>  On November 7, 2019 at 9:15 PM "Phil Pugliese (via tml list)" <xxxxxx@simplelists.com> wrote: 

> Yet, I do believe that the original CT LBB2 actually predates 'introduction' of the Xboat,
> doesn't it?

On Friday, November 8, 2019, 09:23:53 AM MST, Thomas RUX <xxxxxx@comcast.net> wrote:

CT Supplement 9 Fighting Ship 1981 7th printing page 12 as far as I know is the first mention of the Express Boat (X-Boat). Per the Ship Information Sheet the X-Boat is a Book 2 Design.
So the answer is "Yes" that both CT LBB2 1977, CT LBB 2 1977/1981, CT LBB 5 1979, and CT LBB 5 1980 predate the X-boat presented in CT Supplement 9.

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In addition, the Xboat system was explicitly mentioned in the very first CT LBB 'Adventure', where it was 'announced' that the system was to be upgraded to J6 capability & that the route from Capital to Regina would get priority. The potential savings in commo time 'tween Capital & Regina was also detailed. 

I've always wondered why GDW just had to make the Xboat such a stripped down design, esp since a pilot was required onboard, & also esp since something like the, unmanned, J-torps from the later CT LBB (4?) Adventure 'Leviathan' could've worked just as well.
Since the design rules (take your pick) had already been established, why not come up with a "legal" design?
Almost makes me think that whoever designed it didn't really read the rules!

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