Lets talk about ERT Gamma Engineers

[Contrabang]

So whats the problem with them?

Currently, theres very little difference between an ERT Gamma Engineer and an ERT Red engineer. It's even arguable that that the red engineer has better gear outside of the combat RCD (Like engineering goggles, a secondary oxygen tank, and an upgradable energy gun). Red and Gamma both have the elite hardsuit, which removes the slowdown, since the Amber engi ERT are also spaceproof and are given the basic ERT space suit.

Gamma gear

(Thats a combat RCD, and 300 units of RCD refiller)

Red gear

(Non-Combat RCD)

So, what can we do?

I personally think that the Red ERT is fine as it is, and usually only amber Engi ERTs are called in for supermatter delaminations just for manpower. If a Gamma Engineering ERT is ever called, shit is really bad, like Singulo ate the entire station bad. I think the Gamma ERT needs a buff specifically with construction purposes in mind, for when everythings gone to shit and nothing is working. Gamma ERT's one upside is the combat RCD, which while good for removing reinforced walls and having a large capacity, doesnt do much else that a normal RCD cant do. Typically some engineers will have acquired powertools, RCDs, or even cable layers by the first hour mark, and usually with a red potion from RND this puts them basically even with Gamma Engineering ERT.

Preposed solutions

The RBPD (Rapid Board Printing Device)

(Catchy, right? RCD, RPD, blah blah...) It would be a handheld printing device that comes with Gamma ERT Engineers allowing them to print or vend (depending if this object should be limited in how many times it can be used) engineering circuit boards, like APC power boards, air alarm boards, fire alarm boards, etc. This could maybe also be sold as a Sol Trader item.

Enhanced tools options

Creating a new toolbelt just for Gamma ERT with even further upgraded tools, maybe like engineering research level 9 type stuff. This would be comparable to alien tools in speed, or perhaps even slightly below them. The other ERT besides engineering and medical (command, security, janitorial), usually get better stuff than things that are obtainable on station. Giving Gamma engineers what the CE is given roundstart for tools, doesnt feel very impactful for gamma.

This might sounds stupid, but another option is to bundle a set of advanced powertools into an "omnitool", that can switch between all of the tool actions, but is a large single object and is meant to be worn on the belt.

These would likely not be Sol Trader items.

Another cool thing would be to give Gamma engineers their own upgraded integrated toolset implant that is just the CE's tools but in an implant. This could make for an interesting Sol Trader item.

Blueprints? Upgraded real-time t-rays?

Perhaps give the Gamma ERT some blueprints like the CE has? These aren't the most useful but can be helpful somewhat for rebuilding and are basically required for making new areas outside of those tiny one-use area objects.

As for the t-rays that the ERT engineers and basically all engineers spawn with, they're sort of useless. You will spend more time waiting for the icons to flicker back on then simply prying up the tiles. Then theres a possible upgrade to this increasing the time that trays show on screen and/or increasing the range they show. Now this may be slightly intensive on server performance, so probably will not be done but is none the less an interesting idea.

Multitool idea

Smaller idea, but give them a multitool with the functionality of an alien multiool (able to see what wires do, etc.)

A really bad idea

Bluespace RCD... placing walls and windows from a distance. I'm running out of ideas so I think I will end this here, but Gamma ERT Engineers really do deserve some kind of buff to differentiate them.

EDIT:

Upgraded Cable layer

Cable layers are fun but they are also Normal-sized, making them not very convenient and usually they do the what you dont want them to do. Maybe a slight refactor and adding in a smaller non-wielded subtype could be interesting.