me, it is either undersinked or oversinked, strange but true!
TDR-5SS � Despite the almost complete change of weaponry, we return to BRAWLER status with this Steiner variant. And I definitely prefer it to the original model; it fulfils that role even more admirably. While not as strong at ranges (only one gun that reaches out beyond short range; less range than the LRMs), that upgrade to a 10-point weapon on the arm is nice. And its short-range weaponry is nicely increased, as are its heat sinks, making the addition of the arm gun even at short ranges very feasible. To me, it is this variant that reigns supreme.
There, and that was it, sorry about its brevity, but I do not have the same emotional attachment as most of you would. Personally, I much prefer the -5SS to the other models, mainly because it feels more powerful. The -5S falls short because of its lack of specialisation. The general-utility approach leaves its main firepower somewhat underwhelming. The -5SE is at least as successful in specialisation as the -5SS. But once you have realised that, you reach another fundamental question. When you invest in a 65-tonner on a 3025 battlefield, which role would you like to have it take care of: Skirmisher or Brawler?
To me, that is no contest. A reflection upon that qualifier may have to result in a set of recommendations for appropriate weight classes to each category.
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