Galaxy Class Redux

[IRW Bloodwing]

I have this idea that I have neither the time nor the resources to implement. I toss it out there for you to use or not if you wish.

The concept is that the ship has two "modes". In Cruise mode, the phaser arrays and torpedo tubes are hidden behind shutters a la DS9's weapons in later seasons, but the various windows are unshuttered and the main bridge is on top of the saucer.

when the ship goes on alert status, the weapons "deploy", and armored shutters cover all windows. Also the bridge retracts into the Deck 2-3 superstructure for additional protection (the opening also sealed off by an armored shutter).

 

[Hunter-G]

I had I nice long holiday break, and I hope ya'll did too!

I redid the whole thing again, nothing to see there (just improved topology). Now the first detail work begins with the deflector:

 

[Hunter-G]

I have this idea that I have neither the time nor the resources to implement. I toss it out there for you to use or not if you wish.

The concept is that the ship has two "modes". In Cruise mode, the phaser arrays and torpedo tubes are hidden behind shutters a la DS9's weapons in later seasons, but the various windows are unshuttered and the main bridge is on top of the saucer.

when the ship goes on alert status, the weapons "deploy", and armored shutters cover all windows. Also the bridge retracts into the Deck 2-3 superstructure for additional protection (the opening also sealed off by an armored shutter).

It is a good concept! For this design, the bridge is actually hidden in the hull (like all my redesigns). The dome on top will be a sensor dome. It actually still can provide a general sense of scale as Roddenberry intended, since it would be about the same size on every ship. It would also solve any bridge size discrepancies (like on the Excelsior)

For the windows, I always thought the same. Though instead of a retractable shutter, they would simply go opaque (since they're transparent metal after all)

 

[IRW Bloodwing]

It is a good concept! For this design, the bridge is actually hidden in the hull (like all my redesigns). The dome on top will be a sensor dome. It actually still can provide a general sense of scale as Roddenberry intended, since it would be about the same size on every ship. It would also solve any bridge size discrepancies (like on the Excelsior)

For the windows, I always thought the same. Though instead of a retractable shutter, they would simply go opaque (since they're transparent metal after all)

While I like the idea of opaque windows, transparisteel/transparent aluminum is a lot less durable than duranium alloy, IMO. Hence the shutters. YMMV.

Re, your "bridge"/sensor dome. To make it clear this isn't the bridge, maybe make it a different shape? Like the white domes on the saucer of the Connie or the lower dome on the Connie-refit? Just spitballing ideas.

 

[Santaman]

That deflector looks great.

As for the whole bridge location thing, doesn't really matter where it is, no shields = many holes right through the whole ship or even kboom because of antimatter and other stuff that can go kboom.

 

[Macintosh]

It is a good concept! For this design, the bridge is actually hidden in the hull (like all my redesigns). The dome on top will be a sensor dome. It actually still can provide a general sense of scale as Roddenberry intended, since it would be about the same size on every ship. It would also solve any bridge size discrepancies (like on the Excelsior)

Wasn't Probert's original concept that the bridge would be part of a "command complex" somewhere within the saucer? I like the idea that the bulk of the ship protects it but it can still be ejected like a cartridge for upgrades (or possibly as a giant escape pod).

Though of course in a universe with cheap and easy teleportation and molecular replication technology there's no reason the bridge ever needs to be physically accessible from outside the ship. Need a new bridge? Beam one in, or replicate it as modules in situ.

 

[publiusr]

I love that drawing!

 

[Hunter-G]

I ended up redoing the entire main body again because I still wasn't happy with the topology

Anyway, here's a first pass at the main impulse drive:

And a quick comparison to show how it differs from the original so far:

(Original model reference by Alexander Klemm or "Nightfever" )

 

[Mage]

I really like where this is going.

Will the nacelles follow the shape you've laid out, or are they just place holders?

 

[Santaman]

I already like the way this is going.