Macross DYRL TC Design Thread

[Lestat]

This thread is concerned with the development of fan designs for units needed (for a number of reasons) to complete the sides we are initially implementing for play:

The following units need to be designed or refined:

U.N. Spacy:

=-=-=-=-=-=

* Some kind of mining vessel (resource collector)

* Some sort of resource controller (essentially a mobile refinery)

Meltohlauendy Army:

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

* Resource Collector (Resupply ship???)

* Resource Controller

* Shuttle?

Zjentohlauedy Army:

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

* Resource Collector (Or existing resupply ship)

* Resource Controller (Perhaps developed from one of the designs from within bodolzaa's fortress in the TV series.

Major, Commander, if you can think of more, please do.

Feel free to suggest concepts.

Edited November 15, 2004 by Lestat

[Boxer]

On demand;

No definate name yet; maybe Esbeliben Tauro-Oquilem? (same manufaturer as the Recovery pod) AKA Mineral pod, Mining pod, Harvester pod.

The side art doesn't show the third container pod on the underside, but it's there. I thought about giving it writing along the side but I don't know where to put it. And as i was coloring it I pondered the possibilty of arming it (since almost all Zentreadi ships have some form of armament. The only exception to this is the short-range shuttle and the recovery pod itself.)

Other concept artwork is in the main discussion thread and I'll start posting here. Although I suppose an image-heavy warning is in order.

I'll get to the refineries and other harvesters when I can think of what they would look like. though I thought you guys already had a UNS mining vessel?

[Lestat]

The UNS minig vessel I designed wasn't very macross at all. I don't like it.

As for this Zjentohlauendy collector. Looks cool! My only real concern is - is it big enough?

I guess in theory these units would be automated drones that go out an collect resources for either one of the factory sattelites or the factory plannets.

I'm thinking, in game, it should work like this:

The collector gets its resources, and goes back to a depot, which when full 'folds' space (to the factory)...

I'm not really sure if that's feasible or not...

Keep it up. This is inspiring. I'll have to talk to Nanashi. Maybe he'll induct you into Studio Kappa or something

[chrono]

Boxer,

That's a sweet looking design, but I agree with Lestat that it does look abit small. Maybe reducing the size of the eye would do the trick?.? I'd also add in that the engines should be more blended into the hull like other ships do, because right now they look more like UN Spacey designs.

[Boxer]

What? so no disciplinary post for disloyal or cowardly Zentreadi? I thought it would be the perfect punishment spot for Kamijun; assignment to a mineral pod B)

I was iffy about this design because of it's similiarity to the recovery pod. I'll rework it (it's concept art after all) and maybe make a drone version. I still like the idea that they're manned, but automated drones are fine. (I guess I'll make two).

I drew up something for the UNS mobile refinery. There isn't much to go on in this era capital-ship wise other than the ARMDs, the Oberths, Deadalus II, and the Gundboat (and other capital craft in the game).

Small-scale Mobile Refinery craft "type 4 class". Based on the ARMD platform design (as the Deadalus II seems to be). It's rough and I haven't figured out where the resourcers will dock (probably the underside). And if you can't see the note, all it's says is that the helicopter pad is not for landing resourcers (just shuttlecraft).

I have something for the UNS resourcers, though I don't know if it's final. The problem with making a UNS resourcer is that it has to be something like a cross between the Galmor Spider bug and the harvester from HW1. The one I have has (of course) Mining claws on the front and a large cargo container on the underside. I dunno, will work on/post later.

Nanahsi already invited me to Studio Kappa I think he said if it ever got going again I might have a spot.

Edited November 16, 2004 by Boxer

[Cdr Fokker]

That's smaller than the ARMD, though, right? (Just seems like it's smaller, and like it should be somewhat smaller...)

[Boxer]

Yeah it's smaller than the ARMD... It's the outline in the back that's hardly visible. Although I think I might go back and play around with it; the Refinery shouldn't just be another ARMD clone.

At the moment I don't have anything non-supervision that's finished, so I'll get to work and hopefully have some more designs to share. For the Supervision ships I have a gunship and a battleship if you want to see it.

[Boxer]

I've finished two possible designs for the Zentreadi Mineral Pod. The first is an updated version of my first concept- re-worked and larger (midway between Regult and Scout Pod size). it also has four large collection bins instead of three.

The other one is my take on Lestat's Automated Mineral Pod. Unlike the manned concept this one 'lands' on the asteroid and uses a drill to mine rock. Since I don't know how exactly harvesting is handled in HW2 (Owning the game, but having never played it due to comp requirements), I'm working on guesswork.

I'll get around to the UNS Refinery later, but is it all right for it to look ARMD-ish? One of the things I'm trying to accomplish in these designs is some sort of origionality, but I don't know if I'm doing a good enough job (though the Melt Salvage Armor seems to be origional enough...)

More work comming.

[Boxer]

Sorry to double post...

When I was thinking about what kind of hull I could use for a resource controller for the Zentreadi I thought back to this little ship I made. It was for a fanfiction I wrote long ago (strangely enough it was a re-write of the entire series...). I forgot to put the scale, but it's twice and a half times the size of a Salan scout. It's called the Tuliqui-Sovis and this drawing is based off the only sketch I have of it.

I know there isn't a call for any additional Zentreadi combat vessels but I figured since the UNS is getting the Carilla (A Studi-Kappa work) I thought this combat ship would be at least worth consideration.

Working on something for the UNS harvester now.

Edited November 18, 2004 by Boxer

[Boxer]

UN Spacy Asteroid Miner done

Approve/dissaprove??

I illustrated some circular mounts to allow the arms to fold back along the body if desired, for docking or asthetic purposes. The cargo container could also have it's name changed

[The_Major]

ohh me like! me like alot. im not 100% sure and ill run it by lestat and Cdr, but im thinking this just may be the new Miner. i really like the look of the cargo container, very modular like the instead of just unloading the container, it would just be detatched and an empty one re-attached.

oh and because you dont seem to like the buster cannon for the Gundestroyer (im not that happy with it either on the inside) would you like to color up a picture of what you think it should look like?

[Boxer]

here's my first stab at the particle cannon interior design. I hope it isn't too Zjent-Melt like, and it's too big to post on this thread so here's a link:

Particle Cannon Concept-1

I can probably make more given time, but it's late and I'd probably be better off working on other things than thinking up an entirely new cannon interior.

Any word on my other concepts and/or a decision on the manned/unmanned Mineral pods? For like the UNS Asteroid Miner the Zjent Pods have their large yellow ore canisters that can be interchanged if you can supply the animation. Or you can have them dock in a specialized bay to have their pods transfered in-ship.

BTW I found another ancient drawing of my Tuliqui-Sovis that's a little different than the one I have posted. Maybe I can draw that one too- but only if there's interest for the additional Zjent capital ship. Otherwise, it's only fanart.

[Lestat]

At first, I thought the UN Miner concept actually looked a little homeworldy. But on second thoughts, I can see the influence of the Rabbit, among other mecha, and the Major's right, the nature of the dettachment-reattachment of the cargo container is attractive.

I like it. It's certainly better than what I designed. Although I remembered, I did design a UN Spacy transport...

I'll attach a copy of it to this post if I can find it.

I like the modified scout ship. Additional Zjentohlauedy vessels is probably more likely than the supervision army, but still a low priority.

I love both of your secondary Zjentohlauedy miners! They're spiffy!

The second one is probably more appropriate, but the first looks so cool too!

Keep 'em coming!

Oh, btw, I'd like for you to elaborate on the following design of mine:

It needs to be fleshed out, especially the front antanae. Nanashi has commented though that he likes the engine system.

See what you can do with it?

[The_Major]

speaking of nanashi you know he's gonna throw a fit when he sees this thread

heres hoping he doesnt yell at me too much.

[Lestat]

Actually, nanashi rather liked the supervision ship design. I don't think he'll be as bad as you think.

Actually, I'm hoping he'll invite boxer into Studio Kappa, but that's just me...

[The_Major]

that would be great, he certanly has the talent and the imagination. and yeah nanashi has lightend up a ways in the acceptance of fan works because of MAT.

[The_Major]

well sence the deisgn started here, ill post the WIP for the UNS miner here. as well as the other thread.

[The_Major]

[The_Major]

[The_Major]

[Boxer]

I'll start working on it as soon as I can. But what is it? Is this the transport you were talking about?

And which miner was selected? I still prefer the manned one- as the only examples of automated Zentreadi ships are limited to the DYRL? games and not on-screen vessels.

The Tuliqui-Sovis isn't a scoutship- I thought it would take a position below the Destroyer and would serve on destroyer squadrons. Here's the second concept based on the only other image I have of this ship, complete with a Salan for scale.

[Lestat]

Looking good. Boxer, the colouring seems a little dark. Just a point of note.

Looks good. A good place to draw inspiration, if you can find it, is here:

It's from inside bodolzaa's ship in the TV series. Lots of unidentified zjentohlauedy ships to draw inspiration from!

And as for the resourcers, I think the second, because the other looks a little too much like the recovery pod.

Fokker, major, what do you think?

Edited November 20, 2004 by Lestat

[Lestat]

This also...

[Boxer]

I actually have these pictures already I was thinking about adopting one of them as the resource controller, and another maybe for an area command ship (I suggested an ECM warfare vessel but Nanashi says we already have the ECM pod for that...)

Should I try to make warships/utility vessels out of each of these? Nanashi suggests I should use them as combat craft, but do the Zentreadi/Meltandi need them? Maybe to balance out the sheer number of fighter types the UNS has, but it's your call. (As I can probably make more Meltran ships if nesissary).

[Edit]: Working on lestat's ship now. But I still don't know what this thing is and it would help if I knew.

Edited November 20, 2004 by Boxer

[Boxer]

The concepts are finished.

Though I stress a 'better' job could have been done if I knew what this ship was. Nevertheless it's been worked on, and I drew up alternate antenna. I also tried to remove the side 'Fast Pack' along the ship's flank because it looked as if an oversized FAST pack was put there.

Work on other ships pending.

[Lestat]

It's a multi-role transport vessel. It's used for several different missions, including supply, cargo, troop transport, and fuel transport (Macross fighters need liquid fuel for their vernier thrusters).

I like the antanae on the front of both designs. I like the top one best, though maybe if those thrusters near the front pointed forward instead? The ship doesn't appear to otherwise have any reverse thrust.

As for those ships, go by what nanashi says. We can have virtually unlimited types of ship. Most of those are probably archaic versions of the zjentohlauedy ships.

[Boxer]

After a small hiatus, I've been toying with some concepts of a Zentreadi Resource controller and I had an idea; if the Mineral pods are automated, why not have the Resource controller have the ability to build them?

Given how 'open' HW2 is to modification I don't think it would be THAT hard. It's just an idea. As for it's feasability, well, the Factory Sattelite was rigged to automaticly produce units, so the Resource Controller ship would likewise be automaticly rigged to produce replacement automated pods.

The idea wouldn't fly as well if the pods were manned, but Lestat said he liked the Automated pod better I guess that's what we're sticking too. Unless anyone other than myself likes the manned version over the Remote version?

[Edit]:

Another thing I wanted to add was about the UNS Astro Miner. Is the module a seperate 'detatchable' model or is it 'part' of the miner? I ask this because I need to figure out how it would dock with the UNS Refinery platform to transfer the resources. I could sketch up a load/unloading system that grabs the boxes from underneath the landed harvester....

And like I said already I'm not too hot about the box. I'll probably draw more boxes to see if one looks better.

Edited November 21, 2004 by Boxer

[Boxer]

No replies...

Anyway, Instead of the Zjent Resource Control vehicle (Since I'd like to know the answers to my questions...) I present to you two ideas for the Meltran Recource Collection Armor

#1 Qneulau-Sau

#2 Autulean-ailele

(Different names for different ships. In my perspective these concept ships DID exist and were made by different Protoculture corps for Zent-Melt use, but one design became more popular than the other).

The 4-armed version is a derivative from the 'vision' of the Melt Savlage Armor that now exists. I thought such a ship would have four gigantic claw-arms for grabbing things. Well, I gave the resourcer those huge arms.

The second three-armed type was thought up when I looked at the Meltran Combat Armor and pondered the possibilities of making it a mining vehicle. The only difference between the two is that on one version the pods were smaller. I assume the RU quantity could be changed? if so the ship with the smaller pods could be made to move faster to shuttle more loads...

The Melt Resource Controller I envisioned would be more of a space-station like vessel (Sort of like a miniature version of Lap's command ship) And it would be possibly armed- maybe up to warship standards despite the fact that it has incredibly slow speed.

For the Zjent controller in addition to possibly the ability to manufacture more autmoated Mineral Pods (And maybe arming it) I was wondering if it could have hanger space for 4-5 squadrons of Regults to have as an escort.

Still need to know if the UNS Astro Miner Container is a seperate entity so I'd know how to handle loading/unloading (anyone for coding little space-suit sprites to wave in the landing vehicle? )

[Boxer]

Sorry for Tripple posting...

This is my idea for a Zjent Resource control vessel:

Since it's more of a utility vessel than a warship it sports a large landing hanger and landing platform for launch/recovery of damaged ships, spare Mineral pods, etc. This would be where extra Regults could be hidden and launched when necissary. The two holes on the top in front of the docking platforms are where manufactured Mineral Pods exit the ship.

A Picket has been provided for scale. Unlike all other Zjent ship's I've drawn before there is no shading, so this is how it would look in a completely lit enviroment

[Lestat]

It is indeed possible to make them build them.

The designs look great. I'm leaning towards the Autulean-ailele design, though I think the back should maybe be three times the size - there needs to be significant storage space...

The zjentohlauedy resource controller looks great! I like it.

[The_Major]

hey sorry about taking so long to reply but my internet has been on the fritz lately. anyway to answer some of your questions.

First, the U.N.S. Mining Vessel

When you design the Refining Ship, treat the pod as attachable/detatchable.

I like the idea of Zjent Refinment ship being the size as a small fleet ship, as well as its abilitie to build collection craft. I think its a go!

The meltran Units that you designed, we may be able to use both, i do not belive we have a repair unit for them. and sence the Zjent and meltran dont have the ability to repair things.

im thinking these units should be left over from before the war started, built at the same time that the automated factories were. and only able to do simple repairs like hull patching.

I too like your second design for the Zjent automated mineral pod and still think that, Asignment to the Fleet refinment ship running machinery, would be a nice punishment heh heh

[Boxer]

>Episode 7<

Vrlitwhai: What happened?

Exedol: It appears we have just been rammed by the 7th areal division flagship...

Kamijun: sorry about that Admiral, it looks like-

Subbordinate: Sir, here's the results of the bid.. 12 ships-

Kamijun: Silence!

Vrlitwhai: ...Kamijun, I have an assignment for you.

Kamijun: Already? and what might that be?

Vrlitwhai: we are soon to dispatch a resource collection operation within enemy territory. Due to your display of ignorance you are to lead the harvester squadron in a Mineral pod.

Kamijun: !!?!?

Vlitwhai: consider it a test of your combat prowess. And from this little excersize you might learn the value of real combat manpower and equipment. Screen off.

Exedol: control sir?

Vrlitwhai: I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner.

I'm not up for the repair craft idea. I like how Zjent capital ships are prone to damage and valued in combat (unless you have UNS allies that will lend you some Spiderbugs...) Besides, it makes Vrlitwahi's Command ship possible (With lasting damage etc.)

I'm glad the Resource ship idea's a go Of course it enables the Zjent player to hide some armors and call them out when needed. Then again it's probably a better alternative than taking on a Melt refinery platform...

Anyway, would the Zenteadi Resource Control vessel be armed? As for a name... Qenoluium-Theena type Resource Collection Vessel? Needs Nanashi Approval...

Working on fleshing out the Autulean-ailele. One thing about the Melt vessels is that aside from the Queadlunn series, none of them have names. I could make the names, or they could be left blank. From the Autulean-Ailele will either be a concept of the Melt resource platform or fleshing out of the Zjent Resource Ship.

Then there's the ship display- the little funny ship Icons at the bottom of the Manager. Fokker put just a side view of the Model in it's place, but Is this okay with everyone? I'm trying to make an Oberth Wireframe for a UI but I don't know what is needed for such a display.

Edited November 23, 2004 by Boxer

[Cdr Fokker]

Then there's the ship display- the little funny ship Icons at the bottom of the Manager. Fokker put just a side view of the Model in it's place, but Is this okay with everyone? I'm trying to make an Oberth Wireframe for a UI but I don't know what is needed for such a display.

The HW2 icons aren't wireframe - there schematic-ified top views.

I know how to make more of the look of HW icons (did it for the HW1 TC) but it seems unecessary... me and the Major prefer the full-color images as well.

[Boxer]

Your mod, so be it.

Melt Resource collection armor pictured with queadlunn Rau, Nna, and VF-1A (Captured) armors. Unlike the Zjent counterpart the Autulean-Ailele is a manned vessel with a 3-4 Meltran crew. Manufactured by Knekadan Utility Systems (Protoculture factory cluster no.410931), many of the functions of the Autulean-Ailele (Repair, refuel, etc) are not documented so the Meltran do not know how to use these systems. However, the Armor does serve well as a deep-space object mining vessel and debris retrival system. In a pinch these vessels can use their cutting torches and mining drills to attack large capital ships (!) Although this tactic is judged as being suicidal to many Meltran armor operators.

Two of these armors were spotted during the Course of Space War One by a lost Cat's Eye recon craft and two fighter escorts in the asteroid belt.

--------------

More to come.

[Lestat]

Great design with a creative background. I don't know how much of it we could use though as a practical matter. That would be funny if enemy harvesters could get resources from captital ships... hehehe... I can just see them shrinking like an asteroid...!