As model lead, I've done a tally of all ships that still need replacing for 4.86. I've thus far found the following models to require replacement:
Civilian line
hw_p2_fr - dsy_kadesh_fr - Civilian Freighter (CTE FR-2303-K): 2 guns, 6 turrets, Mine/CM/CD
hw_p2_lf - dsy_kadesh_lf - Civilian Shuttle (CTE-337-K): 4 guns, Mine/CM/CD or T
These two models are homeworld imports, which should be replaced. If at all possible, have the new models follow the CTE line and general feel (Eagle, Roc, Falcon etc are ships of this line). The light fighter should be very small.
Renzu line
hw_k_bomber - dsy_kushan_vhf - Renzu VHF: 3 guns, 2 turrets, Mine/CM/CD or T
hw_k_fr - dsy_kushan_fr - Renzu Freighter: 3 guns, 5 turrets, Mine/CM/CD
hw_k_hf - dsy_kushan_hf - Renzu Heavy Fighter: 5 guns, 1 turret, Mine/CM/CD or T
These three models are part of the Renzu line, all homeworld imports. They should follow the same theme, but since there's no existing Renzu ships to my knowledge, theme is up to the one taking up this banner.
Mining ships
hw_s_lf - dsy_somtaaw_lf - Basalt (Mining) LF: 4 guns, 1 turret, Mine/CM/CD or T
hw_s_hf - dsy_somtaaw_hf - Dacite (Mining) VHF: 6 guns, 1 turret, Mine/CM/CD or T
hw_s_fr - dsy_somtaaw_fr - Mafic (Mining) SHF: 2 guns, 5 turrets, Mine/CM/CD or T
These are the various mining fighters, that are used quite often. All are homeworld imports and should be replaced. They should have a utilitarian look, but short of that the design is up to whoever starts to make them. They should more or less follow the same theme.
Junker ships
<strike>hw_p1_fr - dsy_raider_fr - Combat Service Freighter (CSF): 3 guns, 6 turrets, Mine/CM/CD</strike>
hw_p1_lf - dsy_raider_lf - Gitano junker light fighter: 4 guns, 1 turret, Mine/CM/CD
These are homeworld imports as well - although they do not look as out of place as some of the other models. They should still be replaced with proper junker models.
I'm looking for modelers who want to design models for these ship entries. I require nothing more then the textured model - but if modelers want to handle the hardpoints and/or hitbox themselves, that is fine as well. The model should be prepared for the gun and equipment listing as posted with the model, and if possible, retain more or less the same size as it has now (for balance reasons). Aside from that, use common sense and creativity.
Anyone willing to make a group of models, just reply here. I will edit the lead post from time to time to show who's working on what, or to add additional models in need of replacement.
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
But the CSF doesn't have the Thief's MASSIVE CHIN.
Characters Alan Markson: The Hellfire Legion's Lord Commander The Perihelion: Freeport Four's guardian, and yet much more. Missing and assumed Lost with all hands. Eric Dresmund: Junker, smuggler, thief. Last seen drunk on Beaumont Vayrn Wyard: IMG Recon pilot turned Neo-Terran Captain. Last location unknown
Looks like the Thief with the Junkyard Dog's claw grafted on top of it. Debatable - but I'll admit that it fits the junker line. I'll scratch it off the list for now.
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.
While I feel that the Renzu line -may- be a exception to the following I can't help but feel that we've all become somewhat attached to the vessels that need replacement over the years. People associate the Dacite with the Dacite, the Maffic with the Maffic. They've come to appreciate and have a general sense of lurve for models that they've become familiar with.
I feel that they do need replacing, the models are substandard and not in keeping with the overall aesthetic of the mod. However I can't help but feel that we would be well served by taking, in almost every case, the current model and simply giving it a "clean up". Taking the Dacite, cleaning the textures and 'fixing' the model with the addition of proper engines, cockpit and so on. Though the final product is still recognizable as the Dacite.
I feel that would not only minimize the impact of replacing models which many have come to find as iconic in addition to massively reducing the workload of hitboxing and balancing a dozen models.
For example:
It's an import. But an import which has a model which is emminently simply to work with. Clean up the cockpit, edit the engine to give it a "proper" shape. The work of two hours and you have a model which is ready to roll out the door and upgraded for a better, brighter future.
Likewise:
Fix up the cockpit and engines. Make it into a bitchen freighter or somesuch and she's ready to rock and roll.
Going down that road would, I feel, spell the difference between -practical- change which could be effected in a week versus several months of deliberation and the inclusion of multiple models which have no correlation to the previous (which we have seen in previous discussions, where ships which had been in use for the mining mod were proposed to be replaced with civilian fighters and the like) or fly in the face of what the community has taken as an established look and feel.
I'm gonna have to agree with Dusty 100% there. Especially about the Mafic. While it may be a dated and sloppy model, it still has a certain charm. Same thing with the Firefly. All that is needed is a little cleanup and maybe a few minor changes to make them more our own.
Jinx has created some GMS ship replacements. Not exactly mining ships, but they'll do for now. If Luis manages to get back to me I am still interested in those models, but so far he hasn't.
As for the reason for the import replacements - it's not just the look of the model. It's the potential copyright mess the mod can get into for using them. That's why the models need to be cleaned up. Themed like is fine - but a straight copy is not what we want. And the Mafic... Matter of taste I suppose. I've always hated the way it looks as a fighter. It was designed as a frigate in Cataclysm.
[Edit] And Dusty: Your idea will work for some ships, but for others, like the Dacite... the model simply doesn't have the complexity required to make anything out of it. Goes for most HW ships, they're VERY low detail as far as geometric complexity.
Wide awake in a world that sleeps, enduring thoughts, enduring scenes. The knowledge of what is yet to come.
From a time when all seems lost, from a dead man to a world, without restraint, unafraid and free.
Mostly retired Discovery member. May still visit from time to time.