Another small, old ship...

Discussion in 'Fan Art' started by judexavier, Feb 28, 2010.

  1. judexavier

    judexavier Commander Red Shirt

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    Something I've been messing with for a while. Originally started back in 08, when rumors about the "new ST movie" were running rampant. At the time there was some hint about "an older, smaller(?) ship that figures into the story". No visual descriptions were given, so I imagined basically a small "classic" constitution configuration with vaugely 1950's styling. (not cars, but aircraft, F-104, B-58, B-52, etc. with that bare, polished unpainted look).
    Of course, there are nods to early Matt Jefferies concepts, as well as a great deal of influence from the work of Masao Okazaki and Aridas Sofia (and Patrickivan's new thread)..."early pre-trek" is perhaps my favorite genre, canon or not :).

    *I'm guessing the MJ sketch I dropped in is actually a Phase II concept, but I like his sketching style,and some of the shapes reminded me of this little ship.

    Anyhow, I figured no turbo lifts, as small as it is (approx 465 Ft). Also, it seemed easier to me to put all the "dangerous guts" (antimatter, reactors) in the nacelles, and feed plasma to the rest of the ship, via a pair of "main energizers" (perhaps actually mondo DC/AC converters, sending various AC trunks to the rest of the ship?)...and thus a vaguely recognizable "main engineering room", 2 decks with metal grate upper deck...Since this is only a crude center line view, there exist lateral corridors and stairways not represented here. (i.e the saucer has three stairways) Still working out various hull slices and plan view deck layouts...everything does seem to fit:). It does have a fairly roomy flight/launch deck and small lower workshop. I also considered an extendable pad, like Discovery's pod setup in "2001", for the shuttles to launch/land on.
    The "aero-look" stems from the idea that the ship may be fairly adept at atmospheric travel (not really flight...) the streamlining would at least ease system stresses in such scenarios. Deflectors...there are 3 installed, working together or separately, with various field-focus, vector, and power-levels...I'm thinking they would make pretty powerful impromptu weapons, if configured as such....(target-lock, narrow focus, max power, "deflect" target to hell :)..)
    The "bussard collectors"....matter collectors, etc...not sure how spinning paddles can suck..?...anyway...the suck-area could perhaps be shaped by the "deflector" beam interaction...a dual coordinated system. (Yeah, I know most of this has been influenced by Trek Tech threads).
    Perhaps the systems are sourced from the same contractor; i.e. "(2) PhlegmTech Combined Deflector/Attractor Units, (1) PhlegmTech Deflector Unit with High-output Upgrade Option..." I need to stop now. :)

    Those "torpedo nostrils in the dorsal may go away, too.

    Anyway, enjoy.

    *Those little figures are from the font "IHMINEN_.ttf". Very handy I thought.

    http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg178/judexavier/DSCN0894ExteriorMJupload02.jpg

    http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg178/judexavier/DSCN0894Invupload-1.jpg
     
  2. Venardhi

    Venardhi Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Just for visual interest I'd say repeating the deflector on all three points is overdoing it, as well as possibly being confusing to the audience. Overall I really like the look minus a few little points (the thingies on the rear-top of the nacelles just look extraneous and unappealing next to the rest of the design) but the bridge dome going all the way back to merge with the neck just isn't going to look 'right' from any other angle than the side.
     
  3. MadMan1701A

    MadMan1701A Commodore Premium Member

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    That is awesome. :) When you get it ironed out, do you want to collaborate on a 3d version? I've been wanting to start up a new project.
     
  4. judexavier

    judexavier Commander Red Shirt

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    Yeah, the redundant hardware thing,:) I got used to that look as well as my (non-canon) "theory" behind it...I could try some new things inside the domes...the "dish" is easy, not sure about the nacelle domes...(what do bussard "guts" actually look like?)
    The rear structures on the nacelles were supposed to be bigger, older "radiator-looking" intercoolers, (only one per nacelle, top-mounted) perhaps a bit too busy, there again, I got sucked into my theorizing about waste heat managment, etc...smaller, perhaps? Somebody had a cool TOS E redesign that had the intercoolers sort of flow into the nacelle...DEG? I can't remember now.
    The bridge dome, still a WIP, making the buldge somehow streamline into a narrow "fin"...it seemed OK in a top view, but you may be right on a dynamic mesh...I'll try some variations, as its all PS layers that can be turned off.

    Thanks for your input!
     
  5. judexavier

    judexavier Commander Red Shirt

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    Man that would be incredible! Too bad there isn't a "humble" smiley for me to insert here.:) I've always enjoyed and learned a thing or two from your work and creativity.

    Thanks, looking forward to this!
     
  6. Wingsley

    Wingsley Commodore Commodore

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    Extremely impressive!

    It never ceases to amaze me how the fan-generated alternative artwork on this board can compete with the best that Hollywood has to offer!

    Reiterating some of what has been said already and expending on it, I would remove the "dishette" assemblies from the nacelles. I would instead use a tapered "jet engine style" intake nozzle on the front of each nacelle, with a little spire sticking out the center of the front. The secondary hull is very interesting. I would remove the traditional concavity from the aft-underside. Instead, I would taper the aft-end of that hull and make it a little longer. The connecting neck is perfection! I would replace the impulse engines with TOS-style ones that stick out from the saucer. And I would put a "Cage"-style "pregnant anthill" bridge module on top of the saucer with an extra-large sensor dome on top.

    The only element I dislike in the whole design are the nacelle pylons. They are way too TMPish. If you want the swept-back look that's fine, but I would make them the same length at the top as at the bottom, as a loose nod to TOS.

    BTW, a big "thank you!" for using the TOS Starfleet pennant in your drawing. Looks sharp!
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2010
  7. RoJoHen

    RoJoHen Awesome Admiral

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    I always enjoy how some people can take such a familiar design and tweak it to have a totally different feel. I think this is a great design, but I agree about the deflector dishes in the nacelles. I'm not necessarily opposed to having a dish in there, but maybe you could just make it a different shape to distinguish it from the main deflector.
     
  8. sojourner

    sojourner Admiral In Memoriam

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    Love the art style!

    What ever you do, Do Not put the "pregnant anthill" bridge on this ship.

    In fact, no animosity to you Wingsley, but most of your suggestions would just make it look more like the Connie. This design doesn't need that.
     
  9. Saquist

    Saquist Commodore

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    It' one of the better fan designs I've seen.
    Most are over done in some way are highly influenced by the Sovereign (which was not the best design).

    This on the other hand is quite level headed, and thought out at the same time original. I like designs that stick to the "stand up" style of the constitution started
     
  10. Patrickivan

    Patrickivan Fleet Captain Newbie

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    I really like it. As a pre TOS ship, I like the closed deflectors, lack of TL's, and small size. The overall shape is pleasing to look at and flows nicely.

    However when I look at the short neck, the sweeping nacelle pylons, and it's overall shape, it feels more post TOS to me. It's conflicting me... ;)

    Regardless, it's a very pleasing looking ship. MadMan will SO make a wicked 3D model of it!
     
  11. The Axeman

    The Axeman Commodore Commodore

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    I have to say it's one of the best I've seen. The aircraft influences are evident and the glass housings for the deflectors make it look like a 50's rocketship, a bit like Fireball XL5. Love the swoopy looks and the overall design aesthetics, this is a beaut. Personally I wouldn't change a thing.
     
  12. ncc-1017-e

    ncc-1017-e Captain Captain

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    THats very nice I like it
     
  13. Ar-Pharazon

    Ar-Pharazon Admiral Premium Member

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    I could see this one as the Phase II design instead of the proto-TMP one they were thinking of. Would've looked good in the late 70's.

    The Phase II/TMP design did work well for the big screen though, so no complaints about it.
     
  14. TIN_MAN

    TIN_MAN Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

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    looks great! JJ & Co. could definetly learn a thing or two from You, I wouldn't change a thing, just keep refining it, and I'll be looking forward to MadMan's 3D version!
     
  15. Wingsley

    Wingsley Commodore Commodore

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    Maybe it's just me, but a ship of this size would've made an excellent Grissom or NX-01.
     
  16. Saquist

    Saquist Commodore

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    I would have prefered this to the NX-01...by far.
     
  17. The Lensman

    The Lensman Commodore Commodore

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    That ship just reeks of awesome!! Love the whole approach and design. Dying to see a 3d version of it! Looking forward to more!
     
  18. MadMan1701A

    MadMan1701A Commodore Premium Member

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    Yeah, I think the design is perfect, as it is, I just need a couple more views... I can't wait to start the 3d version. What are we going to name it? :)
     
  19. Masao

    Masao Commodore Commodore

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    I agree, this is a very pretty ship. I can definitely see the jet-age aesthetic. Nice work!
     
  20. sbk1234

    sbk1234 Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    Beautiful. I would have much rather seen this design asthetic for the Kelvin. It's too bad they didn't ask you!