My introduction to Battletech was in 2014. Played a game of classic and pretty soon went and bought a Kurita Lance. Collected a few more of eBay on the cheap when I knew what I was looking for and orderd a few more from Iron Winds Miniatures till I had a full three lances. Still want me a Grasshopper and an Ostscout but never worry. Someday maybe.
I still have a Star of Smoke-Jag Clan Mechs to paint up. I should get them done.
I used to read the novels and write Battletech Fiction, I was really into it for a year or two but not so much of late. Its always nice to see a big of Battletech love on Dakka though.
If you're interested you can see all my mechs in my Gallery. And plenty of single-hex objective markers too.
https://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/images-95087-50881_Battletech.html
Its not so impressive a collection as yours and not nearly as rare but its been fun to get out of the
GW sphere and has opened my eyes to a whole other world of gaming.
Thanks for bringing the Battletech to the party.