Welcome!
If you are looking to delve more deeply into
BT lore, there is a sourcebook due out later this year called
BattleTech Universe which might help in that regard. It's set to be a one-stop shop for anyone new to the setting, and/or for those who are returning to it after an extended time away.
And speaking of "alpha strikes": if you are looking for more minis to paint, the
Alpha Strike Boxed Set includes 13 'Mechs to choose from - each of which can be used both for
Alpha Strike and for "classic"
BattleTech scale play. Indeed, while the box itself includes Unit Cards for use in
AS play, each card has a matching Record Sheet available via
a free download PDF from the
BT website.