After many attempts and much noodle scratching I have come to the inescapable conclusion that I am quite crap at doing MSD style graphics, so I'm asking those of you who don't share my affliction and are willing to help out on a little project of mine to take a gander and see what they can do.
The graphic in question is for the ASDB's Surak-Class (originally sketched by Sternbach himself), I have made a start already but as you can see it's quite incomplete and nowhere near up to standard. I need someone with experience to fill in the gaps and correct any errors. You needn't worry about the placement of the major components or the spacing of the deck because as you can see most of that is already done. This would be a collaborative effort since there are a few parameters I'd like to lay down, other than that I promise you'll have a good measure of artistic freedom.
Thanks in advance.
Rev.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
I can't help you - but can I request... some distinctly Vulcan 'objects' in the MSD. Like instead of a duck - a Shelat etc. Posted by Aban Rune (Member # 226) on :
I'm no good at this kind of thing either. But I'l comment:
1) I like the use of the Saratoga type escape pods. I've always loved those things.
2) Why is the airlock for the with the travel pod attached to it so far inside the structure of the ship? Generally, those pods attach to the outside of the ship.
Looks good. I want to see updates.
Posted by Timo (Member # 245) on :
Let me be a bit negative, too:
While I dig the alien-looking warp core, I don't quite agree with placing it where there's that ventral cluster of greeblies. This makes the said section of the ship extremely cramped, what with the main computer and the bridge being there, too. A location farther aft, somewhere between the pylons, would seem more plausible. This might dig into the main shuttlebay volume somewhat, but then again, does the ship need such a big bay?
The greeblie-indentation on the tummy of the ship could be a sensor cluster. Or, as apparently with the similar indentation on the Danubes (see "Past Prologue" and the DS9 TM), it could house a probe launcher of some sort.
What about including weird multi-deck "observatories" similar to the Stellar Cartography room of "Generations" fame? Just to stress the science ship nature. Or is this supposed to be a more "generic" Vulcan starship?
Timo Saloniemi
Posted by akb1979 (Member # 557) on :
I like it. It has the makings of becoming an excellent MSD - don't knock it Timo - the guy has already admitted that he's not the best at this sort of thing. Reverend has done a far better job than I've ever been able to - you can only improve with time and practice.
Posted by Reverend (Member # 335) on :
I knew I forgot to reply to something...
quote: 2) Why is the airlock for the with the travel pod attached to it so far inside the structure of the ship? Generally, those pods attach to the outside of the ship.
While in space dock yes, but when a ship is on the move they are apparently stored in the shuttle bay. (see 1701-E's MSD)
quote: While I dig the alien-looking warp core, I don't quite agree with placing it where there's that ventral cluster of greeblies. This makes the said section of the ship extremely cramped, what with the main computer and the bridge being there, too. A location farther aft, somewhere between the pylons, would seem more plausible. This might dig into the main shuttlebay volume somewhat, but then again, does the ship need such a big bay?
When designing the Surak from Sternbach's sketch one of the main considerations is that the Zapata has twice been known to have been used as a transport, hence the large shuttle bay and extensive cargo bay. For those who didn't guess the cargo bay is the chamber that takes up most of deck 1 while the cargo transfer bay is just aft of that and extends down into deck 3 where the travel pods and worker bees are docked. The shuttle bay is a separate facility.
quote: The greeblie-indentation on the tummy of the ship could be a sensor cluster. Or, as apparently with the similar indentation on the Danubes (see "Past Prologue" and the DS9 TM), it could house a probe launcher of some sort.
I'm not quite sure what you're refering to here, care to clarify that a little?
quote: What about including weird multi-deck "observatories" similar to the Stellar Cartography room of "Generations" fame? Just to stress the science ship nature. Or is this supposed to be a more "generic" Vulcan starship?
As I said before the Zapata is most often "seen" transporting people around so I'm inclined to think of it as a specialist transport that is better equipped to transport sensitive scientific equipment, samples and personnel than a standard freighter, instead of it being a pure research vessel.
Posted by Reverend (Member # 335) on :
UPDATE
Changed the colour scheme to better fit the NCC-33xxx range reg of the early 24th Century, also added a few extra bits'n'bobs. I'm still not quite happy with the warp coils. Surak_msd-2 Posted by Fleet-Admiral Michael T. Colorge (Member # 144) on :
Nice so far. But where on the Enterprise-E MSD is there a travel pod docked inside of the ship?
Posted by Reverend (Member # 335) on :
Two decks below the main shuttlebay, just aft of the workerbee sat on the lift, there's a pair of them parked there.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)