[Raptor]

Okay, I get the point...

So a few questions:

1) what is a good limit of polys to work towards, for the basic hull of a destroyer class ship, under HT&L?

2) when using HT&L, I've heard that it auto-trianglated all models by default, so this means I don't need to in TS, right?

3) if a ship has large textures (2048x2048+) then are they scaled down in game? (thinking about using 4096x4096 maps, so each pixel on the maps = 1/4 meter on ship;) )

[Unknown Target]

1) Under HT&L? Big, around 2000-5000.

2) Not sure

3) Don't think so.

[karajorma]

Originally posted by Raptor
Okay, I get the point...

So a few questions:

1) what is a good limit of polys to work towards, for the basic hull of a destroyer class ship, under HT&L?

2) when using HT&L, I've heard that it auto-trianglated all models by default, so this means I don't need to in TS, right?

3) if a ship has large textures (2048x2048+) then are they scaled down in game? (thinking about using 4096x4096 maps, so each pixel on the maps = 1/4 meter on ship;) )

1) Depends on what you're after. Omni's Star Trek ships can be up to 10,000 polys. The limit was 25,000 triangles per subobject  but it might be even higher now. The risk you run as you go higher is that some people won't be able to play the game with your ship in.
 One factor is the number of ship of that type that will be in the mission. If there will only be one of those ships on screen in a campaign that is mostly non-HTL models you can afford to be a little less restrictive

2) Not only do you not have to triangulate it's actually a bad idea since it would lead to larger file sizes and longer load times. However it is worth saving the model and triangulating to check for errors in the geometry (TS tends to crash if you have any!).

3) Believe so.

[Raptor]

UPDATE:


The new, rounded engine pod.  Still not sure about what to do on the front of them though...


The really detailed rear of the engines.

(Excuse the lack of contrast, I'm having trouble getting good lighting in the sence:nervous:...)

Next step:
After a little more recessing of deck light areas, I'll start creating rasied mounts for the turrets along the main hull...

[Taristin]

Better. The square engines are what bugged me most. Keep it going.

[c914]

Engines nowe look very good:nod: Continue your work, i can't wait to see Saturn with details.

[Raptor]

Thanks guys!:D

[Raptor]

UPDATE!

Sorry, got a little side tracked for a while...

Images! (I've made parts of the detail a darker colur so they stand out...)


Around the bow...

This shows the mounts for the Dorsal/Ventral Pulse Cannons, the flank Point Defence Turrets, and the flank Fighter-Killer beams.  The slots are meant to be heak sinks...

Forward superstructure

Cross-bracing for strength, and the row of turbolifts servicing the command section...

Some detail around the tail

[Raptor]

second set!


Couldn't resist show these off again.

"GTC Agrippa, this is docking control.  You are clear to depart"

I have also taken this time to upgrade the turret models.  Here are to good ones...



Closer look at the detail on the forward pulse cannons...

There is more to come, so stay tuned!

[Raptor]

Don't everyone post at once...

I'm also considering giving this ship a 'bubble' shield, like on fighters and bombers.  Please give me your comments.

[karajorma]

Looks good raptor. I'm looking forwards to seeing what you can do with this.

[c914]

Those turrets...i love them:D

[Raptor]

BUMP!

Actualy, some more progress shots.

First, the new heavy anti-fighter pulse, or point-defence, turret.


The 'Business' end...:devil:


The first try at detailing the engine intakes


First stab at adding detail to the engine spars, akward things...


Please post your views!:nod:

[Lt.Cannonfodder]

Did somebody already say those turrets look cool? Bah, I say it anyway. Those turrets look cool!

[Unknown Target]

I love the new point-defense guns!

[KARMA]

turretts are cool, but can't say more w/o a more general view

[.::Tin Can::.]

Wow, this thing is looking VERY nice. The only thing that I seem to have a problem with is the fact that the engines are in a wing-type look. It just doesnt seem all that awesome-ness looking, although I must say its only a small problem. The turret is one *****en-mofo, and I would be scared to approach it in a fighter. Nice work.

[Setekh]

Originally posted by Unknown Target
I love the new point-defense guns!

Agreed. They look like they could really kick some ass. Are they anti-capship?

[Raptor]

Originally posted by Setekh


Agreed. They look like they could really kick some ass. Are they anti-capship?

Not quite;)

The three in a row earlier are pimarly anti-cap, with the big beam cannon and pulse cannon having the 'huge' flag.  Both types can only fire forwads, but they will shred any capship in the destroyers path!

The barrelled turret is meant as a kinda jack-of-all-trades weapon, best suited against cruisers, but since SCP didn't really look at the turret targeting idea i put up, these guns WILL shoot at  you!:eek:

The last one is, basically, a gatling gun mounting fighter grade weapons, for use against bombers, fighters and incoming torpedos (hence Point-Defence).  While the standard ones use the Subach as the base weapon, these 'Heavy' turrets will something a bit more deadly....:devil:  Not sure what ATM.

I'll get a overall screenie ASAP.  The overall shape hasn't really changed, but I've been mainly working on the details.

[Raptor]

Here we go, one long distance shot of the GTD Hera.