That 30 dton Cutter Module ...

[Vile]

Well, both decks are th same volume, but they're semi-circular in section (this is a cylinder we're talking about, after all). Andrew Boulton has a section in his thread showing how his octagonal module is split, which is the same here except this one is a bit more cramped because of the curving walls. That's why only the upper deck really works for habitation.

 

[Icosahedron]

Just thinking outside the box for a moment, if you look at the drawing in post #1 of this thread, it would make more sense to be used upside down, with the flat surface as the floor. The cutter drops it, then it is rolled over for use on a planet. In zero G it doesn't matter which way up it is.

 

[Vile]

Makes sense, Icosahedron. Of course, you'd have to do one of those "2001" walking on the walls tricks to go between module and cutter bridge when in flight. Anyway, it's a moot point now, because I've moved on to fully cylindrical modules for the standard cutter.

 

[vutpakdi]

the GT:Modular Cutter book has lots of the cutter modules detailed. Useful for any version of Traveller.

So do Golden Age Starships 5: Cutters and Shuttles and Golden Age Starships 7:LSP Modular Starship from Avenger Enterprises (and ComStar). Both have 8 (different) modules. The LSP Modular Starship is a 300 ton ship that carries 6 modules.

I like them, but then again, I'm a bit biased. ::

Ron

 

[coliver988]

So do Golden Age Starships 5: Cutters and Shuttles and Golden Age Starships 7:LSP Modular Starship from Avenger Enterprises (and ComStar). Both have 8 (different) modules. The LSP Modular Starship is a 300 ton ship that carries 6 modules.

I like them, but then again, I'm a bit biased. ::

Ron

I may have to get that sometime, then.

I also just realized that the modular starship (that uses cutter modules) in the GT:Cutters book has a striking resemblance to the Botany Bay from Star Trek - the bridge is a conning tower, and there are rows of modules along a spine. So that may make the Botany Bay (a DY-100 or DY-500 class ship I think) something of a modular cutter as well. Or at least something to stick cargo modules on.

 

[leo knight]

Some great pictures of the Botany Bay here:
http://www.projectrho.com/SSC/submarine.html

...and blueprints here:
http://www.cloudster.com/Sets&Vehicles/BotanyBay/BotanyBayDrawings.htm

...enjoy!

edit: Even more cool pics here:
http://www.cloudster.com/Sets&Vehicles/BotanyBay/BotanyBay.htm

 

[Mithras]

JUst bought these - fantastic investment (if you can call 2 x £1.80, 'investing!!').

I'm into the idea of a modular base after seeing these products. I'm OK with a 'Connector Module' that has two additional iris valves down each side, though perhaps there should be office or storage lockers in there too, thats alot of module just for a corridor. And spacers being spacers, they'll cram all spare floor with equipment, stores, ammo, water and kit anyway... I've seen photos of Antarctic bases, and there's stuff everywhere!

So do Golden Age Starships 5: Cutters and Shuttles and Golden Age Starships 7:LSP Modular Starship from Avenger Enterprises (and ComStar). Both have 8 (different) modules. The LSP Modular Starship is a 300 ton ship that carries 6 modules.

I like them, but then again, I'm a bit biased. ::

Ron

 

[DaveChase]

NASA and some scientist worked on the modular connectors

They used soap bubles to try and make a take apart/breakdown connectors.

basically think of a cube and place bubbles in each corner with each bubble just touching each other but maintaining their own shape.

Then make the bubble hard and remove the cuble. Add connectors so that each bubble can lock into each other and the tubes and you have a connector.
Each 8 sections can be stacked in a smaller space and easily transported. Air tight yes but not an airlock.

On Traveller stats:
An airlock weights 3d tons
You need say 3d tons of space to move and connect the modules together and the hull material takes up 1d ton of space so that you could put 3 of these together for transporting

For the break down version that I referred to above:
Transporting space 3d tons
volume of connector when set up 9d tons (if I remember correctly)
Time to set up 5 hours


Vile,
I like your drawings (something that I wish I was good at) and have thought about these types of connectors but 24 d tons seems like a lot for a simple connector. Sounds about right for a center hub or entry point for the building.

Also you might consider a center hub concept which would work well for Zero G
Also you might consider a connector that allows an angle attachment for 2 reasons
Space you can make a wheel of sorts for rotation in case of gravity loss
Not all ground is flat, smooth and open. A angle connector would allow more flex in layouts.

Thanks for the posting. I like/love Modular cutters and have character that made quite abit of money from working/designing them.

Dave Chase