For HBS Battletech - need all DLC - the mega mod BEX-CE (Extended 3025-3057 - Commander's Edition) is a blast.
You can start in 3025 / 3039 / 3052 or 3057.
It includes the Clans (after 3049, duh), with the extra BiggerDrops mod, you can control up to 8 mechs, tons of extra mechs, and weapons - all lore-friendly.
It is really a different game - word of advice, only someone that already knows the game try this, is a 'bit' more difficult than the clean one.
