The Quasar Bridge Returneth

[BolianAuthor]

Hey, all.

I have a new render of the Quasar's Bridge to share with you all. The original is MUCH larger, and more high-res, but I wanted to make it as big as possible for forum viewing, so this is as big as I could make it.

The Bridge was made and rendered by tnpir4002, of Sci-Fi Meshes. Much thanks to him, for his wonderful work! Hopefully, a few more views will come soon. Let me know what you think.

-BolianAdmiral

 

[Kaiser]

 

[SonicRanger]

The dedication plaque isn't too readable all the way up on that wall.

 

[CaptainSerek]

It looks like the "Future Imperfect" version of the Enterprise-D, that being said, good work overall though.

 

[BolianAuthor]

^

That's basically exactly what I wanted... the "Future Imperfect" decor. That way, the Bridge could have the same floorplan and layout as the Galaxy-Class Bridge, yet look different enough that you knew you were on another ship, with a touch more functionality.

The commissioning plaque IS readable, just not in this size image. I have the original file, and it's a full plaque. The motto on the plaque is the opening line from the movie "Trekkies", which reads;

"Outer space... you know the place... way, way, out there!"

 

[FalTorPan]

The commissioning plaque IS readable, just not in this size image. I have the original file, and it's a full plaque. The motto on the plaque is the opening line from the movie "Trekkies", which reads;

"Outer space... you know the place... way, way, out there!"

I believe the criticism is that, if one were standing in this room, the plaque (and the ship's diagram on the opposing wall) would be positioned too high to be easily legible.

 

[Ziz]

Yeah, the plaque and ship map on the other side need to be lower. Where they are now, Mr. Homm is the only one who could look at them without a ladder.

 

[CaptainSerek]

Silly question, why use an already established bridge like this Enterprise-D recognizable variation rather than create a bridge that is original and defines the Quasar as itself. Clearly you are talented enough to do so and I would assume with enough imagination to do. To me, each bridge give the starship in question it's own identity like the dedication plaque. Just an opinion of course.

 

[kitsune]

Silly question, why use an already established bridge like this Enterprise-D recognizable variation rather than create a bridge that is original and defines the Quasar as itself.

This is apparently a Nebula-class ship, so it makes sense that its bridge would be similar in size and shape to the Galaxy-class bridge, as the ships have much in common, apparently having been developed at about the same time. It's also possible that the ship got a "hand-me-down" bridge from a Galaxy class.

The rendering is awesome, but my first thought was also about the dedication plaque and damage status indicator being too high up.

Is there a fanfic involving this ship? Or an RPG SIM?

 

[BolianAuthor]

^

Exactly, because it's a Nebula-Class, and both Galaxy and Nebula share the same Bridge module, the basic Bridge is identical, with minor cosmetic variations. Each and every new ship does not need a unique Bridge. That is not cost-effective, or practical.

The U.S.S. Quasar is the "main character" Starfleet ship in my TNG-era fanfic saga, "Star Trek: Entomalians". That fanfic can be found at the link below.

http://www.subspace-comms.net/index.php?topic=920.0

 

[CaptainSerek]

The Sutherland and Prometheus Nebula class bridges are vastly different and are very identifiable as those starships. The bridge shown was seen in 'Future Imperfect' as an alternate Enterprise-D.

The Nebula class starships were being built first if the registries are any indication. USS Honshu is NCC-60502 vs USS Galaxy NCC-70637. I am trying not to rain on anybody's obvious talent, I am simply suggesting that every starship has a different bridge. TNG, DS9, VOY and ENT are my evidence on this. There were 5 different Miranda class ships shown with very different bridges, both Saratogas, Brattain, Lantree and Reliant were distinctive. Odyssey was different from the Enterprise-D, Columbia was different from Enterprise, so on and so forth. Forgive me for looking for asking about an original spin on I am sure is a nice starship.

 

[kitsune]

I am simply suggesting that every starship has a different bridge.

Not always. All the Constitution-class ships we've seen had the same bridge layout (with cosmetic differeces). All three Defiant-class ships we've seen had the same bridge layout (with cosmetic differences). The Enterprise-D and Yamato had the same bridge layout.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with borrowing a bridge design from a similar class of ship. It's probable that some designs get used multiple times, to save on design time and parts fabrication.

 

[BolianAuthor]

But every starship does not NEED a unique Bridge. Think of it as standardized parts.

I know you like to create custom Bridges, because for some odd reason, a lot of fans think it's somehow practical to actually imagine a Starfleet Captain ordering a custom build on his own Bridge, where he gets to pick out everything down to the carpet color and potted plant species, but it's just absurd. Starfleet is a quasi-military organization, that would not go to such absurd lengths. The Galaxy and Nebula-Class ships share the same Bridge module. Standardized parts.

ELEMENTS of the same Bridge can be different, due to mission-specific module equipment, mission parameters, etc, but the floorplan is the exact same. The Enterprise-D and the Yamato had absolutely identical Bridges. Yes, the Odyssey's was unique, but my point is, it did not have to be.

I like to do things in a practical way. Just because I CAN make a custom Bridge, does not mean I MUST.

 

[CaptainSerek]

I was referring to the uniqueness of each ship. True, the TOS bridges were pretty much the same with a few minor exceptions. I obviously have a passion for this subject. You are correct in I like to create original bridges since as I said in my previous post each ship, to me at least, has a unique bridge defined by her captain and engineers. The Enterprise-d evolved as shown from "Encounter at Farpoint" to Star Trek-Generations.

The reason I recognized your bridge as it was, I am currently making a Star Trek-Magazine/Fact Files version of it so I have lots of research on my hard drive.

I am in no way diminishing the quality of your work. Like I said in my first post, it was very well done duplication of the Enterprise-D from Future Imperfect. Also, it was only a question and/or a suggestion. Nothing more or less.

 

[BolianAuthor]

^

Okay, thank you. I was not trying to be combative. It's obvious we have differing viewpoints.

My rationale was that a starship is not a personalized vehicle... you can't go online, and "build your own" Galaxy-Class, the same way you would build a Honda Accord online, and select fabric colors, and accessories... the United States Navy does not do that, and nor would Starfleet. Especially during the Dominion War, and after, since the rush would be on to just get ships out there.

You cited the evolution of the 1701-D Bridge. Again, the changes were minor, and cosmetic, but the floorplan was ALWAYS the same, except for GEN. That's why I would never mess with the floorplan, because it's set in stone. Both "Yesterday's Enterprise", "Parallels", and "All Good Things" were alternate timelines/realities, but ONLY in GEN, did the floorplan of the native 1701-D ever change.

 

[CaptainSerek]

Yes, we disagree, fair enough and no harm or foul.

 

[Professor Moriarty]

Jeebus. Design considerations aside (for the record, I like it!), this is a stunning model and a gorgeous render. My only comment is that the render looks too perfect... move the camera off center and maybe add a pinch of Gaussian blur and I'd challenge anyone to tell this apart from a practical studio set. Marvelous!

 

[JoeRalat]

I have to say, that I am cool with reusing the TNG Bridge for the Nebula class ships. The only issue I have with the Bridge and think others do too. When we see the bridge (In this setup) we think of Picard and his crew, we think Enterprise-D.

I would keep the fame of the bridge, but design new stations and side stations of new "Plant on" for the side station. The Enterprise-D had around 7 different looks.

I think a Different look will set the Ship/Bridge apart from all the other versions of the Enterprise-D Bridge.

Also you should see if you can get a panorama render and make a quicktime VR of it. So people can get a 3D Space feel of the bridge, like in the TNG Tech CD.

 

[CaptainSerek]

Well put Joe, thanks for explaining it in better terms than I did.

 

[kitsune]

I would keep the fame of the bridge, but design new stations and side stations of new "Plant on" for the side station. The Enterprise-D had around 7 different looks.

Technically, at least 9.

Encounter at Farpoint
The Child
Yesterday's Enterprise
Future Imperfect
Parallels (2 versions)
All Good Things (future Enterprise)
All Good Things (incorrect past Enterprise)
Generations

There was also the USS Odyssey bridge, which was a different set because the original bridge was unavailable due to filming for Generations. Unfortunately, we don't get to see much of it at all.