Two hundred and one: an unexpectedly elongated space ship modelling odyssey

 Here we are, standing at the gates of 2026. This was my unofficial deadline for the Shamrayev. Oh hum. Deadlines come, and deadlines go. There's no chance of a proper completion, as some areas require extensive reworking. That bulbous head needs to be broken up or completely redesigned. Even after all the materials and textures are done, I'll be adding countless lights, some of which I want to animate. Maybe I'll share a work-in-progress shot or test animation in the next few days.

Colour helps separate key elements.

Turning my attention to the propulsion system

On a whim, I decided to paint the superstructure a distinctive colour to see how well it separates visually from the ship's modules. Pretty well! That yellow is becoming a house style for my space ship trusses and structural elements. A developing house-style or a design crutch..hard to say.

This is so close to a first pass completion, but I can already feel a desire to:

•  Start chopping and changing the command module. I could change its shape a bit, or start completely again. The sensor pod needs a quick redesign, or at least some rearrangement. 
  
  
• The spin habitat drums want to be flush with the other modules. I could replace the padded elements so that they stick out more. I already said that I'd go back and replace those.
  
  
•  Most of the modules require textures and will also include displacement/normal mapping for fine details. Although some of the detailing will be modelled. Maybe some ladders and some balcony elements?
  
  
• Cargo racks will be attached to the central trusses. Not too much, not too big.
  
  
• I'll add some elements to the cable support masts. The top one might have a sailing ship-style sail that carries the ship's name and the Ukrainian flag. Those are elements that I should have included in my degree show version.

Tidy up and time to make final design changes.