Just to let you guys know what's going on, I've got the Venture in game, and am in the process of HP'ing it.  I'll soon be prepared to begin the scripting on the saucer separation.  I still intend to do some work on the textures, particularly the bussard collectors, but all in all, work is proceeding a lot faster than I expected, so I don't think you guys will have to wait until summer to download her.
Here's a nice little shot I got.  I think I'm gonna submit it as the Potd at bcfiles.  i really like it.