Free-Trader Coasting

 

I moved into materials work a little early. There are some important elements, such as the vernier-style thruster ports on the nose and a few more surface details here and there. So I'll declare this Not Finished. An advancing work-in-progress.

Free Trader - Midpoint Burn

 I'm making great progress. There's a problem with everything moving fast, and your design steps feel fluid. You may not stop and check things enough. In my case, there's a serious issue with lateral symmetry. It's not obvious from most angles and at a distance, but I may need to do some serious rebuilding later.

Progress shots:

Roof cabin windows

Engineering details and Air/Raft Garage Door

Tail Mast and Turret

At a distance. Looks fine.

Next.. I'll move back to the front. I'll get the main airlock done. They get the main elements of the belly sorted. Hatch and landing leg doors.

Free Trader Start

 

Okay, this sort of worked out.

Second attempt on the nose section

Bridge incut, Roof cabin and engine cowlings

The first attempt at the rear section. Still need to tuck this in.

Free Trader - new project

 I was delighted that my recent Traveller illustration was selected for the Traveller Facebook art group's cover. I am encouraged to do another Traveller scene. I realised that while I'd built the Scout about four times over the years, I'd always given up on the Free Trader. Not this time...probably.

I took Rob Caswell's excellent technical illustration from the book as the reference. It has a modern look while keeping true to the original look of the ship.

Reference from the Digest Groups MegaTraveller Starship Operator's manual 

We'll see how this goes...