USS Grandeur - Final Version

[Vektor]

I don't mind an occasional post here in this thread about related projects like the Blackfoot or the MSDs or the bridge or whatever, but I agree that the Blackfoot should have its own thread simply because it deserves it. It would also help to keep things more focused in here.

[docprice]

Nice compisistion. I really do admire the work, now put together a portfolio and get Universal Pictures to make a Trek movie with your work. hahaha.

Here is my qestion. Why is it a USS ship why not a FSS "Federation Service Ship" That is if your USS stands for "United States Ship"

p.s. this is not a flame just a question.

[Vektor]

Originally Posted by docprice

Here is my qestion. Why is it a USS ship why not a FSS "Federation Service Ship" That is if your USS stands for "United States Ship"

"U.S.S." stands for "United Star Ship," as stated by Captain Kirk in at least one Original Series episode.

[theCommander]

Originally Posted by Vektor

I don't mind an occasional post here in this thread about related projects like the Blackfoot or the MSDs or the bridge or whatever, but I agree that the Blackfoot should have its own thread simply because it deserves it. It would also help to keep things more focused in here.

Yeah, I figured that... the Blackfoot will get her thread soon, when Brian gets the time to start it (he's working probably 10-12 hr. days right now), so I am just trying to help out and show his work for him. It kinda keeps things moving and grooving.

[Vektor]

Okay, here's a tiny bit of progress to show.






As you can see, I am using a different rendering technique, what is commonly referred to as a "clay rendering" using nothing but a skylight and a single diffuse texture. The main reason I'm doing this is because the directional lights were making it hard to judge the alignment between certain parts like the nacelles and the support pylons. I spent a day or so trying to match some adjacent contours only to discover the angle of the shadows was tricking me into thinking they were out of alignment when they really weren't. It also really brings out the details of the mesh.

Not everything I've done recently is shown in these renderings. I've also been working on some detailing of the secondary hull, but I don't want to show any of that until I get further along. Might have some more WIPs to post before the weekend is out but no promises.

[theCommander]

Now that is awesome, V-man!!
<jumps up and down repeatedly>
Are those the aft torp-cannons on the top fin of the nacelles? That looks cool!

Thanks for posting!!

[Vektor]

You know, I just knew somebody was gonna take those for torp launchers.

No, they are RCS thruster quads. The ones in these particular locations on the nacelles also incorporate a small impulse engine. I figured they would help ballance the angle of thrust with and without the saucer attached or if the distribution of mass should change significantly for some other reason, i.e. heavy cargo.

[Genex-X1]

Wow, She's a beaut' I'm jealous at the amount of detail on her

[theCommander]

Sorry, but they appeared to be something like that... RCS thrusters was going to be my second answer.

Looking it over again and again, I can see several changes and I can tell you are really paying attention to the detailing. Thanks!!

FYI: I do like that general shape, once we get to the forward plasma-cannons on the bow... with a little more more grit and some sharp teeth!

[Lonewriter]

looking really good.