Updated August 05, 2000
Web Posted September 23, 1998

Readers of CWIN were asked to construct four non-oversized vehicles whose costs, when combined, are equal to or less than $100,000. One vehicle had to be a point-guard, one with anti-personnel and anti-aircraft capability, a cargo carrier and a rearguard ("Tail-End Charlie"). Design requirements are located in CWIN 1.04.

CWIN is asking for its subscribers to vote for the best vehicle. Please use the following point scale to evaluate each vehicle. You should consider each vehicle and its car trailer (if there is one) separately and in combination. Partial credit for each area may be given.

Mail your ballots and submissions for other VDCs to either of these elmay addresses. The names of the creators of the designs are kept confidential at the request of many participants in these contests.

CWIN Vehicle Design Competitions
owemp@hotmail.com

Special Abilities = 25
5 for Vehicle Range (Yes, this attribute is evaluated twice in this competition)
20 for Point-Guard / Anti-Aircraft + Anti-Personnel / Rearguard / Cargo Carrier

Defensive Capability = 15
3 for Frame Armor
3 for Accessory Armor
3 for Tires
3 for Weapons
3 for Accessories

Offensive Capability = 20
5 for Weapons and Damage Potential
5 for Special Abilities (Incendiary, Indirect-Fire, Tire Sniper, Etc.)
5 for Firing Arcs Covered
5 for Accessories

Driving Pleasure = 15
5 for Acceleration, Top Speed and HC
5 for Accessories, Personal Equipment
5 for Vehicle Range

Cost = 5
Lowest Price (Bonus for every $1,000 below required Division)

Analysis/Background = 20
20 for Verbal Description

Total Score = 100

In this competition, please evaluate each vehicle separately. Each vehicle is worth 100 points and the entire group is worth 400 points.

MORTICIA'S MANGLERS
MONTLAKE MOTORS FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE
METROPOLITAN MOTORS ROYAL COURT

"Hello autoduel fans, Miles Davis here. Time for another segment of 'Road Talk' where we take time out from our arena coverage to keep up with the latest trends, the hottest drivers, and the best equipment for that real life test of man and machine . . . the long haul. Sitting here with me today is Jake Speed, a young man who hails from the wide-open flatlands of Illinois. Good morning Jake."

"Morning Miles."

"Before we begin Jake, would you mind introducing the rest of the team to our audience?"

"No prob'. Over there polishing that fire engine red trike is 'Mad Mike' Mulligan, that guy over by that wheeled excuse for a porcupine is Ricky . . . Don't mind him, he's a little people shy. Over by the wagon arguing with your station manager is the leader of this merry band, Morticia. And sitting next to me here is my 'co, Sally 'Slow hand' Shears."

"To start us off Jake, what is a typical day like being one of Morticia's Manglers?"

"No day is ever typical on the road Miles, but usually everyone is up before first light going over route maps, double checking road reports with alternative routes, finalizing or reconstructing action plans for ambushes, toll booths, crazies, etc. When that is complete, everyone gives a final once over on their vehicles. Reliable, well-maintained equipment is what you make it. Maintenance discipline is invaluable on the road no matter what you see in the action 'cubes. No way could a driver drive all day and carouse the bars all night only to tear off again in the morning without even breaking down or reloading their weapons . . . much less maintaining their vehicles. We are usually to bed early, up early as well, and plan to hit the road at dawn unless there are major complications."

"Tell me some about your team. What makes these people worth the danger and hardship a life on the road entails? What is Mike like?"

"Well Miles, Mike is known to take things to extremes, and he remains true to form with his latest ride. His only complaint was that he could not fit enough ammo onto the chassis! Mike drives 'Grinder' a nearly stock Hell Swarm extra-heavy trike by Crunch Industries. He calls it ‘Grinder' ‘cause that is what everything he shoots looks like afterward . . . like it has been through a meat grinder. He has removed the driver's component armor and shaved some of the external armor to allow space and weight for a spare tire and some personal gear. If it were up to me, I would have removed one of those Vulcans . . . I mean who really needs four of them on one vehicle? I guess there is a reason he is called 'Mad Mike'. Mike was the most vocal about refusing the offer from C.I. to do some field testing with their products, but after the first combat run, he was hooked.  In fact, Mike was the only one to keep the test ride from our entire team. The massive firepower and the wide arcs of fire allowed by the trike body style impressed Mike. As point vehicle, his job is to spot potential threats, and then annihilate them. The firepower is good, and the arcs allow him to support the cargo vehicle as well if needed. All he has to do is move a little side to side to get a flanker coming up behind him and along side of Morticia's 'Doughboy'."

"Well Jake, Mike certainly appears to be attached to that machine. I think I've watched him put at least two coats of wax on the trike since we started this interview. Speaking of outlandish rides, who drives that wagon over there?"

"That is 'Doughboy', the group's moneymaking machine, Morticia's ride. I do not know if she has any other name. I've always known her by Morticia. She has an affinity toward carnage and destruction much like her late century namesake, as well as looks and a body to match.  Naturally she does most of the bargaining for our group, and while we are not rolling in money, we seem to do all right for ourselves. If her vehicle does not get through, then no one gets paid. She makes no attempt to hide the bumper triggers linking the ramplate to the pair of incendiary HRs up front. She just mounted a sand discharger up there as well, linking it to the bumper trigger as well. She got the idea from one of those ram-fests in NYC where there were jokers wiring oil and ice dischargers to the sides and rear of their vehicles to spin out any ramming vehicles. I guess the theory goes that the sand gets mixed with the endothermic chemicals and when they freeze . . . voila . . . instant sandpaper.  This is much better for traction than the poor sap intended, and Morticia drives merrily along through his car and over his flaming skull. The distinctive black on purple polka dot paint job ruins the lines of her ride, but has caused many a would be ram fiend to turn chicken, and many a hole to open in roadblocks. She's got a rep. There are always those who don't believe or have not heard that Morticia never backs down, and learn the hard way. Not that she always wins, two months ago some jokers pushed an old burned out minibus across the road. Mad Mike hosed it real good, removing all the goofballs from their sniping positions, but they had filled the insides with dirt and rocks. Morticia had to have been goin' at least 110 when she hit. Good thing the actual cargo was with me that day, some suit's grand scheme to revolutionize widget manufacture no doubt. Tip top secret files and reports or something. Anyway, Morticia likes her new wagon better, and we finally got things worked out with her upgrade from Gold Cross so now we don't have to explain things to her over and over again."

"Who rides behind her Jake?  You or Ricky?"

"Ricky is next in line driving our air cover vehicle. Not much to say about him, he keeps his mouth shut . . . a blessing sometimes on the road . . . has a tendency to keep all four wheels on the ground, and is hell on pedestrians. Something about the way his daddy raised him, I dunno, but he rarely likes to leave his vehicle. He doesn't mince words with overflying choppers either. He has two linked SAMs in that turret; followed by three more pairs tucked in below. I've seen some of those wasp-like one man attack helicopters turn into a mist after nosing into an attack run on us and running head on into a salvo from him. As far as cyclists who make it past me, well if he doesn't perforate them or their tires with one of his flechette guns, he will set off one of those new fangled concussion dischargers we picked up on a NYC run. They are hell on bikers. Knocks most of them unconscious, works even if they are wearing gas masks too! If they haven't fallen off, they are usually too disoriented to steer, leaving the road at speed to meet up on Highway One a little later. You should here that boy giggling over the mike . . . it is enough to turn your blood cold. He's good people though, and does his job without complaint. What more could we ask for?"

"How about 'stability'?"

"Cute Miles, but he has proven himself many times."

 "Well Jake, that leaves you and Sally. Tell me a bit about yourselves."

"There's not much to say about me Miles, I'm just some farm boy who was handy with a rifle and learned to drive at an early age. I drive the last vehicle in the convoy, and the most frequently shot at one as well. I'm not too nervous. That shake is from the fifth cup of Sally's coffee. She makes damn good coffee when we can afford the real stuff, and drinkable soy coffee when we can't. She spent some time in the Federal Service as a scout and forward observer for the field artillery. She is also our resident small arms expert, and she sits in back of me with a scoped rifle fitted with an UBGL removing perfectly good rubber from perfectly annoying road vultures. She has both telescopic and laser sights on that thing. She even carries a silencer for when she is providing cover for a meet between Morticia and a client. We call her "slow hand" 'cause she waits so damn long to take a shot. Would you believe I've seen her take as long as three seconds before squeezing that trigger! That can be irritating when there are slugs ricocheting all around and she has yet to take her first shot. She is truly an artist though. In two years I have never seen her miss once. On top of that, she is usually shooting at ranges most don't even consider firing from . . . even the crazies! When bikers are dumb enough to group together, I've seen her drop a HE grenade right in the middle of them even though I was dodging and weaving to avoid their rockets . . . she is mean with that rifle. She even acts as a spotter for Morticia's GL rounds."

"Jake I believe your co' is blushing furiously, let's take some heat off her and tell us some more about yourself."

"Okay Miles. As if Morticia's grenades and Sally's pinpoint sniping weren't enough, then the vultures have to deal with me. I've got dual ice droppers linked to dual paint sprays. Sure the paint is not around very long, but it is long enough to hide the ice. Lots of people think the paint is archaic . . . so archaic they don't bother with no-paint windshields . . . oops! Icy roads are always fun at any speed and any time of year. Oh yeah, I almost forgot . . . the three minedroppers with napalm mines. I figure once someone is on fire, they will lose interest in shooting you very quickly . . . at least until the fire is out. With three loads going off at once, all within range of tires and underbody, a pursuing vehicle is very likely to catch and stay on fire. There are usually some fake mines thrown in the early rounds that give a puff of smoke and have a little flag that comes up and says "Bang!" when someone drives by. Makes them think about whether or not all the mines are fake . . . and that's when I nail 'em good! There is a panic button to fire everything, and the mines have a tendency to melt the ice, but then if they have been set off, then who needs the ice? Right? Ice and paint are cheap, common, and have a large ammo reservoir that is very handy out on the road."

"Jake, if I may ask an odd question here. You have no 'cargo' vehicles here aside from the station wagon. Why is that?"

"A lot of times employers ask why we are not running a van or pickup. Vans, campers and pickups just seem to scream 'shoot me first!' out here on the road. They are the most obvious targets. Sure the next obvious is a wagon, but Morticia's ride looks more like a point vehicle with that ram, and I believe that gives attackers some hesitation as to who to concentrate their fire on. For quick repairs out here, the luxes and wagons share many identical parts, including wheels. This is why everyone who can afford the weight has that six-wheel chassis. A vehicle with that configuration can run with five or even only four tires if some are lost to action or are needed for a compatriot's vehicle. The other consideration is vehicle mobility. Mobility is key. Every vehicle in this convoy needs to be able to flow smoothly into defensive or offensive patterns quickly, and then hold them while dodging incoming party favors. The luxes and wagon do not sacrifice their handling for the increased chassis capability or cubic feet like the van, camper and pickup frames do. Mike seems to be an exception to this. Lots of people fire at him once. Then they are either no longer there, or they are running like the wind away from him and that hell sent trike of his. He does not do as much dodging as I do. It is just that that situation does not come up as often for him as it does for me."

"Jake, a lot of people tell me that speed is a key element out here. I don't see any spoilers, streamlining, anything at all 'fast' about your group."

"Don't buy the hype Miles. Our vehicles may not be the prettiest or the fastest thing around, but we get cargo delivered. Show me a 150-mph cargo vehicle, and I'll show you some seriously mangled, not to mention late cargo getting strained out of the remains of the vehicle."

"You seem pretty confident. Do you ever worry while you are out on some god-forsaken stretch of road?"

"We don't have our heads in the clouds Miles. A specialized vulture gang could take us, but almost 90 percent of our conflicts are with more standardized vehicles. The last 10 percent, well let's just say that is when we really earn our money. As far as law enforcement worries, the ice and paint are fine with most of the local Barney Fifes we run into, but they get twitchy with the minedroppers. So I try to keep the fake loads handy and hope they are not really that bored that they feel the need to inspect my magazine preferences any further than a test drop."

"Certainly an interesting and diverse mix of talents here Jake. Besides the vehicles, is there anything else you would recommend to an up and coming courier group out there?"

"As far as gear, a good old rifle with plenty of ammunition, a folding stock to save some weight and a few grenades will add some spice to life.  Duelist mirror shades 'cause they are way too cool, and body armor ‘cause you just can't do without it. Don't bother with that fancy junk either.  If it slows down slugs and shrapnel, then it is good enough. 'That other stuff is for weenies and wannabes. 'All fluff and no tough,' if you know what I mean. Mike and Sally carry binoculars to help their spotting as well. The HP ammo in the rifles really gets a person's attention, even if they are wearing body armor. There are always two of us guarding the vehicles while the rest are wheeling and dealing. Any security device that can be attached to a car can be removed just as easily. There is no substitute for a good pair of eyes and a sharp mind. Some clients don't like the extra hardware in their offices, so most everyone carries a small holdout. Y' know, just in case. The HP ammo in those little guys can put someone down right quick. How many of those office squares do you see wearing body armor? That blended junk never stopped a head shot anyway. You would be amazed how quickly some slimy undercutting sleaze starts talking sense and remembers where his contracts are and exactly how much the bonus was when he finally notices Sally's little red butterfly dancing on his chest or flitting across his brow. For the truly dense, she enjoys atomizing little knick-knacks around the guy's office until he gets the whole picture."

"Wow, remind me never to cross your team Jake."

"Don't get me wrong here Miles, we are not a bunch of thugs. No one out there is going to cut you any breaks. You need to be able to assert yourself. Most will treat you stupid if you act it, and life will always be difficult until you do something about it. Sure we are card-carrying members of the Brotherhood, but they don't roll out the battle-rigs because some jerk is trying to scam us out of a couple hundred dollars of bonus money for timely delivery."

"Well Jake, I have to say I'm impressed. Morticia's Manglers certainly appear to have what it takes to 'suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune'. What do you think you will be doing tomorrow Jake?"

"What the hell is an arrow Miles? If you are asking about out next job, I believe you will be able to give a first hand narrative. Looks like Morticia and Mad Mike just finished loading your manager's equipment into her wagon. I guess he doesn't want to wait on those parts for your mini-van after all. Tell me Miles, your boss is not the type to back out on a contract now is he? Where did Sally wander off to anyway?  Do you see her?"

"Okay folks! That's about all the time we have here today for this edition of 'Road Talk', where we give you the edge on driving the long haul!"

Hell Swarm -- X-hvy. trike, x-hvy. chassis, sport cycle PP (with PlatCats, SuperCons, MegaLyte and overdrive), hvy. suspension, 3 solid tires, cyclist (centered, behind PP), spare solid tire, 4 VMGs (each with 10 rounds; 2 linked R, 2 linked L), no-paint windshields, link (4 VMGs), HRSWC (cyclist and 4 VMGs), personal equipment (see below). 10-pt. plastic cycle WG front, 2 fake WGs back. Plastic armor: (130 points). Acceleration 5 (2.5 with overdrive), Top speed 90 (110 with overdrive), Cruise speed 52.5, Power 1,404, HC 2; 4,196.50 lbs., $26,359.

Hell Swarm Personal Equipment -- Rifle (with folding stock, telescopic sight, HP ammo and extra HP ammo clip), body armor, ABV, 5 grenades (1 foam, 2 flechette, 2 explosive), duelist shades, binoculars, derringer (with HP ammo).
 

Doughboy -- Station wagon, six-wheel x-hvy. chassis, super PP with overdrive, hvy. suspension, 6 solid tires in two-axle configuration, driver left, GL (with impact-fused concussion grenades, extra impact-fused explosive magazine and magazine switch) in 2-space turret, 2 linked incendiary HRs front, SnD front, FmD back, 2 CnDs top, bumper trigger (front and 2 incendiary HRs), SWC (driver and GL), cargo 20 VMG rounds (for use in Hell Swarm), link (front bumper trigger, SnD and 2 HRs), personal equipment (see below). Cargo capacity: (+6) spaces, 1.50 lbs. Plastic armor: F30 (ramplate), 110 remaining (140 points), two 10-pt. plastic AWHs front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back, 10-pts. 2-space plastic CA around driver. Acceleration 5 (2.5 with overdrive), Top speed 100 (120 with overdrive), Cruise speed 60, Power 2,600, HC 3; 6,598.50 lbs., $21,936.

Doughboy Personal Equipment -- Body armor, ABV, rifle (with folding stock, LTS, HP ammo and 2 extra HP ammo clips), 4 grenades (2 foam, 1 explosive, 1 concussion), duelist shades, derringer (with HP ammo),
 

Chopper Bopper II -- Luxury, x-hvy. chassis, super PP with overdrive, hvy. suspension, 4 solid tires, driver left, 2 linked SAMs in universal 2-space turret, two 3-space SAM magazines below turret (one for each SAM), FG right, 8 CnDs (1F, 2R, 2L, 1B, 2T), HRSWC (driver and 2 turret SAMs), 2 spiked bumpers (1F, 1B), fake body blades, personal equipment (see below). Plastic armor: (109 points), two 10-pt. plastic AWHs front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back, 10-pts. 2-space plastic CA around driver. Acceleration 5 (2.5 with overdrive, Top speed 100 (120 with overdrive), Cruise speed 60, Power 2,600, HC 3; 6,599 lbs., $24,310.

Chopper Bopper II Personal Equipment -- Rifle (with LTS, folding stock, HP ammo and extra HP ammo clip), body armor, ABV, 3 grenades (1 foam, 2 explosive), duelist shades.
 

T.E. Charleston -- Luxury, six-wheel x-hvy. chassis, super PP with overdrive, active hvy. suspension, 6 solid tires in two-axle configuration, driver left, passenger center, 2 IDs (1R, 1L), 2 PSs (1R, 1L), 2 linked MDs (each with 1 fake mine and 9 napalm mines, first mine fake; 1R, 1L), 2 links (2 IDs, 2 PSs and 2 MDs; 2 IDs and 2 PSs), personal equipment (see below). Plastic armor: (165 points), two 10-pt. plastic AWH front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back. Acceleration 5 (2.5 with overdrive), Top speed 100 (120 with overdrive), Cruise speed 60, Power 2,600, HC 4; 6,594 lbs., $27,331.

T.E. Charleston Driver Personal Equipment -- Rifle (with folding stock, telescopic sight, HP ammo and 2 extra HP ammo clips), 2 grenades (1 foam, 1 explosive), body armor, ABV, duelist shades, derringer (with HP ammo).

T.E. Charleston Passenger Personal Equipment -- Rifle (with folding stock, telescopic sight, LTS, silencer/flash-suppressor, UBGL, HP ammo and extra HP ammo clip), 4 grenades (2 impact-fused concussion, 2 impact-fused explosive), body armor, ABV, duelist shades, binoculars.
 

Start your own business in the convoy industry! You can get on the road today with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Montlake Motors: Combat and Cargo Combined.

War --  This point car for a convoy is built for speed and power up front. A heavy-duty Ramplate with an AP Heavy Rocket, powered by a Superconducted Sport Plant topping out at 110 mph, will deter any ambushers trying a frontal assault. The turreted Recoiless Rifle with two magazines of ammo, one HEAT and one HESH,  is aided by a single weapon computer to punch holes in attackers from any direction. The stylish Spoiler will help you to avoid traps left on the road, and the Steelbelted Solids will stand up to those you can't or don't want to drive around. Sloping and Streamlining give you that sleek sporty look all point drivers love to display, and with the addition of a Fire Extinguisher and Component Armour around the driver and  Power Plant, give you that added protection to ensure you finish and more importantly will get paid for the job. There is an extra layer of armour for you on the left-side to absorb that extra shot from on coming traffic or to sideswipe any one foolish enough to try and pass. As a backup to the cargo vehicle and to quench your thirst on a long haul, we've mounted an armoured minifridge behind your seat.  And when you buy this little gem . . .  We'll throw in a pair of duelist's shades and a whole case of real (barley and hops) beer! None of that algae stuff for the danger-seeking point driver!

War -- Streamlined luxury, x-hvy. chassis, sport PP with SuperCons and overdrive, hvy. suspension, driver, RR (with HEAT ammo and magazine switch) in 2-space turret, extra HESH RR magazine below turret, AP HR front, bumper trigger (front and AP HR), SWC (driver and RR), plastic spoiler, FE, armored mini-fridge (with 24 cans of real beer; $2 and 1 lb. per can), body armor, duelist shades. Sloped plastic armor: F70 (ramplate), R20, L20, B20, T20, U15 (173 points), 5-pts. 6-space FP plastic CA around PP, 10-pts. 2-space FP plastic CA around driver, Acceleration 10 (5 with overdrive), Top speed 130, Power 3,300, HC 3; 6,599 lbs., $28,639.
 

Pestilence -- Built to back up the point is this specialized Heavy Trike to protect against those nasty peds and anything in the air! Not only does this little baby have a Recoiless Rifle with HEAT ammo in a Universal turret, aided by a Single Weapon Computer, it is also packed with TWO SAMs! Two Flechette Guns are smart-linked to give you twice the power against peds and cyclists in the crucial overlap field of fire.  Body Blades and Teargas and Point Defense Dischargers round out the anti-personnel package. Radial Solids give you that extra control and Component Armor around the driver will give you that extra protection in a tough spot. Powered by a Super Trike Plant, kick in that Overdrive and you'll clip along at 112.5 mph. Along with purchase we'll "toss in" 5 Explosive Grenades and a set of Tinted Goggles.

Pestilence -- Hvy. trike, x-hvy. chassis, sport cycle PP with overdrive, hvy. suspension, 3 radial solid tires, cyclist, RR (with HEAT ammo) in universal 2-space turret, 2 smart-linked FGs (1R, 1L), 2 SAMs top, 2 TGDs (1R, 1L), PDG back, SWC (cyclist and RR), body blades, personal equipment (see below). Plastic armor: F20, R25, L25, B27, T20, U10 (127 points), 5-pt. plastic cycle WG front, 10-pts. 2-space FP plastic CA around cyclist. Acceleration 5 (2.5 with overdrive), Top speed 92.5 (112.5 with overdrive), Power 1,200, HC 3; 3,360 lbs., $19,940.
 

Deadly Delivery -- The main focus of any convoy is the Cargo Carrier and this Wagon is built to carry the most with the most protection. A Large Mini-Safe provides as much cargo room inside its heavy Fireproof Armor as is outside. Room for Driver and Gunner, both have Single Weapon Computers to fire the highly accurate turreted Vulcan Machine Gun. A Long-Distance Radio allows the group to call far ahead for backup, warn others, or just to order a Pizza so it will be nice and hot when they arrive. Tough all -around armor is supported by full strength Wheelguards and Armored Wheel Hubs, Solid tires, an Improved Fire Extinguisher, and additional Fireproof Component Armor to protect the Driver. A Paint Sprayer will leave any chasers without a clean shot and the Superconducted Large Plant with Overdrive will get this rolling safe up to 110 mph. For under $25,000 there is plenty of personal armament thrown in if the going gets really gritty, or if the Gunner just feels the ambushers need that personal touch. Tinted goggles round out the bonus.

Deadly Delivery -- Station wagon, x-hvy. chassis, large PP with SuperCons and overdrive, hvy. suspension, 4 solid tires, driver, gunner, VMG in 2-space turret, PS back, IFE, large mini-safe, 2 SWCs (driver and VMG, gunner and VMG), 3 cargo spare tires (1 solid Can-Am, 1 radial solid cycle, 1 SB solid luxury), LD radio, personal equipment (see below). Plastic armor: F40, R30, L30, B30, T20, U14 (164 points), two 10-pt. plastic AWHs front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back, 10-pts. 2-space FP plastic CA around driver. Acceleration 5 (2.5 with overdrive), Top speed 90 (110 with overdrive), Power 2,200, HC 3; 6,600 lbs., $24,604.

Deadly Delivery Personal Equipment -- Spiked body armor, flak jacket, 4 grenades (2 white phosphorous, 1 explosive, 1 foam), machine pistol, tinted goggles.

Deadly Delivery Gunner Personal Equipment -- Body armor, HAVR, personal GL (with 5 explosive grenades), tinted goggles.
 

Plague -- So you're stuck guarding the rear? Well do it in style! This Can-Am not only looks good it handles like a dream and will make those hooligans behind you think twice. There's a diversified dropped wapons package with a Heavy-Duty Flaming Oil Jet on your left,
Spikedropper with incendary ammo Back-Right, and a Spear 1000 Mine Dropper with Spider Mines behind.  Let them try and dodge one just to hit another! If you're on a dropped weapon restricted route you can rely on your trusty, Single Weapon Computer aided, Fireproof Component Armored, Recoiless Rifle loaded with HEAT ammo. Strong Armor to the rear along with Wheeguarded solids on the rear wheels and Fireproof Component Armor around the driver gives you the protection you demand. A No-Paint Windshield lets you see clearly and if they get too close, give them a suprise, Eight Dischargers, including 4 Flaming Clouds and the rammers bane, Ice and Oil combos on both sides!  With a Links, Bumper Trigger and Laser Reactive Web package gives you almost any combination to throw at them. All of this is powered by a Sport Plant with overdrive so you can catch up with your group at an amazing 162.5 mph! With this beauty we'll through in a pair of Duellist's shades because Rearguards are cooler than the glory seeking Point drivers every day of the week!

Plague -- Can-Am, std. chassis, sport PP with overdrive, 2 PR tires front, 2 solid tires back, driver, HDFOJ left, SD (with incendiary spikes) right-back corner,  RR (with HEAT ammo) back, SMD (with napalm mines) back, 4 FCDs (1B, 2T, 1U), 2 IcDs (1R, 1L), 2 ODs (1R, 1L), TGD under, 5 links (SMD, HDFOJ, SD, all dischargers; back FCD, under FCD, right IcD, left IcD, right OD and left OD; all weapons, back FCD and SMD), SWC (driver and RR), LRW back linked to back FCD, no-paint windshield, body armor, duelist shades. Plastic armor: F10, R22, L22, B40, T10, U10 (114 points), two fake AWHs front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back, 10-pts. FP plastic CA around RR. Acceleration 10 (5 with overdrive), Top speed 142.5 (162.5 with overdrive), Power 3,300, HC 5; 4,500 lbs., $26,815.

THE APOCALYPSE CONVOY

For less than $100,000 we'll get you the whole convoy, and in addition to the perks for each vehicle, we'll throw in three spare tires: one to fit each type of vehicle in the group! This still leaves you room inside the Cargo Safe for up to 150. lbs of cargo! This set of four vehicles have been specifically matched to work optimally together. The Point, Trike, and Rearguard all carry Recoiless Rifles so you can buy ammo in bulk. The Rearguard's No-Paint Windshield allows the Cargo Carrier to use its Paint Sprayer without fear of adversly affecting its backup comrade. The Long Distance Radio of the Carrier allows the group to have a greater range of contact. And the whole group is powered by Electric Power Plants to allow cheap recharging instead of having to buy pricey gas, and give a range of over 200 miles at a cruising speed of greater than 60 mph. This is even with the Trike's more limited range and allows the Point to gain from the benefits of the spoiler.

CWIN Editor's Note: The contributor to this set of vehicles experienced severe computer problems and was prevented from making the analysis section more detailed. Please evaluate these vehicles with this fact in mind, not heavily concentrating on size of the analyses but their quality and wit. Thank you!

The Tomboy. Tough: Steelbelted tires and composite armor Powerful: One of the heaviest ramplates in the buisness and bumper-triggered rockets. Beautiful: High-polish metal exterior and classical pickup styling. The Tomboy is back in town . . . and everyone better sit up and take notice, so get one . . . or get out of the way. Only from Metropolitan Motors -- Style and Substance

Tomboy -- Pickup, six-wheel x-hvy. chassis, super PP (with PlatCats, SuperCons and ISC), hvy. suspension, 6 SB solid tires, driver, 2 linked RLs front, bumper trigger (front and 2 RLs). LR metal/plastic armor F10/50 (ramplate), R3/19, L3/19, B3/18, T0/10, U0/10 (19 points/126 points), two 10-pt. plastic AWHs front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back. Acceleration 10 (15 with ISC), Top speed 100 (120 with ISC), HC 2; 7,799 lbs., $23,040.
 

The Work-A-Haul-Ic. You've carried the burden. You've built this country, and if need be, you could tear it down and build it again. That's why you need a truck like the Work-A-Haul-Ic, because that's exactly what it is, with almost a quarter ton of cargo capacity, composite armor, and a high-quality machine gun, to make sure you keep it, a workaholic. Just like you, just like Metropolitan Motors -- Style and Substance

Work-A-Haul-Ic -- Pickup, six-wheel x-hvy. chassis, super PP, hvy suspension, 6 solid tires, driver, MG in 1-space turret, SWC (driver and MG), IFE. Cargo capacity: 11(+3) spaces, 920 lbs. Metal/plastic armor: F5/18, R5/18, L5/18, B5/18, T5/18, U1/10 (26 points/100 points). Acceleratioon 5, Top speed 97.5, HC 2; 6,880 lbs., $16,380
 

Shrapnel. Throughout the history of war, nothing was more dangerous and feared that shrapnel . . . nothing downed more planes, nothing took out more infantry . . . there was always the sound of the explosion, the squeal of flying metal. So now, get your own shrapnel, the Metropolitan Shrapnel for your own little wars. The most dangerous thing on the battlefield is still Shrapnel. Metropolitan Motors -- Style and Substance.

Shrapnel -- Van with CA frame, six-wheel x-hvy chassis, super PP with PlatCats and SuperCons, hvy. suspension, 6 solid tires, driver, gunner, RL (with HARM rockets and magazine switch) and TL in universal 2-space turret, extra AP RL magazine (with rotary modification) below turret, HDSS (with tear gas) front, 3 FGs (1F, 1R, 1L), 3 linked FDs (1R, 1L, 1B), LGL (TL tuned, 5 AP RL rockets tuned, TL-RL link). Cargo capacity: (+6) spaces, 4 lbs. Metal/plastic armor: F4/14, R4/14, L4/14, B4/14, T4/18, U0/20 (20 points/94 points), two 5-pt. plastic AWHs front, two 5-pt. plastic WGs back, 10-pts. 6-space plastic CA around PP, 10-pts. 2-space plastic CA around driver, 10-pts. 2-space plastic CA around gunner, 10-pts. 1-space plastic CA protecting each FG separately. Acceleration 5, Top speed 105, HC 2; 7,196 lbs., $36,370.
 

Dante -- Make your opponent's stretch of road a little bit of Hell, with the Dante. Heavy-Duty Flaming Oil Jets and a turreted flamethrower heat things up while your mines send their tires to the Underworld. Dante: Start your own inferno. Only From Metropolitan Motors -- Style and Substance.

Dante -- Luxury, x-hvy, chassis, super PP with PlatCats and SuperCons, hvy. suspension, 2 solid tires front, 2 SB solid tires back, driver, FT in 2-space turret, 2 linked HDFOJs (1R, 1L), MD back, link (2 HDFOJs and MD), IFE. Metal/FP plastic armor F2/6, R5/6, L5/6, B8/8, T5/6, U2/10 (27 points/42 points), two 5-pt. plastic AWHs front, two 10-pt. plastic WGs back. Acceleration 5, Top speed 112.5, HC 3; 6,596 lbs. $21,330.