[MOC] Rebel Scorpius Mk II

[CommanderJonny1]

"The Mark I was a stopgap; the Mark II is a workhorse." -Rebel Alliance Officer

 

I'm back with the Scorpius line of Multi-Role Vehicles, this time with the Mk II. I am working on a Mk III, though I don't know if I'll finish it or not; and even if I did, there probably won't be a Mk IV as there's only so much I can do with one overarching deign. Another point is that this is the largest version I was reasonably able to make with the bracket construction. As a result, there is a weakness in the 'tracks' area, as the main connection points between the sides and the bottom/chassis is at the front and the back. The versions with seats and/or equipment crossing the middle also help with the problem; this means that the Mk IIC is the weakest structurally (this makes a little sense in context). As opposed to the original Scorpius, which put everything on what was essentially the same hull/chassis, the Mk II's four different variants have noticeably different makeups, while still adhering to the same general design style. Sidenote- each variant (mainly the pictures) will be put into a spoiler section to try and minimize the size of the post.

 

The first (and base) version of the Mk II is the Mk IIA, which functions as a standard (medium) armored vehicle. This version is the most versatile, being able to carry troops or cargo while still functioning in its main role as a front line combatant. The modularity of the Scorpius line is expanded in the Mk II, with the 'A' model having twice as many attachments as the Mk I, as well as multiple different configurations for its secondary armament. While some of these attachments are the same (or otherwise larger/upgraded versions of the previous ones), there are some new ones; a few of the attachments were thought of for the Mk I, but were deemed to be too big and therefore implemented on the Mk II. Another advantage of the Mk II is the fact that all of the attachments can be taken off and put in fixed positions (or turret emplacements) if need be, such as in the case of needing to quickly create fortifications.

Spoiler

The Mk IIA has a crew of two (a driver and a gunner), and can hold two 3x4 crates, six 2x2 boxes, up to three soldiers, or some combination of the three. The first attachment is the Light Artillery Cannon, which is able to fire quickly and accurately, and is perfect in an anti-armor/anti-vehicle role.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The second attachment is the Medium Ion Cannon, the counterpart to the above cannon.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The third attachment is the Missile Launcher Battery, a weapon used for saturation attacks, and extremely useful against enemy troop concentrations.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #4 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The fourth attachment is the Calliope Missile Launcher, a weapon with a large degree of attack, and good against aerial targets. The top pair of pins (on the bottom) can be removed to give the launcher more flexibility, or to just be able to fold the launcher down when it's not in use or is in storage.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #5 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The fifth attachment is the Quad Heavy Repeating Blaster, a weapon excellent in both the anti-aircraft and anti-infantry roles. This turret is inspired/based off of the quad .50 caliber machine gun mount, a.k.a. the 'Meat Chopper'.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #6 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The sixth attachment is the Octuple Light Blaster Cannon, essentially just two of the Quad Blaster Cannon from the Mk I put together. This is a general purpose weapon, and it is expected that during operations half the barrels will be taken off at some point (for use elsewhere).

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #7 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The seventh attachment is the Quad Medium Blaster Cannon, a direct upgrade to the Quad Blaster Cannon, and it fulfills the same role(s).

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #8 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The eighth attachment is the same Electromagnetic Crane as before, though in this case it can be enlarged due to the bigger base.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #9 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The ninth attachment is a simple/traditional crane. This would be used in combination with a 2x2 modified tile, and like the crane above it can also be enlarged.

SW Scorpius Mk IIA #10 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

While the final three attachments can be placed on the 'A' model, they will be shown with the other variants due to them being used in a more specialized way.

 

The second variant, the Mk IIB, is a 'Command & Communications Vehicle' that can be used to either coordinate Rebel forces (whether other Scorpii or not) or function in the Electronic Warfare role. The secondary armament is lighter to compensate for the increased weight of the sensor equipment and other additions. Powerful sensors were installed, and while both of the rear positions had their specialization, they could operate in the other's role in a secondary capacity during emergencies (with some modifications). Due to its sensitive nature and lack of heavy armament, the design focuses on survivability, with increased armor protection as well as canister launchers that can create smoke clouds to facilitate escape.

Spoiler

Instead of a main armament, the Mk IIB has a multi-variable sensor package, and carries a crew of three (a driver, a Communications Officer, and a Sensors Officer).

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #1 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

There is a storage bin between the two operator positions; this also used to get in and out of the rear compartment.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #2 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

A better look at the Communications Officer position; the panel includes a (sensor) direction finder, a holoscreen, a frequency adjuster, a power level switch, dials, general controls, and a manual data screen. When talking to people through the transceiver, the line is patched through to the helmet of the operator.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #3 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

A better look at the Sensors Officer position; this is a similar idea to the Radio Intercept Officer (RIO)/Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) in aircraft. The panel includes a radar screen, both a temperature gauge and adjuster (to keep from overheating and to keep the profile signature of the vehicle down), movement and fine adjustment controls for the sensor dish, sensor data storage access, a manual shut down, and general controls.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #4 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

A closer look at the sensor dish and mount.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #5 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

The third variant, the Mk IIC, is a troop/cargo carrier; the gunner's position is removed and the main armament is replaced with manned turrets. Although these turrets are a bit exposed, the turrets can also be remotely activated by the driver. There are two versions of the Mk IIC, a lighter and heavier version, though both function in the same role. The two turrets that the 'C' model is equipped with is one with a Heavy Repeating Blaster, and one with a pair of twin missile launchers (as well as a communication array).

Spoiler

The first version is the Mk IIC-1; it can hold three 3x4 crates, eight 2x2 boxes, up to five soldiers (or some combination of the three), and carries a crew of two (a driver and turret gunner, although the turret gunner can be an infantryman that dismounts with the gun).

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #6 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #7 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #8 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #9 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The second version is the Mk IIC-2; longer and taller than its lighter brother, it trades a slower speed for much better armor protection and larger interior capacity. Having the same number of crew, it can also hold four 3x4 crates, fourteen 2x2 boxes, up to eight soldiers, or some combination of the three. New additions on this version include canister launchers, antennae (in case an officer aboard wants to communicate to allied forces on the ground), and access ladders on the outside- indeed one design flaw is the fact that the interior ladders in the back are the only way to get out of the rear compartment, though in emergencies troops could exit through the cockpit (this would, however, be a bit difficult if the driver was still there).

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #10 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #11 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

The final variant, the Mk IID, is a Self-Propelled Gun/Artillery; the gunner's position is enhanced, and a Sensor Operator position is added right behind. As with the CCV, the Mk IID has a lighter secondary armament (and canister launchers), in this case to compensate for the larger main armament. This variant has a crew of four- a driver, a gunner, a Sensors Operator, and a spotter; the commander of the vehicle can either be the spotter or the Sensors Operator. Some 'D' models operate without the fourth crew member, and instead carry one or two 2x2 boxes.

Spoiler

The Mk IID is equipped with two different main armaments, with their mounts being in a fixed forward position (though they are able to elevate). While moving, control of the countermeasures and secondary armament can be transferred to the gunner, so as to let the pilot concentrate on driving.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #12 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

A better look at the gunner and Sensor Operator positions. The gunner's panel includes the targeting and weapon setting array (that's directly linked to the main gun), the movement and firing controls, and the weapon monitoring system. The Sensors Operator's panel doubles as a sensor and communications array, and is a simplified combination of both of the systems from the 'B' model; this includes a radar screen, a temperature monitor and adjuster, a holoscreen, and general controls split between sensors and communication. Information from the sensors are fed from the SO's position into the gunner's.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #13 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The first of the two main armaments, the Medium Artillery Cannon is used against fortifications, as well as more 'soft' targets; due to its slow reload however, it's not very effective against vehicles or other moving objects.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #14 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

The second main armament is the Heavy Ion Cannon, used against large vehicles and electrical concentrations. Although rare, this weapon can hit and damage ships in atmosphere if the firing angle is right.

SW Scorpius Mk IIB-D #15 by Jonathan Wallace, on Flickr

 

This is a decently sized vehicle, and as such it would fit the main spot in a battle line; the Mk I would be more of a scout or escort, while the Mk III (if ever finished) would be more of a support/assault/breakthrough vehicle. If you'd like to see a Mk III or not, say so (design suggestions would be welcomed as well).

 

If you want to build these for yourselves, here's the instructions:

Scorpius Mk IIA - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WIH1HYCXpS7h2m0WsNKKExUv2-SIxYzy

Scorpius Mk IIB, C, & D - https://drive.google.com/open?id=13pjbkONitA_VE1z-zBAMXfB0mM5-0dy2

 

As always, any feedback would be much appreciated! 

[Cylo]

Very interesting! It really suits its name!

[CommanderJonny1]

On 4/6/2019 at 10:34 PM, Reaper said:

Very interesting! It really suits its name!

Thanks! The whole idea was more of a Looks/Function -> Name -> Looks/Function process