engine effects - dunno... when i took it out for a fun run - i gave it nomad engines ( just for the cruise charge up screech )
the cannons are currently located at the nose of the ship - ( the darker intakes - not easy to see ) - they don t really have any model.... ( its not like its a spinal mount like the siege cruiser )
but firing them looks really neat. - like a twin railgun... mind, its hard to hit a thing with it.
about a "next generation skin" - i have tried a rather smooth dark grey skin ( a bit like the US air force stealth fighter look... you know - the ugly triangle ) and - while it looks nice as a render... it looks utterly boring ingame. most other smooth skins look sophisticated - but due to the lack of detail... a bit boring.
but to make things clear... NO its not a replace for the LABC. i happen to like the LABC ( i know it was one of my earlier models - but i still like its shape quite a lot.... and yes, i know it severely lacks details )