Type T Patrol Cruiser

[wbyrd]

well since i am on a Traveller classics Binge...I thought I'd give the Type T a go.

I positioned al of the turrets so they can fire forward past the "Bug Eyes" allowing the ship to bring it's full firepower onto a target it is pursuing. Yes, I now the rules say you can do it anyway...but call me obsessive.

The bug eyes/control capsules are a major break in the lines of the ship, but I can live with it.

I added a few reaction thruster nodes, and a radome/laser comm dome to the dorsal spine, the docking collar is underneath, it's there just hidden.

And for giggles and to show off the lines of the hull I stripped off the bug eyes...this version looks fast...I may have to do a clean version with no exposed turrets.

 

[MThompson016]

Nice! Even the correct Imperial Navy insignia (yellow sunburst)

Just why do you use this color scheme of white with stripes?

 

[wbyrd]

Nice! Even the correct Imperial Navy insignia (yellow sunburst)

Just why do you use this color scheme of white with stripes?

I actually had to look up that bit of trivia


I went with the paint job that allowed more details to show up until I found a color scheme that looked better and didn't hide details. There's a lot of trial and error involved. So I used a set of textures I knew worked for the snap shots..

This is what I finally arrived at after a few hours of tinkering...adjusting shading, reflectivity, and finding the right balance.

 

[GypsyComet]

Nice! Even the correct Imperial Navy insignia (yellow sunburst)

Just why do you use this color scheme of white with stripes?

Aside from the sunburst and other symbology that arose during the Rebellion, ship heraldry is not a heavily covered subject.

My own impression of this scheme and heraldry is that this particular ship is assigned as a Navy Base or Depot picket. The red pattern would then distinguish it as a Base asset vs a Fleet asset. Not all Type Ts are Imperial Navy, so the sunburst is a significant feature of this ship's heraldry.

 

[wbyrd]

Aside from the sunburst and other symbology that arose during the Rebellion, ship heraldry is not a heavily covered subject.

My own impression of this scheme and heraldry is that this particular ship is assigned as a Navy Base or Depot picket. The red pattern would then distinguish it as a Base asset vs a Fleet asset. Not all Type Ts are Imperial Navy, so the sunburst is a significant feature of this ship's heraldry.

I have had the same idea. Giving ships of a particular fleet or duty assignment varying colors. I sort of envisioned that different squadrons, or fleets would have a unique color scheme to make the easily identifiable by sight.

Individual ships might be given permission to adopt a particular color scheme or individual hull markings depending on the situation. And almost any merc, or corporate ship would have their ships painted and marked using a companies colors as a basis.

 

[aramis]

Keep in mind that...

1) color changing hulls are a standard technology
2) visual markings are worthless at most ranges involved in Traveller space combat.

 

[agorski]

Aside from the sunburst and other symbology that arose during the Rebellion, ship heraldry is not a heavily covered subject.

The cover image from the Spinward Marches Campaign is especially nice. It clearly portrays one of the Lift Regiment's SDBs used as ortillery.

 

[wbyrd]

Keep in mind that...

1) color changing hulls are a standard technology
2) visual markings are worthless at most ranges involved in Traveller space combat.

In most situations and settings, The paint scheme of a starship is mostly for when it is cruising around being seen.

the rest of the time it's about as important as the wall covering in the captain's fresher. A ship's paint job only important when you're trying to impress someone or showing off for the cameras.

Of course, if the Patrol ship pulling up alongside is a nice cheerful white it is less nerve racking than a sinister black hull. and if all the sudden the skipper of the patrol ship taps a button and that nice cheerful white paint scheme goes away, it's a visual cue he is not impressed with your excuses and is about to get serious.

It's the visual version of his tone going from. "Good evening captain, we 've had some problems in this system. Please transmit your registry information, manifest, and passenger list. We'll have you back on your way in a few minutes." and "Power down, and stand by for inspection. Any attempt to evade inspection is ground for boarding and seizure."

 

[aramis]

In most situations and settings, The paint scheme of a starship is mostly for when it is cruising around being seen.

That would be "while dirtside".
Orbital maneuvering precludes direct visuals most of the time, except when docking.

 

[wbyrd]

That would be "while dirtside".
Orbital maneuvering precludes direct visuals most of the time, except when docking.

Don't forget inspections By admirals and nobles, when they are having propaganda...umm publicity... pictures taken, during various celebrations and special events... But yeah, most of the time the paint job is totally redundant.

100 Km away a ship is just another bit of black in a sea of black. the only person who knows it's there is the guy watching the sensor displays.

In all reality the electronic noise it's engines make will probably be more readily identifiable.