Vol Battlecruiser: "First in battle-glory"

Post by **Theblackdog** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:51 pm

I never thought I'd say this but (deeeep breath) I have to agree with j+b (Gasp!). One engine is not really enough to propel a ship this huge. What I've seen so far looks like an awesome giant carrier/battleship/invasion craft, and it needs a huge array of multiple engine tubes to match.

I'd like to suggest one other thing -- add a structure to the underside to balance out the conning tower on top. Maybe include a vehicle elevator so that those motorcycles and Treadcycles can get down onto the planet's surface?

Post by **Tuefish** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:58 am

Ok, so you guys brought up some interesting points, firstly, the engine pictured is NOT the only one, there will actually be four (4) smaller ones. It is simply the largest as well as the only one currently attached.
Second, the boxy part of the ship goes Inside the sleek, sexy outer hull.
And third, it seems that I DO need a way to get the troops on the ground, so I am currently building a landing skiff. pics when finished.
And fourth, the design is pretty much set right now, so fiddling with it is only likely to frustrate me, perhaps even to the point of abandonment...
I do appreciate your suggestions though. thanks blackdog, J+B, natalya, and every one else who offered suggestions.

Post by **Warhead** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:07 am

I feel your pain man, but do not abandon all hope even though you have entered here. If some people J+B (who interestingly seem to have no ship or constructions of their own to post) can't realise that there will be more than a single engine on a WIP construction then it just underlines just how foolish they truly are.

However, it is the nature of this site so expect no less. Just don't give up on the rest of us. This is cool IMO.

Post by **Tuefish** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 4:29 am

not to worry, I'm not abandoning it yet, I'm not even really frustrated with it right now. But I don't think that a design change as big as was suggested is good for my mental health, which is tenuous at best...

Post by **james+burgundy** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 5:06 pm

Tuefish wrote:Ok, so you guys brought up some interesting points, firstly, the engine pictured is NOT the only one, there will actually be four (4) smaller ones. It is simply the largest as well as the only one currently attached.

The engines that you add will need to be bigger then the one already shown. The one that you have is still very small in comparison to the ship so you need more with the smallest one being no smaller then the one you already have.

Post by **Tuefish** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 2:12 am

alright, so I just finished putting the finishing touches on what I'm calling (for the moment) the "Bifrost landing skiff",
it's basically just a platform with VTOL engines,

a side view:

front:

aaand the helicopter-style machineguns:

they have a 360 degree range of motion. I'm very proud of them.

and as a bonus, a sneak peek at the engines I'm working on, since every body is so worried about them:

Post by **Theblackdog** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:14 am

The landing skiff looks cool, but the emptiness in the back needs fixing. I suggest adding a roof to the top of the ship, with a tail section or another pair of engines at the back. The roof doesn't really need to be connected to the vehicle platform, it just needs to be there to balance out the appearance.
This dropship has an example of this technique -- see how the body extends into an open platform on the bottom and a tail on the top?

The cap-ship engines are looking great so far, but I would caution you to stick to only one trans color for the exhaust. Otherwise it looks rainbow-warrior and crappy.

Overall, though, you're doing an awesome job. Unlike other purported SHIP-builders who have posted an incomplete hull and then vanished into obscurity, you're actually making pretty rapid progress on this design.

Post by **Warhead** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:51 am

I love VTOL's they are my favourite flyers. Nice side mounted gunner and weapon. The engines are the best bit though, nice idea (*Zoink!* consider it stolen). Can we see one fully loaded please? To get an idea of capacity.

Post by **Tuefish** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 8:36 pm

Here you go;
first off, the lander carrying both Warpigs, and both Ravenbikes, plus the heavy entry trooper:

next, the lander with one six-man squad, plus the sniper team:

I think that I may be able to fit two six-man squads...

EDIT: oh yes. It can fit two squads. That's twelve troopers.

Post by **Warhead** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:27 am

Now that's pure sexy, on a day off, with beer. (I mean it looks good).

Post by **Theblackdog** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 6:24 am

Agreed. That transport definitely sets a record for capacity-to-size ratio.

Post by **Natalya** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 9:47 am

The Vol infantry are pretty awesome.

Post by **Tuefish** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:10 pm

UPDATE:
The hull, complete except for the engine/weapon housings:

A close-up of the port side weapon housing:

A shot of the engines, (sorry about it being sideways):

And the finished command tower, complete with the SHIP's name in Vol Runic:

She's nearing completion!

Post by **Warhead** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:24 pm

She's looking gorgeous! It's all coming together at last. VERY Nice job.

Post by **Cpt. Zipps** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 9:55 pm

Damn! How big is that ship? How wide? What takes up all the space?