I thought about that as well, however, here comes some contradictions with the world set up. There is no radio or radars (due to the core radiaton, they are almost useless) and there is no actual need to put any one on the mast on lookout (it`s easier to raise the whole ship if need be), so, there is no actual need for the mast as is. And last, but not the least - this is the flying ship, and on Septerra, atmosphere, really is a collosal "ocean", connecting al of he world shells. Such enormous amount of air, means harsh winds, and to design open-air posts for the crew, isn`t too wise IMHO. That`s why there are no "machinegun" posts, and canons without turrets. Same goes for bridge design - that structure above the bridge is a sort of mast - enclosed post for a spotter. Well, maybe, when I will model the battleship, I`ll try to keep closer to a WWII feeling.
Here is the rough model of the cutter. It suffered numerous redesigns, and the shape isn`t completely finalised yet. As well, as the smaller details aren`t added yet. This ship supposed to be non-military fast courier.
For ease of use, Ive desided to fit every manmade vessel that pipulate the sky of Septerra into one of three categories -
1) Skyships, or just ships. Aircrafts, that carry the crew inside the hull and holds in the air, due to the lifting gas core only.
2) Cutters. Smaller ships, similar to the propeller driven planes, that carry the crew inside the hull and fly not (not only) by means of lifting gas core, but due to the lift, provided by wings or lifting propellers.
3) Kayaks. Sort of "flying motorcycles". The smallest ships in the inventory, that carry the crew outside of the hull and fly due to the lifting gas body.
Yes, Last exile was one of the things that inspired the whole airship system. In the original game, only the basic principles were stated, the rest is my work I like the stylisation of "vanships" from Last exile like an old biplanes and old cars, and want to transfer the look into Septerra (with some change, of course). Civilian, and even some military cutters (those, that belongs to aces, maybe?) will have such glossy, polished look, with bright chrome or brass details, like on old cars.
BTW, "luft vanship" is translated literaly as "flying cutter" from german, so, no wonder that you receive such vibe.
A few details on the courier cutter. Added chaingun ports, main radiator intake for electric motor, aifbrakes/flaps, ailerons, headlamps.
Test with "light on". Strange results, but at least it works.
Top-rear view
If you mean "car", then yes, in case of Septerra, cutters are sort of like cars. Cheap and easy to build (at least low performance ones). Also, air is the main transportation route - there are no seas, most rivers are not so huge, terrain is really broken (to the extent that different towns can be on different "isles", floating in the sky). Additionaly, cutters don`t need any "fuel". All they need is the protein "food" for the biological components and spare water for high performance ones, for power generator.
A little update. Changed the radiator`s grill, added remaining control surfaces, steam exhaust and final stage water condenser. Added the signal lamp, thou, I`m not sure if I like how it looks.
Discarded the damned signal lamp. No matter how much I`ve tried, it still looks odd. Here are some experiments with lighting. First ones are "real" lights. They shine as they should, illuminating the whole picture. Took quite a while to render (few hours, even on my PC ).
And here are the "fake lights". Yes, they shine themself, but aren`t illuminating anything. Also, they`ve got problem with tinted glass - they are not visible through it. Hovever, the render with them take about 5-6 minutes. Guess, they will do for test renders and huge scenes, where the cutter is just a small part of the whole picture.
Replaced the temporary material with "carbon fiber" one. Here`s "classic" black and white carbon fiber:
And red-colored one, that seems to fit better. It is also somewhat more glossy.
Interesting, but not unheard of. There was a WWI British scout (who's name escapes me) which had the prop in the middle of the fuselage. Between the pilot and gunner if I remember correctly.
Still working on the cockpit detalization. I wanted some sort of basic shape at first, however, l`ve ended up with a quite complex construction Right side of the cockpit isn`t finished yet.
Necroposting in my own tread once again. This one will be customized small raider, originally built by Ankara`s shipyard. Model is completed, so now the most boring part for SU user begins - texturing...
Awesome! I stumbled across this thread via your sig a whiles back, you've got some very cool stuff here. I love the raider, she's got a very cool look to her. Though, have you considered adding shrouds to the aft props? they seem awfully exposed right now.
Necroposting in my own tread once again. This one will be customized small raider, originally built by Ankara`s shipyard. Model is completed, so now the most boring part for SU user begins - texturing...
looks good, i assume this is some kind of atmospheric air"ship". a bit of a crazy idea but very well modelled and designed.
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Thanx for your comment, you are allways welcomed!
Here is the rough model of the cutter. It suffered numerous redesigns, and the shape isn`t completely finalised yet. As well, as the smaller details aren`t added yet. This ship supposed to be non-military fast courier.
For ease of use, Ive desided to fit every manmade vessel that pipulate the sky of Septerra into one of three categories -
1) Skyships, or just ships. Aircrafts, that carry the crew inside the hull and holds in the air, due to the lifting gas core only.
2) Cutters. Smaller ships, similar to the propeller driven planes, that carry the crew inside the hull and fly not (not only) by means of lifting gas core, but due to the lift, provided by wings or lifting propellers.
3) Kayaks. Sort of "flying motorcycles". The smallest ships in the inventory, that carry the crew outside of the hull and fly due to the lifting gas body.
this whole thing gives me that sort of vibe.
BTW, "luft vanship" is translated literaly as "flying cutter" from german, so, no wonder that you receive such vibe.
Test with "light on". Strange results, but at least it works.
Top-rear view
Dear me that's some kind of machine!
And here are the "fake lights". Yes, they shine themself, but aren`t illuminating anything. Also, they`ve got problem with tinted glass - they are not visible through it. Hovever, the render with them take about 5-6 minutes. Guess, they will do for test renders and huge scenes, where the cutter is just a small part of the whole picture.
Well, it sure is a mix between the prop plane and classic car, but what part of it looks like cuttlefish?
And red-colored one, that seems to fit better. It is also somewhat more glossy.
Doubt, it will work with such rotor position, but in a almost fantasy scenario - why not? At least it looks interesting
Ducted props might indeed look too much like jet engines or rockets. Ah, well, it has a nice vibe that way
I feel like watching Last Exile again ^^