Did an Ambassador-class mess years ago, when I had an educational license to 3DS Max. Tried to learn Blender when it expired...failed utterly. But more recently I gave Blender another go, and was surprised I was able to actually pick it up this time. After I did the Starbase Waystation mesh, I started working on an Ambassador-class.
Although I started trying to follow any online reference images very carefully, I realized there were some things I didn't like and changes I wanted to make. Haven't gotten to most of them yet, as you can see from the images the mesh is still in a very WIP state.
- The L-shaped Ambassador pylons. Wanted to try something a bit less clunky. These ones are almost the same shape, just angled.
- Saucer deflector grid. Studio models were so busy, with a very small grid. I'm going to do something closer to the Constitution/Excelsior-class shield grids.
- Secondary hull deflector grid & clours. Why does the shield grid look painted on?
- Bridge module. Should have conference room and ready room visible at some point.
- Although I did update the nacelles and a few other items to the newer studio model version, I'm not adding the lower shuttlebay.
My excuse for deviating is that this particular ship is, like Starbase Waystation, from a fan-fic series. And it had several repairs, refits, even a full rebuild. So that's my excuse for taking liberties.
Edit:Added updated image for forum listing thumbnail.
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Formerly furswift
the pylons definitely do make a difference, it's closer to the Probert C. My only gripe and this isn't your design personally but you have the chance to fix it. The bussards should be completely clear of the saucer, that's what throws the front view off to me.
also, regarding your deflector grids, if you take a look at Rick Sternbach's original C blueprint, you can see the grid pattern he designed which is exactly what you were after, the Constitution/Excelsior style.
Keep it up, can't wait to see it finished.
Current Projects:
Ambassador Class
I did try moving the nacelles down, as you suggested. I'm not sure how I feel about the look. I definitely don't like having the entire nacelle below the saucer rim, but maybe having the red portion of the collector visible...? I know the Yamugachi model had the nacelles moved WAY down before it was sold at auction, and I don't care for that look at all.
right now with the nacelles so close to the end of the bend it has very galaxy lineage, but being raised above the lateral line of the nacelle like that at an angle still screams excelsior, so your variant is now looking like a good clear progression from Excel to Galaxy.
And you're right, too low is not good, that was done apparently as the Yama model was damaged prior to auction, it's nacelles were high for the Emissary appearance.
Current Projects:
Ambassador Class
Barely spent any time on this lately, but I did learn how to have the glow effect applied only to the nacelle grills. Added some details on the pylons.
Another change I plan to make is that I'm putting two rows of windows on the saucer perimeter. Never really noticed it, but Constitution, Excelsior, Galaxy, Miranda...most of the 'main' ship classes have two rows. Only the Ambassador and the NX-01 have a single row...and for the Ambassador it doesn't make any sense. (Unless you're building a physical model in a hurry and on a budget and want to cut corners?)
Also introduced a curve to the front of the neck, instead of sharp corners.
Also tried it with the copper-coloured backing, as that fits more with TNG, I think...
The feedback I got from some friends was they thought the version with the dark grey backing looked better, but the version with the glowing blue backing was closer to the original model.
so much of this sort of thing on the newer ship classes...if they'd had the budget to be more creative with the Ambassador, could this have been a thing?
I really don't know if I like it or not...
Current Projects:
Ambassador Class
Yeah, I think I'll experiment a bit more.
Doing this section raised would make the shield lines more difficult. One reason why I may abandon the idea entirely.
But I am enjoying playing around with different ideas...
This may be a radical idea (and would definitely change the look and feel from the canon version), but one idea I always liked is maybe integrating the impulse engines into the "saucer rim", rather than being on top of or plastered onto the back end which most versions are.
My edit (red boxes)
The thought did occur to me. I think given the impulse engine layouts of the Excelsior-refit and Galaxy class ships, the small, puny little impulse engine on the Ambassador neck *should* have been augmented with saucer impulse engines.
One other thought that occurred to me was that instead of adding full saucer engines, it might makes sense to beef up the aft saucer maneuvering thrusters. Every other class of ship gives the saucer impulse engines for separated flight mode...Ambassador should have *something*...
The other approach to try is from the original probert concept which had the Ambassador's saucer engine in the same place as the excelsior class, you can kinda see it in the shape of the neck where it meets the saucer.
Current Projects:
Ambassador Class
But otherwise great work.
Oh and one last thing. Since what made it onto the screen was basically Sternbach bashing together the general impression of the Probert design with basic shapes, no need to apologize or need to justify it not being screen accurate.
I don't think that makes much sense at all except for the Connie refit and the non-refit Excelsior as those are based on highly detailed studio models (and even then, just change the name of the ship and modify as you like, hell ILM did it.)
Thank you.
You're right that the Bussard collectors being red don't make much scientific sense...I think the in-universe explanation for the glowing nacelle grills was that the warp core was still providing energy for the ship, and any excess plasma had to be vented. But I'll admit, the main reason I keep them glowing is because it looks cool.
Yeah, the TNG Technical manual basically said the Galaxy saucer engines were only used when separated, or when certain levels of acceleration were required. One of the problems I'm running into is that the position of the warp nacelles limits where I can put saucer engines...unless they're only used when separated. Doing Probert/Excelsior style engines would look strange, I think.
Beefing up the after maneuvering thrusters might still be an option, when I get to that point. Or maybe have the saucer impulse drive hidden by the 'neck', and only visible after separation. Sounds like a fairly big design flaw, if someone turned it on at the wrong time.
I may move on to other parts of the model and come back to this one later.
I'm probably overthinking this. I don't actually plan to do anything with the model separated. Just felt this was the time to have at least something modeled...