Constellation class technical manual

[MichaelS]

This is something I've been working on whenever I had the time for the last year or so. I simply like the ship and am disappointed about the lack of reference material available. To top it off, the orthographic views that can be found on the web (also those in the Fact Files) are so clearly wrong in so many places it's not even funny.

Some of you might be already familiar with it because I post updates of my work at SFM. For those of you that aren't, here's what I did so far:

The Constellation class development project patch

The (almost finished) dorsal view - staying as close as possible to the reference material, I am trying to create correct views. Currently I'm working on three views at the same time, as working on only one is quite impossible (I constantly discover new stuff, which then needs to be changed in all the files).

The (not-quite finished) side view

The ventral view, lacking quite a lot of stuff (especially the "robot" located between the two big bubbles aft of the sensor module in the center)

Based on Shane Johnson's Mr. Scott's Guide to the Enterprise, this is my idea of a Constellation-class turbolift car

An early-24th century tricorder

I figured the Constellation would have similar escape pods as the Miranda class (i. e. the Saratoga. As it turned out, the Fact Files view of this is also wrong.

Sean Robertson, CGI sharship bridge genius, lent me a hand on a Constellation bridge plan - the Stargazer's, to be exact.

A display showing the Bonneville Flats near the Romulan Neutral Zone, where the Constellation prototype was first tested.

A detailed view of the Bonneville Flats

There's more, but I'm still working on it, so please have patience.

Michael

 

[Klaus]

very impressive, nice work... I've always thought those sideways nacelles looked a bit odd, but of course that's not your fault ... looking forward to seeing more!

 

[Professor Moriarty]

This is some of the nicest line art I have seen in quite awhile. VERY impressive!

 

[Psion]

Such beautiful work on such an ugly ship. Please don't take that as a put-down in any way, it's just that I've always hated the look of the Constellation. But I guess there's got to be room in Starfleet for a few ungainly ship designs, right?

 

[Dorothy_Zbornak]

I have always loved the design of the Constellation-class, so kudos!

 

[Mysterion]

Very cool stuff. Do you plan on publishing an actual full-blown tech manual at some point? Hope so.

 

[Wee Bairns]

Amazing work!! Your attention to detail is incredible! Looking forward to much more!

 

[Chadduss]

I always felt that the Constellation class was an unorthodox design. As a kid I was intrigued by it because the nacelles were side ways.

Very nice work!

 

[FrontLine]

Great work. What program did you do your art in? One quick question though...why put the test range so close to the neutral zone?

 

[Data Holmes]

Are you including the 4 foward torp tubes, two each between the warp nacells?

 

[MichaelS]

Thanks for the comments, all!

Posted by Psion:
But I guess there's got to be room in Starfleet for a few ungainly ship designs, right?

Absolutely. Just take a look at the DS9 TM.

Posted by Mysterion:
Do you plan on publishing an actual full-blown tech manual at some point? Hope so.

Well, that's certainly my intention. Whether or not I actually manage to do that is another question. However, I have to say that I've already started on the text bits, basing the structure on the TNG TM.

Posted by Frontline:
What program did you do your art in? One quick question though...why put the test range so close to the neutral zone?

The program's Adobe Illustrator 10. The test range was established in David R. George III's Serpents Among the Ruins, and I chose to use it.

Posted by hutt359:
Are you including the 4 foward torp tubes, two each between the warp nacells?

Yes. There's no way I could leave them out when I intend to create some really (and I mean REALLY) accurate orthographic views.

Thanks again. There might be something new to look at in the not too far future.

 

[SonicRanger]

Posted by MichaelS:
This is something I've been working on whenever I had the time for the last year or so. I simply like the ship and am disappointed about the lack of reference material available. To top it off, the orthographic views that can be found on the web (also those in the Fact Files) are so clearly wrong in so many places it's not even funny...

Ever see the illustrations in the FASA Starfleet Officers' Manual or the First Season Role-Playing Sourcebook? Just awful. The nacelles are turned the wrong way, and saucer section is thinner and circular, not teardrop-shaped.

 

[HortaVorta]

^^^Gack. Indeed. I remember that. It gave the impression they didn't have first-hand access to images of the Stargazer.

I've always liked the Constellation-class. It looks like a working ship, which to my mind gives it a sort of off-beat appeal. Not just another "cruise liner".

 

[TrekkieMonster]

I have to add my appreciation, as well. I, too, am one of the people who always thought the Constellation Class was absolutely hideous. But, it has grown on me over time. I think part of that has to do with the fact that I ended up developing a "creation story" for this class as part of a "B-plot" to a Trek story I was writing. And, over time, I became more invested in that aspect of the story, and more interested in the Constellation Class, itself. Regardless, wonderful work; she looks GREAT!

 

[Mediajedi]

I'm somewhat of an afficianado of things related to the movie-era/interim era between movie and TNG, and I do a little bit of design, so if you need any help with signage, graphics, or just any old thing, I'd love to lend a helping hand!

 

[PointyHairedJedi]

Fantastic work, really.

 

[MichaelS]

Posted by Mediajedi:
I'm somewhat of an afficianado of things related to the movie-era/interim era between movie and TNG, and I do a little bit of design, so if you need any help with signage, graphics, or just any old thing, I'd love to lend a helping hand!

I'll keep it in mind, thanks!

Here's an update: starboard view

Next on my list: something that makes use of my two finished views (and yes, it can be abbreviated by three letters ).

 

[Wee Bairns]

Looking good!!
And by the way, I really like your tricorder design, as well.

 

[dogsowar]

Incredible work, and lots of it.
Keep posting, it's great stuff.
( I like the constellation class unlike most people )

 

[JNG]

I'm pleased to see someone taking an interest in the Constellation-class starship, a tough-looking and utilitarian design which uses familiar parts in what I feel is a creative way.

I assume you have (designer of the ship) Rick Sternbach's Stargazer/Constellation-class article in Star Trek: The Magazine to work from? There's not much art, but the deck arrangement seems valid, and there is plenty of background information that would be of use to you. (Just making sure, in case it had escaped notice.)