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Long
Term Report:
Ransom Motor Company (a division of Coucheval Inc.) was kind enough to send the Speed Shop their newest entry into the full-sized performance car market. The Marshall. Featuring a new hardpoint layout never before seen in AVA combat, here at the SSS we couldn't wait to get our hands on one.
The
Scoop: The most distinguishing feature of the Marshall is the
addition of duel rear hardpoints. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with ample leg and head room, cloth bucket seats, power windows/locks, and premium sound. A welcome change from the cramped and uninspiring Courchel. Visaibility is also top notch thanks to the added rear passenger half window. Checking blind spots has never been easier. Full analog instrumentation is also present, not to mention the addition of an over-sized ash tray... oh how lovely. Styling of the Marshall is muscular and inspiring. The standard Ransom "RAMair" hood scoops are fully functional on all V-8 equiped models and add a solid 10-15 HP on the track. Ransom took quite a bit of artistic freedom in designing the Marshall's nose features, and i do mean nose. Personally I like the looks, but I have had people comment to the effect of, "It looks like your car is smiling at me..." Notice
also that the wheels have been set in, twards the chassis slightly, so
that the massive body of the car overhangs the tires and wheels. This
did reduce performance in skid pad and slolm testing to just under scores
produced by the The largest drawback to the Marshall is it's emmense cost due to the addition of a second rear hardpoint. At $4,000 base price, the car barely fits into modern D15 combat matches. However, being a hi-end luxury sport car at heart, the Marshall shines in D20 and above offering extream flexability in loadout and impressive maneuverability. Tested AVA combat designs are as follows: Ran-Sid Mach V: Designed for modern Division 15 combat the RS Mach V posseses a deadly combination of speed, durability, and firepower. Standard equipment includes the Ransom RAMair 305 V-8, 14" and 15" wheels, cup holders, and the Dashboard Mary enhansed targeting system. Weapons include a top mounted .50 cal. Turret for tracking and chipping away at armor, a side mounted Fire-Rite rocket pod for frontal defense, a rear internally mounted high-explosive mortar launcher, and an externally mounted Dr Radar missile launcher. The car is a tad difficult to master since timing the rear mortar and missile shots to be effective can be a little tricky, but with practice this car has deadly potential. RS
Mach V - LDR:
A stripped down version of the standard RS, the LDR varient sees a large
performance and comfort reduction to add an additional high-explosive
mortar. The 305 is replaced with a normally asperated inline 6 cylinder
engine. Lost also are other luxuries like cup holders, the Dash targeting
system, cloth seats and the mamoth ash tray. In return, the Marshall becomes
a nightmare-ish fighting machine. fighting machine.
Division 20 cars are currently undergoing testing, however the SSS currently does not have the facilities to safely test such designs. Stay tuned. What's Hot: Good looks, comfort, armor, and handling. Not to mention the "dreamy" hardpoints. What's Not: Very expensive and can be tough to effectively use. If only it came with a dropper... |
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This
feature presents modern AVA duelists with completely new an exciting options
when designing around this chassis. Standard 60/60 armor/chassis reinforcement
is present, as is an optional turret mount and passenger side front mount.
Dover
Lightning, but the Marshall did best a similarly equiped Courchel with
ease. The added benifit of the unique wheel placement is that the wheels
are more protected in a combat environment. Caltrop damage and long jumps
seem to be a tad less damaging to the Marshall. Coupled with Tire Covers,
you have a car that has extreamly durable maneuverability.
With dual HE mortars that can be mounted rear/top or rear/rear, the car
seems to bristle with damage. Much like the SS versions of the Courchel,
the LDR must be kept moving at all times in combat. Slowing, stalling,
or getting rammed is not recommended. However, keeping opponents away
from your paint is one of this car's specialties.