Shapeways Scout/Courier

[far-trader]

Everyone, please don't upload any canon designs (or names) without checking with Marc first! I have special permission for this.

Obviously, your own designs are fine.

I figured that was a given from the discussion, but being clear is always best

I'm not making a penny. These are prototypes, and I've not seen the finished models yet - they may look crap!

I suspected as much. And I'd like to get one to review it for that. I'm not sure I want six prototype Scout/Couriers though, it'd cost too much to replace those early model life support air scrubbers

 

[HG_B]

Everyone, please don't upload any canon designs (or names) without checking with Marc first! I have special permission for this.

Obviously, your own designs are fine.

So, you can't design a 100t wedge and upload? Almost every small tonnage & hull config have, at some time, been published. So, pls clarify.

 

[far-trader]

So, you can't design a 100t wedge and upload? Almost every small tonnage & hull config have, at some time, been published. So, pls clarify.

If it looks like a Traveller ship then it is a Traveller IP and you don't do it. Just like if it looks like a StarWars ship then it is a StarWars IP and you don't do it.

If you create something "whole cloth" that just happens to be a wedge shaped space craft, WITHOUT any of the iconic designs that would clearly mark it as a Traveller Scout Ship or StarWars Imperial Star Destroyer you're in the clear.

I really don't think it's that hard to know if you're crossing the line. If there is doubt in your mind then you are probably too close and should differentiate it. Simple no?

 

[HG_B]

If it looks like a Traveller ship then it is a Traveller IP and you don't do it. Just like if it looks like a StarWars ship then it is a StarWars IP and you don't do it.

If you create something "whole cloth" that just happens to be a wedge shaped space craft, WITHOUT any of the iconic designs that would clearly mark it as a Traveller Scout Ship or StarWars Imperial Star Destroyer you're in the clear.

I really don't think it's that hard to know if you're crossing the line. If there is doubt in your mind then you are probably too close and should differentiate it. Simple no?

No, in the world of IP it isn't that simple. There is no legal definition of iconic when it comes to simple geometric solids stuck together. Otherwise, Marc could be sued by the Star Wars guys for those wedge shaped ships that look a lot like star wars ships that hit the screens in '77. It would have to be identical to a published work. Not, a similar design. That's obvious though.

I don't blame Marc for having something like this posted. Although, it is somewhat laughable.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

If it's recognisable, don't. You might get away with it, but you'd piss off Marc and I'd permaban you, so is it worth it?

 

[far-trader]

My impatience won out over my wallet I figured I'd be too distracted/busy in the short term to get anything put together for shapeways to pad the order, and didn't feel like browsing other items, so I splurged for a squadron of 6 Scouts. Some might be fun Christmas gifts for a few friends

Review and pics to follow upon arrival of order.

 

[HG_B]

If it's recognisable, don't. You might get away with it, but you'd piss off Marc and I'd permaban you, so is it worth it?

Why would I care if it pissed off Marc? I base my decisions on what is legal, not what pisses off a person I don't know and who has never spoken to me.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Did you get all 3 variants? I need to know if the stand-hole is okay, and how sturdy the legs are.

 

[far-trader]

Dang it. Sorry, the idea didn't cross my mind or I would have. I wonder if I can amend my order? I'll drop them a note and see if that's doable.

 

[aramis]

It's not like Andrew used the Canon design, either. The proportions are wrong for the type S as shown in CT and MT, and the doors wrong for T20...

 

[HG_B]

It's not like Andrew used the Canon design, either. The proportions are wrong for the type S as shown in CT and MT, and the doors wrong for T20...

"If it's recognisable, don't."

LOL

 

[Patron Zero]

Mind my interests showing but a nice teardrop-shaped center hull with a proportional ring around such might be nice !

(A two piece model would keep the price down a bit.)

 

[Spinward Scout]

Looks wicked, Andrew!

Setting up my Cart for next week when I have the money. Adding a Salvage Cruiser on to make it over $25 ($ 27.79 is the total).

You're probably looking at about $10 for a model about twice that size, if the one with the landing gear and base is any indication. I wonder how big one that costs around $25 would be.

I hope you realize I'm going to be spending all my money on Traveller models (and painting supplies) now.

 

[far-trader]

...I wonder how big one that costs around $25 would be.

There's a handy size/price calculator on the site that might give you an idea:

http://www.shapeways.com/blog/archives/36-Resize,-Get-the-Right-Price.html

Punching in the Scout (landed) at $10 to find scale for $25 gets 1.357 so it'd only be about 136% bigger if I read it right. I think that is 136% more material volume so for a solid model it would equate to the size increase. IF it is material volume and your model was hollow you would get a much bigger model size. IF I understand it correctly.

 

[Spinward Scout]

There's a handy size/price calculator on the site that might give you an idea:

http://www.shapeways.com/blog/archives/36-Resize,-Get-the-Right-Price.html

Punching in the Scout (landed) at $10 to find scale for $25 gets 1.357 so it'd only be about 136% bigger if I read it right. I think that is 136% more material volume so for a solid model it would equate to the size increase. IF it is material volume and your model was hollow you would get a much bigger model size. IF I understand it correctly.

Thanks! Honestly, I'd like to see a larger one with landing gear, but without the base. That was what I was thinking before. I don't know the mechanics of all of this, so I don't know what's doable or what's not.

EDIT: calculated the Scout (plain) for $25 - 1.834. Which would be about a 2 and 3/4 inch long model. For $100 it only brings it up to 4 and a 1/3 inches long. It would be much cheaper hollow, I'm sure.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Why would I care if it pissed off Marc? I base my decisions on what is legal, not what pisses off a person I don't know and who has never spoken to me.

I don't base how I treat someone on whether on not I've met them.

Marc is very generous with his IP - he lets fans do all kinds of cool stuff, and all he asks in return is that we treat it with respect and get permission first.

A licence to sell Traveller miniatures is worth $$$, so he can't just let everyone start churning out their own.

My scout is a 1-off; if it works well, maybe things will change. For now, please avoid canon ships.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Thanks! Honestly, I'd like to see a larger one with landing gear, but without the base.

Me too!

 

[spinwardpirate]

Me three. I'd even like to see turret variations too. But hey, I'm such a Traveller ship geek, I'd probably buy any and all of them.

Speaking of being a Traveller minis ship geek... I'm going to go paint one of my old minis right now!

 

[far-trader]

Did you get all 3 variants? I need to know if the stand-hole is okay, and how sturdy the legs are.

Dang it. Sorry, the idea didn't cross my mind or I would have. I wonder if I can amend my order? I'll drop them a note and see if that's doable.

Late update:

Shapeways was on the ball and very helpful. They canceled out my order, issued a coupon, and I was able to redo it. So I should have samples of each for review shortly (depending on speed of overseas post service - hope it goes air). Got an email this morning that they have gone to printing.

 

[Spinward Scout]

Just completed my order.

ETA December 9th - allowing for 10 working days.