YARN
Fleet Captain
Here's my version of the ever elusive 'TOS-era Reliant.' I've been working on this off and on for about a year now, and it didn't even star out as the 'Bombay' as I hadn't read the Vanguard series yet.
(update, I had to run earlier)
About the design (real world)
Overall I tried to stay as close to the base structure of the TWOK design as possible. Much like the Refit to the original Enterprise the shapes, proportions, and layout are 'close enough' to let the audience believe they could be the same ship.
Getting into the details, I looked at influences Matt Jeffries used on the 1701 and tried not to stray too far. WWII era planes, various nautical elements, art deco flourishes.
(Fictional)
I don't spend too much time worrying about what this or that does, but I come up with a general idea of things to help the design process. After reading the first ST: Vanguard novel, and seeing how much the Reliant model got reused in 'Trek, I came up with the idea that the Miranda class would have been intended as a Jack-of-all-Trades design.
One ship can't do everything, but if equipped with the right accessories it can excel at anything. Speed, offense/defense, diplomacy, cargo, settlement, transportation, salvage. Etc. etc. The only drawback is that it wouldn't be viable for long term missions like the Constitution class, the design is... reliant on a home base.
This particular configuration is centered around speed, sensors, and transportation. It's roll-bar pod features it's own internal Anti-Matter Power that feeds the built-in Impulse Engines and the full size Deflector Dish (because when you go faster for longer periods of time, you need better deflection).
Further, the warp nacelles can be pushed harder and longer than a Constitution's, but experience extensive wear and tear. The Bombay would rotate out multiple pairs of nacelles to allow maintenance be done at Vanguard while the ship continues its duties.
Finally, large Tranporter Emitters (why did I stop italicizing?) on the undercarriage allow for large, simultaneous transports safely. Ideal for all kinds of shit.
There are also lots of little squares and stuff.
Pictures;
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It's a nice design, but the top doesn't really fit the TOS design aesthetic. It looks almost unfinished - like the external housing for the bits behind the deflector dish is missing.