test bed ships (hopefully)

[judge alba]

thought I would have a pop at my version of a few test bed ships. Basiclly these ships are like the prototypes for the main designs or technologies like transwarp drive. At present these are wip but as time allows I might get round to actually finishing them.

First one is a kind of proto movie era Miranda built between tos series and the first movie.
still have the second half to do tried copying and pasting one half but the computer seems to freeze up for some reason.

second one is a newer version of my Philadelphia a transwarp test bed design sort of like a rival to the excelsior ships but a smaller design.

half way thruogh thier back stories as well

 

[Patrickivan]

I like the use of the second series nacelles on the proto-miranda. I'm not crazy about the very angular photorp pod struts... I'd go so far as to suggest that on the proto-miranda, it would have a more simple neck structure (similar idea as a Nebula Class). The Miranda photorp pod always stuck me as being un-manned and fully automated. I'd say that the earlier prototype would need to be manned and accessible.

Just my two cents.

As for the second vessel. I'm not too crazy about it. It looks a little ungainly with those very long nacelle struts, the aft section of the saucer, and the tiny deflector array. It reminds me of a cross between a Miranda, Ambassador, and Excelsior... The nacelles just don't work for me in any way. I wish I had some positive ideas for this one... Oh well- to each their own...

Looking forward to more work on the miranda type!

 

[bigguy]

The main thing I see with the second vessel is the nacelle struts. The 90* bend in them makes them seem unstable. The right angle would put a lot of stress on that joint. This is why I think that the majority of nacelle struts are curved or straight, which while we know the real explanation is artistic, a Trek world reasoning would be that those designs place less stress on the flimsy nacelle struts. Also, to each his own of course, but the rear of the saucer looks a little ungainly and tacked on, just maybe blend it in a little better. Just my 2 cents, but other than that good work.

 

[judge alba]

I see your points on the 'housing block' on the saucer I'm working on that now to see if it can be improved.
Also going to redo the nacelles and pylons. Looking at the pylons I see what you mean about it looks like it might snap off. Might take a look at lowering the nacelles to just under the saucer.

oh Patrickivan I know the deflector looks small but if you think about it the esxcelsior 'B' has the same smallish deflector. (Well kind of)

 

[The Axeman]

Regarding the second ship, I'm with everyone else in that the nacelle struts look very brittle and ungainly, and that the deflector is too small. It might be technically large enough to do the job, but the small deflector on that big flat area looks silly. What else would you put there? Stick photon tubes on it and it'll turn into a little startled face. I'd make it the same size as the TMP Enterprise and be done with it, or remove the flat face almost altogether and have the front come to a flattened point.

Instead of losing your housing block on the saucer, how about reshaping it so that it fits in better. Shape it like a slice of pie so that you still have your block and somewhere for an upper shuttlebay, but it's much more streamlined.

 

[Kaiser]

they look ok to me

 

[judge alba]

done a bit of work on the Philli. not much as I seem to hung up on the nacelle pylons not sure which way to go so done one of each to see what looks better. though thinking about it I might do a hybrid of both.

first image shows two directions I was thinking of, the pink area is where I might extend that pylon. Been trying to think of a pylon shape that fits into the era with elements of either the Excelsior or the connie.

second pic shows my new modified aft saucer, I lowered it a bit and tidied up the edges so it's not quite a housing block also made it so it's more behind the saucer dome.

last pic shows a aft view of work so far. might play around with the aft saucer. fit a shuttle bay in there seems to be room for one.
toyed with a newr nacelle but I have to admit dont like it so might scrap it

 

[publiusr]

I kinda like the 90 angle. Enterprise C and Excesior had it.

 

[judge alba]

done some pretty major reworking of the Philli

redid the pylons so the warp nacelles are lower and the pylons are more swept back. got the idea from a visit to Duxford the other day saw a picture of a 'Vampire' fighter and thought the wings looked kind of cool. The insets in the pylon roots may be either extra sensors or perhaps cooling fins or maybe a weapons array not sure yet.

Also redid the 2ndry hull nose so it's got a better looking deflector.

been experimenting on some panel details using Vance/jaynz picture of the connie as a guide

hopefully in the next few days/weeks should get around to adding some windows. beef up the pylons a bit more and then starting on the neck