Build Journal: STMP-A & Technic Scrambler

For the final new piece of the week, we're looking at a piece that actually dates back to 2019 but hasn't seen much use as it was first available in Lego Spike sets -- the 1x3x3 Pin Connector Block.  I've been interested in this piece since New Elementary introduced it in April of 2019.  I initially tried to make a centaur mech but that wasn't flowing for me. I then switched back to something more tank-like.  This reminded me of my old Stevens Technology frames so I went with that as a designation.















The set-up is pretty simple but as a "Budget Frame" we're not looking for a ton of super fiddly bits anyway.  I put 2Rd & 1B Attachments on it to get some idea of what it would look like kitted out.  I might just reignite the Budget Frame Wars.

And then I had another idea while I was sorting some Technic parts.  It came together fairly quick.  The main parts are Black and Dark Bley.  Attachments are Light Bley and Transparent colors.  Stats are 2Rd/2B/2W.

Size comparisons for posterity.

I've just scratched the surface with this piece and I can't wait to experiment with the other colors that are available.

Flickr page.

TMOH 4: Stevens Technology

One of the few bits of background I've developed for my home games of MFZ is a company called Stevens Technology.  These are the mecha designs that have come from that line of thought.

STMP-0: This is the Stevens Technology Multipurpose Platform. Designed with a low center of gravity and multiple manipulator arms, this is a sturdy and reliable unit. It is a civilian model and the starting point for most Stevens Technology mecha.
MFZ Stats:
Mechaton Stats:
2d6 White dice.
2d6+1d8 Red dice at HtH Range (Manipulator Arms).
3d10 Initiative dice.

STMP-1: The STMP-1 is a modification of the civilian Multipurpose Platform and the first military offering from Stevens Technology. The low profile has been found to provide a stable platform for the two weapon arms, one Dual Mortar and one Twin Cannon, that simply replaced the STMP-0 manipulator arms.

MFZ Stats:

Mechaton Stats:

2d6 White dice.
2d6+1d8 Red dice at Direct Fire Range (Left Twin Cannon Arm).
2d6+1d8 Red dice at Artillery Range (Right Dual Mortar Arm).
1d10 Initiative die.

STMP-2: This model of the ST Military Platform is the second unit off the production line. Designed for moving from ranged to close combat, it replaced the two long-range guns of the STMP-1 with heavy duty manipulator units.

MFZ Stats:
Mechaton Stats:
2d6 White dice.
2d6 Red dice at HtH Range (Manipulator Arm).
2d6+1d8 Red dice at Direct Fire Range (Twin Cannon Arm).
2d10 Initiative dice.

STMP-3: The third and most advanced -- at the time -- of the MP frames. The STMP-3 is adapted for microgravity, null atmosphere environments, and orbital combat. This model is equipped with a Manipulator Arm and Recoilless Rifle. It is also available in an unarmed configuration, adaptable to whatever format the purchaser might require.

MFZ Stats: *
Mechaton Stats:
2d6 White dice.
2d6 Red dice at HtH Range (Manipulator Arm).
2d6 Red dice at Direct Fire Range (Recoilless Rifle Arm).
Space Environment Attachment.
2d10 Initiative

STMP-4: The latest offering from Stevens Technology, this is the first to feature an energy weapon and a jump jet.
MFZ Stats:
Mechaton Stats:
2d6 White dice.
1d6 Green die (Jump Jet).
2d6+1d8 Red dice (Right Las Gun and Left Cannon).
2d10 Initiative dice.

* -- You're probably wondering why this guy has three White dice. The "third" is actually a Space Environment attachment. The icon for the White die is the best way to represent it.

Designer's Notes:

• The STMP-1 was actually the first one I created in this line. I believe the STMP-0 was third, after the STMP-2.

• The initials STMP were derived from the the word "stumpy".