[headdie]

Over the last week I have started two random projects based off works on deviantart.  One of them has evolved completely away from the original while the other I have kept close to the original artwork but for both I have run out of creative momentum and could use some advice on how to proceed, particularly with detailing though one has a very definite needs a reworking on part of the basic shape.  My ultimate goal is to get both ships usable in FS2.

The first is an Alien.... thing  with slight adjustments it could easily be a Shivan ship/installation of some sort depending on final scale.

Top/Bottom is currently symmetrical


Top is the rear view, bottom is the front view


Again left and right views are identical


A couple of views to give an overall feel of the design, top is a rear perspective lower image is front/top angle

The big issues I have here are the way the forward prongs join the forward hull and the general lack of detail overall.  The basic shape I am happy with.


The second is a very Terran style warships using this as a base
by http://jmonteiro.deviantart.com/  I have already secured permission to use the ship and be able to distribute it.


front/back


side view


top





The biggest issue I have is I cant think how best to detail the ship around the hangers, their supports and the section of the hull you cant see because of them.

[Nohiki]

I love the Drive Thru fighterbays Prehaps you can add control towers / radars. Also, side docking clamps for attaching fighters would be cool, that way two wings would be albe to deploy the second the ship is out of subspace. About the supports, try big ribbing like on Galactica or aurora-class from stargate. It will feel much less fragile.

[Trivial Psychic]

I feel that those fighterbay pods would make the ship look better if they were nestled against the side hull, rather than supported on pylons.  Besides, logically speaking, it would make it more difficult to move supplies, equipment, and personnel through those slim struts.

[headdie]

I love the Drive Thru fighterbays Prehaps you can add control towers / radars. Also, side docking clamps for attaching fighters would be cool, that way two wings would be albe to deploy the second the ship is out of subspace. About the supports, try big ribbing like on Galactica or aurora-class from stargate. It will feel much less fragile.

Thanks for the comments about the "Drive Thru fighterbays".  Certainly the supports/ribbing are an option.

I feel that those fighterbay pods would make the ship look better if they were nestled against the side hull, rather than supported on pylons.  Besides, logically speaking, it would make it more difficult to move supplies, equipment, and personnel through those slim struts.

I'm not sure, normally I would agree with you, especially from a logic point of view, usually I go for a bay or deck carved into or through the ship , but in this case I like them on the wing/pylons, and I think it is because they balance out the generally narrow design, especially from a vertical perspective.

It's silly'O clock in the morning here so I think I will go to bed and investigate both of you two's suggestions in the morning.

[Trivial Psychic]

I do like the feel of the design otherwise.  The forward hull is clearly reminiscent of the Deimos class, while the overall layout, with the dorsal and ventral superstructures are reminiscent of the Fenris/Leviathan design.  I would classify it as a frigate, in that I see it having the same overall length as an Orion, but less bulk, putting it in a sub-destroyer class, while retaining a small figtherbay.

[headdie]

I hadn't noticed the FreeSpace references in the model but yes I can see it.  As for the size I was thinking in the 1500m range so between the Iceni and an Orion to give it the size that carrying a small number of fighters and a strong armament is feasible but given its proportions 2k would probably be better.