Well, summer's here. We can only guess after all the rain and heat we had.
    New Omaha has been rocked by a few terrorist incidents. Commissioner Smith is unimpressed by these attacks. Rumors of a cyborg being involved have raised fears of other cyborgs in the city. See The World "Out There" section.
    NOVA prepares for GenCon and the Racing Worlds; we await the rules for the Worlds. NOVA will be running two events; Godzilla's Smarter Brother and the Midwest Racing Championship. We hope both events are well attended.
 

This issue we feature Landmasters, Racing bodies, and tank gun-fired smart missiles.

Landmasters: The Landmaster became famous when it appeared in the movie Damnation Alley. It can operate over most terrain (including water), thus earning its name. Landmasters come in three sizes similar to regular buses.
 
 

Size	Cost	Weight	Load	Spaces	Armor
Mini	$30,000	3,300 lbs.	35,000	35	32/14
30 Foot	$35,000	4,400 lbs.	45,000	45	35/17
40 Foot	$40,000	6,100 lbs.	60,000	60	40/18

Landmaster chassis can be modified like normal buses; they have a base HC of 2. They are capable of going off-road and are amphibious.
    Landmaster mount their tires on triangular frames which place two wheels of the three on the ground; thus, eight of the 12 tires are always on the ground. When a tire is damaged or encounters a large hazard (obstacles or enemy fire), the frame rotates to place a new wheel on the ground. Wheel changes are done either automatically or by using a firing action. The system will not rotate a destroyed tire to the ground.
    Landmasters use off-road truck tires (using appropriate cost and weight modifiers). They can travel across water like a boat, using the wheel frames and tires as paddles. The Landmaster's water speed is figured as a boat. Truck skill is needed to drive a Landmaster. Top speed for the Landmaster is figured as a bus. Landmaster counter size is the same as buses of similar size.
    Note: All Landmasters counters are cut in half with the second half maneuvered like a trailer. Figure it has a 1/4" tongue connecting them, with the tongue protected by the vehicular armor. The two section aspect of the Landmaster makes it capable of making tighter turns than normal buses.

Racing Bodies: Cost 2 x normal body cost. CA, CT, and other such mods are not allowed. Body Weight is 1/3 normal, rounded to the nearest 100 lbs. Chassis and suspension upgrades are based on modified body cost.
 

Susp Type	Cost	HC*	HC OR*
Std.	0	2/0	0/2
Imp.	1x body cost	3/1	1/3
Heavy	1.5 x body cost	4/2	2/4

Subcompacts: add 1 to listed HC.
Vans: subtract 1 from listed HC.
Oversized Vehicles: subtract 1 from listed HC.
* HC on paved surfaces/HC on non-paved surfaces.

This is the process used to create "stock cars". It involves taking templates to a "normal" car body, building a rollcage and body panels to resemble the "normal" vehicle, then attaching axles, racing suspension, etc. Externally, the car looks like its "normal" sibling, only lower (for pavement racers) or higher (for off-roaders) than normal. Internally, the modified vehicle bears no resemblance to its sibling; the roll cage/frame is exposed; there is no internal trim, no seats (save the driver's), and none of the gadgets available to "normal" cars (AC, radio, etc.).
    The advantages of this design are its lightness, the integral roll cage, and the wider-than-normal stance which improves handling in its racing environment. The disadvantages include a higher per-unit cost, and a complete lack of creature comforts (for effects of long-term discomfort, see Car Wars Tanks). Adding Velvet Glove Trim (minimum cost $100/vehicle space) or Safety Seats (one per person onboard) will counter crew discomfort.
    When constructing a Racing Body-equipped vehicle, the designer must specify whether the vehicle is meant for racing "on-road" or "off-road" (to illustrate the difference, look at a Porsche 911 set up for pavement racing and a 911 set up for rallying -- big difference).
    Any vehicle may be modified to Racing Body (yes, including tanks and armored cars -- it's been done). Tanks, armored cars, & other military-type vehicles do not use Racing Body suspensions -- they don't need them. Hovercraft HC is determined as per normal hovers -- they still have 3 fans each. Air vehicles (aircraft, microplanes, helicopters and airships) disregard all suspension rules, and use their "natural" HC (plus mods, of course).

Clipped Wings: Cost 0.1 x body cost. No weight. Reduces wing spaces by 10% (rounded down) each.
    An airplane or microplane with clipped wings has its top speed increased by 5%, and its stall speed increased by 5%. Flying wings figure space loss using total spaces. Clipped wings do not preclude the use of other wing mods, and do alter wing armor cost & weight. Only microplanes & airplanes may use this; Weapon Wings can't (sorry).

Tank Gun Smart Missile (TGSM): To-hit of 5, damage - see below, CPS $5,000 + 5 x cost of TG shell, WPS: normal.
    The TGSM is a missile designed to be fired from any type of tank gun (75 mm or larger). It is equipped with a two-stage warhead that is specifically designed to defeat reactive armor. The first stage is a discharger-like mechanism which acts as a VMG using explosive ammo. This part of the warhead will automatically destroy 1-3 charges of reactive armor on the side it is aimed at. The second stage of the warhead is the normal explosive charge. It does damage according to the TG shell on which it is based (A 105 mm TGSM would do 10D6 damage, etc). The main warhead may be HEAT or HESH at +10% to the cost of the missile.
    A TGSM uses optical homing to fly to the general vicinity of the target. It then uses either active laser homing or a pulsed, variable-frequency radar on its attack run. This type of radar is subject to the effects of a radar jammer, bollix or HARM on a roll of 1 on 1D6.
    TGSMs have a flight speed of 800 mph (80" per turn) and a maximum range of 2,000". They have a penalty of -10 to be shot at by the target and a -12 for everyone else. A TGSM has the high-speed and long-range modifications already built in. It is the same size as normal TG shells, and may be mixed in the same magazine.
    Aside from its long range and high speed, the chief virtue of a TGSM is that the tank gun can continue firing while the missile is in flight (unlike normal CMLs).
 

At long last it's happened; the No Shoulders adventures have been published in Morningstar Rising issue #7, after being rejected by SJG both as articles and a supplement years ago (it probably ended up lining the bottom of a bird cage).
    What else is happening? NOVA's readying itself for the Racing Worlds and running several events at GenCon. This year's con will include the Midwest Racing Championship; it will feature new, non-published speedways (some were listed in the unpublished Flashfire Circuit supplement), and trophies provided by NOVA and Star Realm. Godzilla will make an appearance at GenCon again at the event titled "Godzilla's Smarter Brother". It's sure to stomp the tanks flat again.
    Dave Hoffman has talked about restarting GHOST. The chapter held world championship status a few years ago. We wish him luck.
    Mike Martini (a sometime visitor to NOVA) has expressed interest in restarting the Ground Zero RADS in Bellevue. As with Mr. Hoffman, we wish him luck.
    The Dragon-mazer and the Game Masters are back in Florida and looking for new members. NOVA is also looking for fresh blood (pun intended). Can somebody tell me what are the benefits to being an AADA chapter these days? No perks, no bonus, no playtesting, no nothing, except being able to say that your SJG approved. Not much else. You may be able to get prizes for a convention. Having your name connected with that isn't all its cracked up to be. Big name recognition? Is there a point to all of this? Yes; I think I just made it.
 

April 28, 2045: The Death Knight has been released from the hospital. Last fall the Death Knight's body was destroyed in an accident. A new clone had to be grown and his cyborg equipment has been updated by DKI.
    The original update operation happened last summer, but was cut short when the Death Knight contracted the Wilson Virus and died soon after. The Death Knight's other clones died soon afterwards for inexplicable reasons. DKI, the hospital and Gold Cross made no comment.

May 8, 2045: Emergency Services Inc. (ESI) announced its plans to shut down the cyborgs Executioner and Peacemaker since they were no longer employed by the NOPD. ESI is doing this to cut costs.
    Executioner and Peacemaker are appealing the shut down orders. They vow to take it all the way to the Supreme Court if needed. The cyborgs Robojed and Steelfist threw in there support.

May 11, 2045: The NOPD intervened in a showdown between ESI and the cyborgs Executioner and Peacemaker. Both parties were taken into custody.

May 12, 2045: Preliminary hearings began between ESI and the Executioner and Peacemaker. The court battle may boil down to this: how human are the cyborgs?

May 19, 2045: The U.S. Government intervened in the ESI/Cyborg case on behalf of the cyborgs. A government press release stated "that the continuing operations of the cyborgs Executioner and Peacemaker is a national security concern. They belong to the special unit known as Cy-7".
    The government never said who will continue to maintain the cyborgs: ESI or Cy-7?

May 20, 2045: Milford Police report seeing Dragon-mazer driving about the city.
    In totally unrelated news Robodyne Pizza opened its doors today. It's the first totally computerized pizza-making restaurant in the city and even boasts cyborg waiters.

May 22, 2045: Reports of tainted pizza have been reported all over New Omaha. The FDA and city health inspectors are investigating all pizza delivery establishments. Only Torgo's Pizza, which uses a "closed-shop" supply system, is unaffected; they have begun shipping their extra supplies to afflicted independent pizzarias.

May 24, 2045: ESI announced it had cut a deal with ARC and the U.S. Government. All details of the agreement have been classified "top secret" for national security reasons. The cyborgs Executioner and Peacemaker will continue to serve with Cy-7 and their own detective agency.

May 25, 2045: More tainted pizza cases continue to flow in. Several Checker's Pizza delivery cars were destroyed last night. Reports indicate that cyborgs were involved.

May 27, 2045: Several Torgo's Pizza delivery cars were attacked the previous night; fortunately, the attackers were driven off by the delivery vehicles' HyperSound systems. The drivers identified their attackers as cyborgs (in as many words): "Cyborgs attacked the cars". The NOPD is investigating the attacks.
    Commissioner Smith commented, "We're looking into several of these incidents. You'll be updated as soon as we have anything new".

May 29, 2045: A plane dropped a pamphlet bomb over NOVA headquarters. The note inside stated "I'm back - signed The Jackal". NOVA was slightly shocked at this proclamation. The offending plane was downed by NOVA aircraft just outside the city.

May 30, 2045: Three Checker's Pizza restaurants were demolished by fire during late-night break-ins. The NOFD responded quickly, and managed to save the buildings. Arson is strongly suspected.

May 31, 2045: A Torgo's Pizza building was slightly damaged by a fire. The NOFD suspects it was arson.

June 1, 2045: Detective Hammer wrecked his Corvette while stopping a robbery. The Stop'N Go store in question was demolished. The two robbers were hospitalized with several broken bones each. "I didn't know there was a robbery going on. I was stopping for gas. How was I to know my brakes were out?", Hammer commented later.

June 4, 2045: Several police cars were involved in accidents across the city. No one was injured. Police have started their investigations into these accidents.

June 5, 2045: A DKI semi-truck failed to stop on an I-80 exit ramp and destroyed twenty vehicles. DKI and the NOPD had no comment on the accident. Strangely, the Police were unable to get an accurate count on the dead, which is believed to be over 30.

June 6, 2045: The DeathKnight destroyed a local auto repair shop. Several employees and customers injured in the attack. DKI claims that the DeathKnight was at DKI HQ all day.

June 7, 2045: Doc's Truckstop was destroyed by the DeathKnight. As yesterday, DKI stated that the DeathKnight spent the day at DKI HQ. The NOPD and DKI Security are investigating the incidents.

June 8, 2045: The DeathKnight tried to attack the Daimschel Tread Works but was driven off. Several city council members have claim that the DeathKnight has gone berserk and must be shut down immediately before any more damage is done. Commissioner Smith is still investigating the incidents, but does have the C4 unit on alert status.
    Daimschel Tread Works had sustained minor damage in the attack and is suing DKI for damages (as the earlier victims were doing).
    DeathKnight was reported to be at the DKI HQ during the attack. DKI security chief Shadow-Walker is investigating the claims. Fears of DKI shutdown abound.

June 10, 2045: Thirty vehicles were wrecked in a massive accident in Lincoln. Several drivers reported loss of brakes. LPD are investigating the wrecks and any link to the New Omaha incidents.

June 11, 2045: Detective Hammer pursued a speeder in a chase across New Omaha. Several minor fender-benders occurred during the chase.
    The shoot out after the chase resulted in the destruction of the speeder's car with a bazooka fired by Detective Hammer. After cuffing the suspect, Hammer said, "Glad I had my bazooka".

June 12, 2045: Police Commissioner Smith announced that the DeathKnight's whereabouts during the June 6-8 incidents have been proven. He was definitely at DKI HQ during that time.
    During this press conference a big cyborg attacked the West Omaha Police Station, but was routed by the C4 unit.

June 13, 2045: The New Omaha World Herald dubbed the mysterious cyborg that attacked the West Omaha Police Station "The Dark Knight". Commissioner Smith released the first photos of this "Dark Knight" and vowed to stop it.
    The Dark Knight attacked the North Omaha Police Station using a Death Machine. Heavy damage was sustained, but the station still stands. No injuries were reported.
    DKI reported several security breaches in the past few months, but they were dealt with. However, several items were stolen which included: DeathKnight's latest cyborg equipment, a Death Machine, a tank and military equipment.
    The FBI is investigating DKI about the security breaches. DKI may be fined for not reporting them to the government sooner.

June 21, 2045: Several vehicles in Iowa exploded unexpectedly during rush hour. Over twenty people were killed and dozens injured. NOPD is investigating.
    In Des Moines and KC-1 a myriad of brake failures occurred, causing numerous accidents and fatalities. In Lincoln, an Uncle Al's delivery truck fired upon houses it passed en route to its store. The driver claimed that the truck fired on its own.
    Rumors abound on who is responsible for these "pranks". Some say PAGAN, others the Jackal. Nobody knows for sure.

June 24, 2045: Several "ram" cars destroyed numerous vehicles and buildings. The drivers claim that their steering failed and the brakes didn't work and the cars just accelerated on their own.

June 27, 2045: The afternoon rush hour came to a halt when vehicles starting unloading dropped weapons on I-80. Fifty cars were damaged or destroyed in the incident. One driver commented "I don't know what happened. My dropped weapons just started firing by themselves. It was weird; I couldn't shut them off."
    Commissioner Smith said "We will investigate all the incidents as quickly as possible. I don't care if we have to double or triple shifts to clear the desks".

July 1, 2045: Commissioner Smith made the following announcement: "We have discovered who was responsible for the rash of 'accidents'. They are one-time associates of the Jackal, who have acquired new -- and, unfortunately, much more powerful -- employers. It appears this was the first step in a larger plan to destroy the peace we have fought to acquire. The -- gentlemen -- responsible for this will be brought down -- one way or another." Observers believe that whomever Smith was referring to is, in the words of one citizen, "in deep yogurt."

July 4, 2045: A float in the shape of a giant pink bunny wearing a drum somehow entered the 4th of July parade. Over the float's loudspeakers came a message from the Jackal, "I'm Back." The threat was alleviated when an Elvis Commandos aircraft used a no-landing extraction rig to lift the float out of the parade; they disposed of it in the northwest landfill.
 

July 28, 1995: Waterworld.

Holiday 1995: Goldeneye (new James Bond film).
 
 

GenCon '95: August 10-13, 1995 in Milwaukee, WI. Site of the World Racing Championship, Godzilla's Smarter Brother, and the Midwest Racing Championship.
 
 

Tank Top Speed: (100 x PF)/(PF + VW); Armored Car Top Speed: (150 x PF)/(PF + VW).

Military HESH, HEAT, APFSDS: Alternate system by Mike Garrity is a military variant of standard Car Wars ammo; duelists and other civilians use the "official" ammo rules. Explanation: standard Car Wars ammo is a lower-powered "civvie" ammo. Military variants are unavailable to civilians.

Landmaster Upgrade: Maximum loads increased (mini-35,000, 30'- 45,000, 40'-60,000). Has military spec OR suspension included. Military equipment is available to civilians at 2x listed cost. Top speed formula as per armored cars (revised). May use either truck (civilian) or AFV (military) power sources. Tire defense--may use armored hubs. Special wheelguards required: same $, weight, maximum weight as tread skirts. Vehicle also has interior furnishings as per AFV (see NOVA Works, this issue).

Multiple-Engine Vehicles: Any vehicle may have multiple engine/power plants; the trick is transferring PF to the Propulsion Equipment (PE). Simplest MEV -- 1 PS to 1 PE (e.g. 4 PS, 4 PE); other combinations are possible, but must provide symmetrical thrust; automatic HC-6 if not. If disparate PS used, vehicle stats use slower formula. (Example: aircraft w/propellers and jest use prop formula). If more than 1 PS routed to 1 PE, add 25% of total PS cost per extra PS (example: 3 PS -- +50% of all 3). Determining which PS is damaged should not be a problem.

Suspension Damage: Vehicle has suspension DP equal to basic HC through to -6 (example: HC 3 has 10 points: HC 5 has 12; HC 0 has 7). Suspension takes damage as metal; each point lost permanently drops HC by 1. In collisions, roll a D6 per 10 mph.

Retractable Landing Gear & Aircraft: If a vehicle's landing gear is down and it travels faster than 350 mph, roll 2D6 (add one for every 10 mph over 350 mph). A roll of 12 or above means that the gear has ripped off.

In NM 9-1 "Showroom" three items appeared which were not explained fully. The explanations appear below:

Assault machine gun (AMG) - this weapon fills the gap between the machine gun and the autocannon; the heavy machine gun does not do this.

Rocket Pods: This device is a lightweight but expensive system for carrying rockets, from MML loads to SRs. The pod's cost, weight, etc., are based on the type & number of rockets employed. Different types of rockets may not be put in one pod. If you have access to ADQ 7-3, you may use the guidance packs and ammo from the "Advanced Rocket Construction Rules".
    Example: 20-shot heavy rocket pod with active homing guidance pack. Weight of rockets: 200 lbs. Pod cost (100 x 10) = $2,000; pod weight (200 x .5) = 100 lbs.; pod spaces (200/100) = 2. Pod DP = 2; To-Hit of 9. Loaded pod (w/active guidance pack) is $5,000, 325 lbs., 2 spaces, 2 DP; to-hit of 6. Note: this is the pod used on the '45 Ferrari/OTO-Melara F40).

Superchargers: According to the Catalog from Hell superchargers have an acceleration bonus of 5 mph. This makes it an overpriced, overweight turbochargers.
    Whoa, not happening. The supercharger acceleration bonus should be 10 mph (thank Haring for that screwup).

Improved Retractable Landing Gear: $10 & 1 lb. per 400 lbs. of vehicle maximum load; Spaces = Max load of aircraft/20,000, round fractions down.
 
 

Yes, we goofed -- even with three editors, it can happen. On the Magnum Motors 2045 Cruiser, the armor is listed as "slop" instead of "slope". There's some really gross new armor out there. Also, this vehicle was not listed in the credits. The revised design was made by Don Jacques.
 

2045 Camel "one hump": 40' bus, x-hvy chassis, regular truck power plant, 2 extra power cells, flush solar panel top rear, 10 PRSB radial tires, driver, gunner, 12 passengers, 4 linked MGs front, 4 linked MGs in universal turret top front, smart link for MGs, 2 SDs w/explosive ammo located one left rear and one right rear, spoiler, airdam, tinted/no-paint windows, hvy hitch (20,000 lbs.), infrared, HD shocks, galley, extra driver controls, surge protector, 2 targeting computers, LD radio, fire extinguisher, vehicular computer for driver, computer navigator w/5 maps, autopilot, radar, radar detector and jammer, bumper trigger front, streamlining. Sloped armor: F-B-T-Sides: 45 each, UF 25, UB 25 with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 135 mph unloaded, HC 1 (2 at 60+); 25,190 lbs., $130,490. Towing capacity of 14,810 lbs. Top speed 100 fully loaded.
    Cargo version: replace passengers with side door (right side) and cargo bay (24 spaces, 2,486 lbs.) Remove 7 points of armor. $129,682 and 25,184 lbs.
    Road Assistance version: replace passengers with side door (right side). Add winch (4,000 lb. capacity), portable shop (4 spaces), 2 mechanics and cargo bay (15 spaces and 1,516 lbs.). Add 8 points of armor. $121,342 and 25, 184 lbs.

2045 Camel "Two Hump": 40' bus, x-hvy. chassis, regular truck power plant, 2 extra power cells, 10 SBPR radial tires, driver, 2 gunners, 11 passengers, 4 linked MGs front, 2 linked MGs in universal turrets TF and TB, smart link between front MGs and TF turret MGs, SD w/explosive ammo rear, spoiler, airdam, hvy. hitch (20,000 lbs.), infrared, HD shocks, tinted/no-paint windows, galley, extra driver controls, fire extinguisher, surge protector, 3 targeting computers, LD radio, vehicular computer for driver, computer navigator w/5 maps, autopilot, bumper trigger front, radar, radar detector and jammer, streamlining. Sloped armor: F49, sides and top 46 each, B 48, UF 25, UB 25 with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 135 unloaded, HC 1 (2 at 60+); 25,199 lbs., $132,962 and towing capacity of 14,801 lbs. Top speed fully loaded is 100.
    Cargo version: replace passengers with side door (right side) and cargo bay (23 spaces, 2,403 lbs.). Remove 14 points of armor. 25,197 lbs., $131,846.
    Road Assistance version: replace passengers with side door (right side), winch (4,000 lbs. capacity), portable shop (4 spaces), 2 mechanics, cargo bay (14 spaces, 1,451 lbs.). 25,199 lbs., $138,462.

2045 Camel "No Hump": 40' bus, x-hvy. chassis, regular truck power plant, 2 extra power cells, flush solar panel located TF and TB, 10 SBPR radial tires, driver, gunner, 10 passengers, 8 MGs either 8xF or 4xF, 1 ea. FL, FR, BL, BR), SD w/explosive ammo located LR and RR, spoiler, airdam, hvy. hitch (20,000 lbs.) HD shocks, radar, radar detector and jammer, surge protector, galley, fire extinguisher, infrared, 2 targeting computers, LD radio, extra driver controls, tinted/no-painted windows, bumper trigger front, vehicular computer for driver, computer navigator w/5 maps, autopilot, streamlining. Sloped armor: F66, sides and top 63 each, B 65, UF 25, UB 25 with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5 mph, top speed 135 fully loaded, HC 1; 25,192 lbs. $133,046. Towing capacity 14,808 lbs.
    Cargo version: replace passengers with side door (right side) and cargo bay (1,004 lbs. and 20 spaces). Remove 57 points of armor. 25,196 lbs., $131,288.
    Road assistance version: replace passengers with side door (right side), winch (4,000 lbs. capacity), portable shop (4 spaces), 2 mechanics and cargo bay (1,006 lbs. and 11 spaces). Remove 96 points of armor. 25,194 lbs., $134,322.

2045.5 Camel "one hump": 40' bus w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, regular truck power plant w/PC and SC, 2 extra power cells, 10 SBPR radial tires, driver, gunner, 12 passengers, 2 linked HMGs front, HMG in universal turret TF, smart link for HMGs, SD w/explosive ammo LR and RR, spoiler, airdam, hvy. hitch (20,000 lbs.), HD shocks, extra driver controls, flush solar panel TB, galley, fire extinguisher, infrared, vehicular computer for driver, computer navigator w/5 maps, autopilot, 2 targeting computers, bumper trigger front, tinted/no-paint windows, radar, radar detector and jammer, streamlining. Sloped armor: F41, sides-top-back 40 each, UF 25, UB 25 with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 140 unloaded, HC 1 (2 at 60+); 25,188 lbs., $196,254. Towing capacity of 20,000 lbs.

2046 Camel "one hump": 40' bus, x-hvy. chassis, regular truck power plant, 2 extra power cells, flush solar panel TB, 10 SBPR radial tires, driver, gunner, 12 passengers, 2 linked VMGs front, 2 linked VMGs in universal turret TF, smart link for VMGs, JD linked LR and RR, spoiler, airdam, hvy. hitch (20,000 capacity), HD shocks, extra driver controls, galley, fire extinguisher, infrared, 2 targeting computers, LD radio, bumper trigger front, tinted/no-paint windows, vehicular computer for driver, autopilot, computer navigator w/5 maps, radar, radar detector and jammer, streamlining. Sloped armor: F46, sides and top 42 each, B45, UF 25, UB 25 with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 135 unloaded, HC 1(2 at 60+); 25,184 lbs, $127,192. Towing capacity of 14,816 lbs.

Note: The Camels use the revised heavy hitch as published back in Nightmessenger 7-3. Since there was no clarification on the spoiler and airdams I decided to use them on the buses. I may seem strange, but it is possible.

Common Camel upgrades: Since most of them are used by bus/cargo/repair companies, a common upgrade is to the power plants. This allows them to tow a heavier car trailer. Such upgrades are done within the first year, if not purchased with it installed. Computers are usually replaced by hi-res computers.

2045 Aerohauler: Transport Helicopter, super power plant w/PC and SC, extra power cell, pilot, gunner, 2 linked VMGs front, two linked VMGs in universal turret under, extra driver controls, 2 hi-res computers, smart link for VMGs. Cargo capacity: 15 spaces and 5,800 lbs. Armor: 75 for each location. Accel. 5, top speed 150, HC 1; 23,000 lbs., $189,675.
    Bomber version: Add ITL, zero space turret and bomb bay. Bomb load: 13 spaces and 5,575 lbs. $193,425 plus bombs.
 
 

"The first rule of Italian driving is, 'What's behind me is not important'." Franco in The Gumball Rally

"It's not a risk, it's a challenge." Bannon in The Gumball Rally

"He's a low-down, no-good, double-dealing, backstabbing, larcenous, perverted worm! Hanging's too good for him. Burning's too good for him! He should be torn into little bitty pieces and buried alive!: Hannover Fist, describing Captain Lincoln F. Stern in Heavy Metal

"When only the Police are armed, what you will have is a police state." Jeff Cooper.

"The United States Congress is a perfect example of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle; It's position is everywhere and its' movement is zero!!" Unknown

"In science there is only physics; all the rest is stamp collecting." Ernest Rutherford

"Grandpa, that flag has only 49 stars on it."

"I'll be in the cold, cold ground before I'll recognize Missouri!" The Simpsons
 
 

T-Cat Express: Any racing vehicle powered by a thundercat power plant. Typically reaching speeds over 200 mph and accelerate at 15 mph. Electric or not, it's a fast car.

Camel Jockey: Any crew of a Camel and/or its variants. Unknown whether this is a compliment or an insult.
 

This issue we feature even more Camels, as if you haven't had enough of them already. The Camel's Tail is a specially designed trailer to supplement the Camel's defense and cargo capacity. The War Camel is, as the name implies, a holy terror on wheels, meant to discourage attackers.

Camel's Tail "one hump": 30' van trailer, x-hvy. chassis, small car power plant w/extra power cell, 8 SBPR radial tires, 3 gunners, 8 MGs (4 rear linked, 4 linked in universal turret top). 3 SDs w/explosive ammo linked 1 rear, 1 left rear, 1 right rear. Smart link for MGs, surge protector, radar, radar detector and jammer, fire extinguisher, galley, flush solar panel, 3 targeting computers, infrared, HD shocks. Cargo capacity: 1,840 lbs. and 23 spaces. Streamlining. Sloped armor: F-Sides-T-B 30 each, UF 13, UB13, and 4 10-point wheelguards. 14,788 lbs., $58,129. Max weight of 16,920 lbs.
    "Two Hump" Version: Replace solar panel with second turret (2 space universal) and downgrade first turret to 2 spaces. Move two MGs to second turret. $56,679. Cargo capacity: 1,940 lbs. and 23 spaces.
    "No Hump" Version: Move MGs from turret to rear or sides. Remove turret and smart link. Add 12 points of armor. Cargo capacity: 1,900 lbs. and 19 spaces. 14,789 lbs., $54,657.

War Camel "One Hump": 40' bus w/CA frame, x-hvy. chassis, regular truck power plant w/PC and SC, 2 extra power cells, flush solar panel TB, 10 SBPR radial tires, driver, 3 gunners, 16 linked MGs (4 in TF universal turret, 12 front), smart link for MGs, 2 SDs w/explosive ammo located 1 left rear and one right rear linked, spoiler, airdam, hvy hitch (20,000 lbs), infrared, HD shocks, extra driver controls, galley, fire extinguisher, 2 space passenger accommodations, 4 hi-res computers, LD radio, bumper trigger front, vehicular computer for driver, computer navigator w/5 maps, autopilot, radar, radar detector and jammer, tinted/no-paint windows, surge protector, overdrive. Cargo capacity: 1,000 lbs and 8 spaces. Streamlining. Sloped armor: F-B 60 each, Sides-Top 59 each, UF-UB 25 each with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 160 mph (w/overdrive), HC 1; 25,192 lbs., $220,856. Towing capacity of 20,000 lbs.
    "Two Hump" Version: Replace flush solar panel with two space universal turret top rear. Move two MGs from front turret to rear turret. Downgrade front turret to two spaces. Add 17 points of armor. 25,198 lbs and $219,809.
    "No Hump" Version: Remove turreted MGs and the turret. Add flush solar panel TF. Add 72 points of armor. Cargo capacity: 1,000 lbs and 8 spaces. 25,188 lbs and $220,524.

2046 War Camel "One Hump": 40' bus w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, regular truck power plant w/PC and SC, 2 extra power cells, flush solar panel TB, 10 SBPR radial tires, driver, 3 gunners, BC in universal turret TB, 3 linked BC front, 2 SD w/explosive ammo linked left rear and right rear, spoiler, airdam, streamlining, hvy hitch (20,000 lbs.), infrared, HD shocks, extra driver controls, galley, fire extinguisher, 2 space passenger accommodations, 4 hi-res computers, LD radio, bumper trigger front, vehicular computer for driver, computer navigator w/5 maps, autopilot, radar, radar detector and jammer, tinted/no-paint windows, surge protector, overdrive. Cargo capacity: 1,000 lbs and 8 spaces. Streamlining. Sloped armor: F-B 67 each, sides-T 64 each, UF-UB 25 each with 6 10-point wheelguards. Accel. 2.5/5, top speed 160 (w/overdrive), HC 1 (2 at 60+); 25,184 lbs, $220,792. Towing capacity of 20,000 lbs.

Brane Damage: Heavy Trike, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, super trike power plant, 3 HD radial tires, driver, VMG left linked to VMG right each with 10 rounds of HD ammo, HDPS left rear corner. SWC. Sloped armor: F35, L30, R30, B25, T3, U10. Accel. 5, top speed 95, HC 3; 3,350 lbs, $14,702.
 
 

The Gumball Rally: This is the first in the cross country chase/race films. Notable follow-ups include Cannonball Run and its sequels.
    Car crashes, speed trap tricks, fast cars and other auto mayhem abound. It stars Michael Sarrazin, Raul Julia as an Italian race car driver, and Gary Busey in an early role. Watch out for the crazy cyclist, the flying Ferrari, and fake cops.
    Memorable Quote: "The first rule of Italian driving is what's behind me is not important".
    Of all the cross country race comedies, The Gumball Rally is the funniest. The Cannonball Run flicks may be based on actual races, but they're too cliched at times. Rent out The Gumball Rally, if you can. ***
 
 

Over the course of writing this issue, things went from dull to very exciting. Who is behind all of the violence in New Omaha? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm sure Commissioner Smith will get his hands on those responsible soon. He tends to get his way.
    Is New Omaha ready for a pizza war? Robodyne and Torgo's Pizza are squaring off. This will get messy in more ways than one. Just hold the anchovies, please.
    Cyborg problems need not to be mentioned; when it rains it floods. The Dark Knight and other rogue cyborgs are being hunted down by the C4 unit. Don't get between them if you value your life.
    Next issue we will feature the GenCon report, along with our regular features. New items and cars (especially racing vehicles) will be shown. The club championships (dueling and racing) aren't far away either.
 

Drive Offensively!
 
 

Norman McMullen	Chris French
NOVA President	NOVA Vice President

 

NOVA Works:
Racing Bodies & Clipped Wings: Chris French
Tank Gun Smart Missile: Michael Garrity
Landmasters: Norman McMullen (revisions by Chris French)

10 O'clock News:
Chris French, Michael Garrity, Norman McMullen, and Daniel Sloan

Convention Calendar by Norman McMullen

Nuts & Bolts by Chris French

Movie Releases by Norman McMullen

The Showroom:
Camel's Tail, 2045 War Camel, 2046 War Camel by Norman McMullen
Brane Damage by Michael Garrity

Quotes by Chris French, Michael Garrity, and Norman McMullen

Cube Logs by Norman McMullen

Closing Fire by Norman McMullen

The World "Out There":
Chris French, Michael Garrity, Norman McMullen, and Daniel Sloan

Typesetting by Don Jacques

Vehicle Guide Update:
2045 Camel, 2045 ½ Camel, 2046 Camel, and 2045 Aerohauler by Norman McMullen

Editors of the Great American Novelette:
Don Jacques, Chris French, and Norman McMullen
 
 

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