TechManual, Is It Still Current?

[Mulsiphix]

I want to start constructing mechs and I believe I once heard that the TechManual was no longer a good source to use for this. Something about it being outdated. Is this true? If the T.M. is not ideal, where should I turn?

[Empyrus]

TM is the current thing. The only issue is: do you want to manually build stuff?
Megamek Lab and Solaris Skunk Works are so much more practical. Though i suppose getting construction rules is smart, there are some details that aren't revealed in those programs.

[Sartris]

It is not outdated no. You may need to consult the errata depending on which printing you have and what you’re trying to build

[Mulsiphix]

This is great news. Although, I'm sure my version is out of date. I couldn't find a reference to what printing it was. But it does say it was published by Fanpro/Wizkids in 2007. Where might I find the errata?

[Empyrus]

This is great news. Although, I'm sure my version is out of date. I couldn't find a reference to what printing it was. But it does say it was published by Fanpro/Wizkids in 2007. Where might I find the errata?

Oof, that's old indeed!
Errata can be found here: https://bg.battletech.com/errata/

EDIT Direct link: https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TechManual-2019-12-06-v4.0.pdf

[Daryk]

You could also buy the pdf via DriveThruRPG, and get the updates when they're compiled (roughly once a year or so).

[dgorsman]

The biggest reason to get errata is the infantry construction stats, with the second being some of the BA equipment.  The rest is pretty much same-same as clarifications.

[Greatclub]

There are three (!!!) TM erratta

General changes   https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TechManual-2019-12-06-v4.0.pdf
BV                      https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/TechManual-TM_BV-v4.0.pdf
Infantry Weapons https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TM_22-Tech-InfTables-Rev2017.pdf


There's also a bunch of advanced infantry stuff in TacOps, apparently. I've never studied infantry design in depth.

[Sartris]

yeah the current printing in PDF is the way to go if you want to avoid that minefield

[John_Hawk]

If you bought it through Catalyst's website (or Battlecorps, previously), are those versions updated too?  I just recently re-downloaded it, and the new download certainly has the new cover art, not the Uziel.

[Sartris]

yes, you should get an update (and it sounds like you did). i had to have mine manually fixed because the transaction was very old (ca 2010) but no matter when you bought it you should be getting updates on both the cgl store and drivethrurpg. this is true for all the core books except TacOps, which is now in two volumes and is treated like a new and separate release.

[Greatclub]

If you bought it through Catalyst's website (or Battlecorps, previously), are those versions updated too?  I just recently re-downloaded it, and the new download certainly has the new cover art, not the Uziel.

Uziel was old Tacops.

Old TM was a busted beamer.
New TM is a base with an axman and (?)gunslinger(?)

[Maelwys]

TM is the source for making mechs..up to a point.

Its good for making basic, Tourmant legal units.

You'll need TacOps to make Advanced and Experimental units.

As well as Interstellar Ops to make Dark Age tech units (as well as LAMs, QuadVees, etc).

[nckestrel]

You'll still need TM for the rest of those.  Those would be in addition to TM.

[Empyrus]

Uziel was old Tacops.

Old TM was a busted beamer.
New TM is a base with an axman and (?)gunslinger(?)

That's a Hatchetman actually.

And that reminds me, i need to get the new TM in print just because i adore that cover. Probably my single most favorite piece of BT art.