I've always wondered why it appears that the Kirov doesn't have any aft dorsal phaser banks, but the Excelsior does, and why she appears to have only one pair of forward torpedo tubes, while the Excelsior has three? I would expect the dreadnought to have at least the same amount of weaponry, even if it meant making necessary modifications. I'm not going to say anything about the Dominion yet, seeing as how she isn't completed yet. All the same though, I'm enjoying what I'm seeing here.
I've got a few cutaways already! Not a lot though. JES - you're right about the Kirov, especially the lack aft phasers. An oversight on my part. I've got a notion that I may someday refinish all my Excelsior bashes with some aftermarket aztecking decals and proper window placements. Most of them are just painted gray, with a few random windows.
Forbin, you are the man! Definitely my favorite basher! I may not, agree with all your designs (hell you may not agree with all mine either), but your skill, ideas, and workmanship cannot be denied and is by far my favorite! I am always impressed, and never let down mate. Thanks for always sharing!
You probably wouldn't make this one. I guess they solved the problem of the saucer section needing warp?
IIRC, back in the 1980's Aridas drew a two-nacelled dreadnought design also called Kirov. (Discussed on this page.) The Kirov was essentially the same configuration as a Miranda or Knox, with a modified Connie saucer with two nacelles on wings projected below. The difference being the saucer was a larger derivative of the Ariel carrier. (See a tri-nacelle derivative of the Kirov here.) Forbin, have you ever considered building/drawing a ship like Aridas' Kirov?
Kirov is apparently a popular ship name! Despite him being a Soviet Commy bastich, the name has a strong sound to it. Hm, Aridas' just kinda looks like an attenuated Reliant.
Yeah, I've noticed that most of your Excelsior bashes seem to have a lacking of details that is incongruent with most of your works, which is surprising, given the amount of detail that you put into most of your kits. And while I have your attention, I must say that I'm also surprised you haven't left any comments about my Sparrow-class frigate. Have you seen her yet? You'll probably notice that she is loosely based on one of your designs.
The Excelsior bashes are some of my earliest ones. I was more into the shapes than the details, I guess. Finding the Sparrow thread now! Lately I've just been skimming the forums and, apparently, missing some stuff!
No! It's tough enough getting myself in the mood to do my own! I've kinda petered out for a while now.
^ ^ No kidding. And it d@nm hard enough just to find the necessary time. It's no wonder I haven't completed a single set of schematics!
Only took me 6 months to get back in the mood! This is orthos of the latest kitbash, which can be found here: http://www.inpayne.com/models/kitbash/trekpage_bucephalus.html Views: Tech Manual pages: