Imperiallines Frontier Transport Type TI

[Gadrin]

I just got the MT cd-rom recently and have been rummaging my way 'round the MT books...

The Imperiallines Frontier Transport Type TI is listed in the MT Rebellion Sourcebook. Cargo is listed as 11610 kliters, how do I convert that to CT tons ? (quick search thru the Ref's book didn't show anything obvious and I don't think I've ever seen CT stats on one).

Cheers !


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[Hyphen]

Dear Folks -

Divide by 13.5.

In MT, 13.5 kl = 1 HG/CT ton.

11610 kl = 860 displacement tons.

(That sounds like a lot, but I guess it is a TI, not the TJ - I'll bet the TJ uses all that space to cram in the j-6 engine + fuel...)

 

[Gadrin]

Much Thanks David, I've been enjoying your website's comedy page recently.

Can anyone tell me why "no active sensors" ? (and I guess "no inertial compensators") especially after lumping out ½ billion credits for these things.
I suppose one can launch the shuttle and use it (assuming it has any). Just seems a little strange.

Looks like the TI and the TJ might be useful in the Reaver's Deep.


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[mbrinkhues]

The J-2 version of the TI/TJ family is the equivalent of a Liberty ship, just the minimal systems needed for a freighter operating in resonably safe regions. Basically an XXL-version of the 400dton Typ-R.

The lack of sensors etc. was at least partially done to mis-lead third parties about the ships capacities, presenting a platform that's only good as a cargo hauler and wouldn't even make a decend raider/auxillary cruiser.

Check up on it's long-legged brother for all the fun and games!

 

[Gadrin]

The J-2 version of the TI/TJ family is the equivalent of a Liberty ship, just the minimal systems needed for a freighter operating in resonably safe regions. Basically an XXL-version of the 400dton Typ-R.

yeah.

The lack of sensors etc. was at least partially done to mis-lead third parties about the ships capacities, presenting a platform that's only good as a cargo hauler and wouldn't even make a decend raider/auxillary cruiser.

my raiders wouldn't be that gullible. If you're taking the ship, any starship operator worth his salt would either know ahead of time or know what can be transplanted.

Check up on it's long-legged brother for all the fun and games!

it's basically the same, except ~1 billion CR and lesser cargo.

The Reaver's Deep stuff has the Dakaar Freighter which is also 1800 tons and J-3 right out of the box. IIRC the Leviathan is 1800 + J3/2.


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[far-trader]

...it's basically the same, except ~1 billion CR and lesser cargo.

If by basically the same you mean J6 instead of J2

(the listed J2 in the craft performance is wrong, see the note in the "comments" section of the TJ)

 

[Gadrin]

If by basically the same you mean J6 instead of J2

(the listed J2 in the craft performance is wrong, see the note in the "comments" section of the TJ)

Yeah, I saw the "real comments" before I looked at the ship stats.

Luckily I heard about how error-riddled MT was, but decided it was still probably worth it.

The T6 acts as an Imperial courier/supply ship. Good chance there might be one or two in some Naval Squadron, depending on protection. IIRC knocking up the Jump# reduces cargo by the same amount (about 1/3rd).


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[GypsyComet]

The T6 acts as an Imperial courier/supply ship. Good chance there might be one or two in some Naval Squadron, depending on protection.

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Only if the secret has been blown. The TI/TJ pair works because the existence of the TJ is generally unknown and a closely held secret.

The switch from J2 to J6 means (under MT) that about 30% of the ship stops being cargo and becomes larger drives and more fuel.

I've done plans for the TJ, and still have the basics for which deck areas to turn into cargo for the TI, and how to make both ships look identical to casual inspection.

 

[Gadrin]

Only if the secret has been blown. The TI/TJ pair works because the existence of the TJ is generally unknown and a closely held secret.

No I mean the ship model itself, not one specifically under ImperialLines. In other words they sell the plans to other important Imperial interests, where it can fill a vital role.

I'm not sure knowing a large ship can have it's jump-ability changed would be much of a useful secret in the 3I or anyone in the TTL14+ range.

Specific ships maybe, but I would have to think that J-6 ability would be a possibility to all the major players.

If that's what you mean.

The switch from J2 to J6 means (under MT) that about 30% of the ship stops being cargo and becomes larger drives and more fuel.

I've done plans for the TJ, and still have the basics for which deck areas to turn into cargo for the TI, and how to make both ships look identical to casual inspection.

That makes sense. I like that idea.

Is that available for general consumption ? (public viewing)


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[GypsyComet]

No I mean the ship model itself, not one specifically under ImperialLines. In other words they sell the plans to other important Imperial interests, where it can fill a vital role.

I'm not sure knowing a large ship can have it's jump-ability changed would be much of a useful secret in the 3I or anyone in the TTL14+ range.

Specific ships maybe, but I would have to think that J-6 ability would be a possibility to all the major players.

If that's what you mean.

The TI/TJ spec as described is a company specific design. Using the "Imperiallines TJ" in fleet actions blows the cover of the whole class. Using a ship of different appearance but identical spec would not be a problem. The "secret courier" nature of the TJ fails if it can be identified away from its cover of TIs.

It's the same problem the Corsair has. If the same hull isn't being used for legitimate commerce in large numbers, all the "variable appearance" chrome in the world won't stop the IN from blowing every Type P they see into very small pieces.

Is that available for general consumption ? (public viewing)

Yup. Been around for a while, even.
http://members.aol.com/gypsycomet/TJOver.html
The deckplans are designed to match the art in the Rebellion Sourcebook at closely as possible.

 

[DonM]

There's errata for both of these ships as well... Clay Bush built corrections for both designs and sent them to DGP, although they were never published.

But the Errata does have these updated designs...

 

[epicenter00]

I've always assumed that the TJs don't just pass casual inspection as TI. From the outside and to sensors, it's essentially identical. IMTU, TJs are fitted with baffles and extra fittings and such make them effectively identical to the TI. There's basically a switch they can flip to make the ship's emissions identical to a TI. Any additional sensors are hidden or shrouded as different fittings. Plus the numbers - though it's used in "Nail Mission", I think that makes the TJ appear too common - I'd say Imperialines probably has 5-10 TJs (out of a fleet of anywhere from 100 to a 1000+) - if you have too many, there's too much of a temptation to use them for something which would result in them being "outed". The existence of TJs is hidden from the public, the IN, and all Imperialines employees (TJs would probably be piloted by handpicked crews who've trained as Imperialines employees but aren't really).

Identifying a TI from a TJ wouldn't just be a casual inspection thing. You'd need to know there's something suspicious about the TI ships and even then identifying a TI from a TJ (without seeing it use its superior Jump performance) would be the equivalent of playing a scavenger hunt where you're not expected to find the items - except in this case it'd be hull fittings or an audit of all Imperialines ships ("Hey, why is there a 5443703-2 in Gushmege and another 5443703-2 docking in the Marches at the same date?" or something similar). I'd so far as to say they'd have a dummy primary bridge (which is fitted identically to a TI's) and then a separate, hidden room where the TJ's expanded abilities are controlled from. Similarly, the cargo hold would look identical to a TI's with a back wall that looks like tightly fitted cargo containers (beyond which would actually be the engine room), banking on the fact that most cargo inspectors would be understanding of, "Oh well, we wanted to pack as much cargo as possible, sorry. Yeah, we know it's illegal, we'll pay the fine."

 

[GypsyComet]

I've always assumed that the TJs don't just pass casual inspection as TI. From the outside and to sensors, it's essentially identical.

I'd so far as to say they'd have a dummy primary bridge (which is fitted identically to a TI's) and then a separate, hidden room where the TJ's expanded abilities are controlled from. Similarly, the cargo hold would look identical to a TI's with a back wall that looks like tightly fitted cargo containers (beyond which would actually be the engine room), banking on the fact that most cargo inspectors would be understanding of, "Oh well, we wanted to pack as much cargo as possible, sorry. Yeah, we know it's illegal, we'll pay the fine."

The switched tonnage is on decks 3 and 4 (on my plans), mostly. While it doesn't show on the plans I've done, there would be a false cargo lifts and doors on Deck 3, giving the appearance of providing access to more cargo area in the forward area and on Deck 4. Depending on what actually works in the bureaucracy, this could either have a trans-shipment customs seal from somewhere else on it, or actually open onto a corridor that looks like a path down the middle of a packed hold.

Aside from a larger computer, the top three decks are identical. The engineering compartment is not a part of customs inspections, so the vastly larger jump drive is not an issue. If your customs inspectors *do* have that kind of power, false bulkheads or packing extra drive volume into what would be cargo (and making it look like cargo crates) might be an alternative.

 

[anders lager]

Hmmm...wasn't these ships statted for CT in "The Traveller Adventure"?

 

[Vargas]

Hmmm...wasn't these ships statted for CT in "The Traveller Adventure"?

Yes, that's where they originated.