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| Scrapjacks Quickstart cover, artist Andrew Dordor, internet image |
Specifically, I aim to put together a set for playing the Quickstart, available on Wargames Vault for my favourite price, free!
I found out about Scrapjacks from Gunbird*, of 20mm And Then Some. He's kitbashed some great 'jacks, and I fancied trying something similar. This was before I even looked at the rules.
As an extra challenge, I'm going to try and do everything with stuff I've already got (with the exception of the new helmets from Anvil Industries).
So What Do I Need?
I'm starting from scratch, so I'll need four 'jacks, one of each type, plus some potential opposition; six Raiders and six small maintenance 'bots.
I'll also need two twelve inch square boards, four doors, eight 'points of interest'; basically stuff that can be searched, and two objectives (computer terminals to access the next board section). Some obstacles and barriers might also be useful.
Scrapjacks
There are four different types of 'jacks. Torch; gets things open, Rigger; gets things working, Patch; fixes suits and 'jacks, and Yard dog; deals with any opposition.
To make these I've a few different sprues to choose bits from. I got various Stargrave sprues (Crew, Troopers and Mercenaries) which will provide the bulk of the components. I can also take bits from various Warpath kits, especially the Enforcers and the GCPS Infantry. The heads will, of course, be the bubble helmets I got from Anvil Industries.
Raiders
I might base the Raiders on the GCPS Infantry, possibly switching out the weaponry for Stargrave stuff. Alternatively, I might find something useful amongst my unpainted Dreadball teams.
If I weren't doing this on a budget, I'd use the Stargrave Scavenger sprues or Wargames Atlantic's Cannon Fodder.
Another possibility is to add weapons to some spare Star Saga scientists (actually, they'd make pretty good 'Jacks as well).
Bots
For the maintenance bots I'm using the Mechanoids Dreadball team. I've had them since they first came out and done nothing with them yet; here's a chance to get some use out of them.
Scenery etc
I've some old Fat Dragon Sci Fi floor plans that I can print off for the boards, and spare Star Saga accessories and general scenery bits I've collected over the years will do for the points of interest. When the game comes out in full, there's be some optional official floorplans as well, but I'm making do for the Quickstart.
If I get around to adding walls or barriers, I've plenty of Deadzone stuff and a box of 'Platformer?' terrain which I've never got around to using.
Playing the Game
The Quickstart is, by necessity, a shortened form of the game. It's pitched for solo and co-op play, so I'll give it a go myself and see how it plays before investing in the full game.
I'll let you all know what I think when I get around to trying it.
One nice thing about the booklet is the way it is often presented as a briefing to prospective Scrapjacks. Vaststar Recovery Group run a franchise system, and a lot of the instructions are presented as if to new franchisees.
What's Next?
So that's the plan. First up, I think, will be the Scrapjacks themselves.
I'm looking forward to the kitbashing, it's been great fun doing the Rangers and companions, and this promises to be similar.
Update!
As of 4th March, the full game is available, either a PDF via Wargames Vault or a hardcopy via Amazon (though currently US only).
*Gunbird also put me on to the Five Box System, he's a great inspiration
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