I sketched this up one night, tracing some of Shaw's work, and basing it off of what he called the 'conjectural hanging edge structure' - perhaps the undercut we saw on the show/the model was supposed to be a hanging edge, not a huge cutting into? Or at least, suppose that it was a hanging edge - and what could that mean?
- This sketch would be for a ship greater in size than 947ft.
- The red were parts I was proposing as water/liquid/gas tankerage and life support sub-systems, trying to keep in the spirit of TMOST's "protective shell of tanks and life support". These are also the areas that would be found behind the 'environmental engineering personnel only” mesh and ladder.
- Decks 4,5,6 are quarters only, trying to keep in spirit of "no duty stations" being in those areas (TMOST), the deck height of those areas is a bit less - something like 7.5 feet. There wouldn't be much machinery in these decks - or between them. I imagine those corridors looking much like the simple 'Cage' corridor. (I'm aware there's on-screen evidence completely contrary...use your imagination!=) )
- Decks 7 and 8 are the 'Main Decks' (term stolen from Mr. Scott's Guide), where the TOS-typical corridors would be most prominent with the tall deck height. I figure that's actually where our heroes spent their time - with the transporter rooms, sickbay, briefing rooms, mess halls, and auxillary control being in these decks (including deck 9) . Food prep would also be here - and the dumbwaiter/mini-elevators could take the food UP to the messhalls, selected VIP/officer rooms, main rec lounge, and perhaps the transporter rooms?
- Deck 9 has the same deck height as 7 and 8.
- Decks 10 and 11 have the primary hull's cargo areas, fabrication shops, laundry, phaser and weapon areas, labs, etc. The deck height is high for the extra equipment and machinary...and they're intended to match up with the lamination lines on the outside of the hull.
- I don't envision a very elaborate turbolift network - an up-down running through the primary hull, and a semi-circle running around deck 7 or 8. The less room used the better, and indeed, there were other ways of getting around on a Constitution-class starship that even Kirk used (triangle ladders).
Yeah, that would make a lot more sense (and those thicker decks have room for horizontal turboshafts, which should be taller than the corridors)
I've thought about this very idea over the years. It would make sense, not cutting all of that "undercut" space out.
Interesting work. I look forward to keeping an eye on this.
