Building spaceships

[malika]

I was thinking about that, but it ended up looking really weird compared to the lances placed on the sides. Of course I can heavily modify the prow to make the lance look better.

[Gerod253]

Here's a question. When mounting a cannon on the prow, how do you plan on showing the difference between the Lance and your version of the Nova Cannon? Shorter barrel and wider bore?

Its' hard to judge what would look good. When I first saw the cannon mounted in the center of the prow structure I thought of a unicorn. That's partially why it looks strange to me. Maybe if the mount was lower, not quite on the chin but close, it would give the impression of a rhino.

If you believe that mounting the lance at the top of the prow doesn't look good I trust you.

[malika]

Here's a question. When mounting a cannon on the prow, how do you plan on showing the difference between the Lance and your version of the Nova Cannon? Shorter barrel and wider bore?

The Nova Cannon is a totally different ballgame, apparently it can only be mounted on cruisers or battleships since its engines help out against the intense recoil. Thing is that the Nova Cannon is basically a giant railgun. I'll be designing something completely different for that one.

Its' hard to judge what would look good. When I first saw the cannon mounted in the center of the prow structure I thought of a unicorn. That's partially why it looks strange to me. Maybe if the mount was lower, not quite on the chin but close, it would give the impression of a rhino.

I might play with that. Not fully sure yet since such a modular kit for 'just a frigate' would make the kit a bit risky (more that it might make the kit too expensive). But it's something I still need to ponder about and toy with.

If you believe that mounting the lance at the top of the prow doesn't look good I trust you.

The lance itself would look good, that's not the problem. As seen with the Destroyer, it works. But compared next to the other lances it becomes a bit odd.

[Gerod253]

Designing it as a railgun means you have my attention good sir. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

A modular frigate kit does sound a bit much. Difficult to plan and expensive to buy. I'll have a clearer set of feedback once the kit I ordered wings its' way across the pond to me.

I take your point regarding the lance placement. Best of luck with working on it. In the end. you've got to make what you like. I know I'll likely purchase a pack or two of each destroyer design when they are released. Best of luck to you.

[malika]

The station is almost ready...



And I'm continuing to work on the Defence Monitor: modular prows!

Unarmed prow:


Torpedo prow:


Lance prow:

[Gerod253]

Those monitors look great, but that station steals the show! How far out from production would you estimate them to be?

[malika]

The station needs a bit of tweaking to make it easier to cast, the turrets will also need a bit of modifying (right now they are the exact copies from the Panthera frigate). Then it's ready to ship off.

The prows are almost ready, which means that the Defence Monitor can be shipped off. Keep in mind that the prow/turret sprue (3 prows + 2 turrets) can be used on other upcoming 'support escorts' such as Escort Carriers, transports, Q-ships, armed freighters, etc.

[Gerod253]

Modular prows usable with multiple ship classes? Madness! In all seriousness, that is pretty cool. It gives a uniform look to the prows, and still gives multiple options for those who want them. I look forward to seeing the finished product.

[malika]

Still working on the Escort Carrier, including the prows:

[Gerod253]

I like how these ships are coming along. The launch bays are clear, and I can tell where the bridge is supposed to be. I also like the way you designed the lance armed prow. Definitely gives a rhino-like feeling to the ship while keeping your smooth lines. It's a more futuristic looking take on the armored prow imperial ships are known for, and you do it well.

After you've crammed this much detail into escort sized vessels your cruiser sized ships are likely to be a true work of artful engineering.

[malika]

Man, those cruiser sized ships will be quite insane, which is also why I keep postponing to actually finish one.

The Defence Monitor and prow / turrets sprue is ready. If there's any other feedback, please let me know before I ship it off for printing.

[Gerod253]

The ships and the prows look good. I have nothing but positive feedback for you.

[Gerod253]

The order of frigates arrived this evening. I'm going to sleep, then wash them and paint them up. So far, I'm impressed. They look even better in person.

So as not to hijack your thread, and because my painting skills are minimal, I will simply say that I've posted a WIP of the two painted frigates in my IG log. They are a treat to paint! Bringing back a lot of fun memories.

[malika]

The escort carrier is ready, unless there's still some feedback before I ship it off.

[Gerod253]

No feedback from me. Looks great.

[malika]

Tweaked it!

[Gerod253]

Now the launch bays match! Fantastic. I'll definitely purchase these when they come out.

[malika]

Continued working on the Pardinus:


Next to the Panthera Heavy Frigate:

[Gerod253]

That lance frigate looks pretty awesome. I do have a general question about these ships. In your mind what are the tower like structures between the bridge superstructure and the engines? They remind me of the funnels on steam powered vessels.

[malika]

Not sure yet, I've always imagined they just look cool. So I need to ponder a bit about those. Maybe they're just towers, otherwise maybe antennae or funnel like devices. Need to write down a background justification of those. :P