WIP of TheUnknown - The Akula (mk II)

[Nihilus]

Just one minor thing, if you're using the drawing on Trekbbs it looks as if the Bridge on your model should be pulled down slightly.  Other than that she looks spectacular and I look forward to seeing her in game

I'm also raising my hand for Beta Testing as well

[FarShot]

I would suggest either not using those impulse engines or putting them in a variant.  I know Andrew Probert wanted them, but they didn't make it.

Also, that concept sketch at the end of that post in that thread you linked looks very post-Nemesis.  I wish it looked more like that.

[Captain_D]

Cool thread, the things you never know that are left out from the original concepts ,,

I think you have done some awesome detail there Unknown, absolutely Lovin' It.

The only thing that doesn't quite fit to me is the impulse engines. You got them where they need to be, but they look odd to me for a lack of a better word personally. They look out of place with the rest of your great design. Something along the lines of the Proto Ambassador comes to mind, the part that goes down the back of the spine. A version of that with a Romulan Flare would look good. JMHO

Wonderful work so far, have a well deserved cookie.

[Bren]

Personally, I always pictured the D'deridex impulse engines hidden in baffles midway along the upper wing's aft edge, like the Valdore's impulse engines.

[Saquist]

You don't need me to tell you but I'll say it any way.
This is a great piece of work....

[eclipse74569]

I for one like what you've done with the impulse engines

[Dalek]

The impulse engines look like a ladies private area. Also in their current placement, trying to rotate that beast would be a nightmare and if TNG is anything to go by, Warbirds could be quite nippy.

Looks amazing though.

[CDR_Daxian]

Nice Job TU

i always didn't like the fact that the stock warbirds always had their impulse engines where the warp engines were, now it's different

[X_TheUnknown_X]

Quickly amended the issue with the impulse engines, as well as moving the bridge module down a bit. (may conisider adding extra engines on the wings or backs of the nacelles)
How's this now?:

[serverandenforcer]

That looks much more appropriate. 

[mckinneyc]

She looks perfect

[Bren]

I wasn't intending that as a suggestion - more like idle musing on the subject.

I like the change a lot more than the dual slit style. Superb work.

[086gf]

Awesome job Unknown! Shame they never made the changes for the cgi model so we wouldn't have to make guesses...but then again...

[Saquist]

are the green vents on the tail canon?

[ACES_HIGH]

read back a couple pages, he explains them.  In a nutshell, he decided to add them because they were left off the studio model.

[MarkyD]

She is really shaping up, great work 

[Saquist]

Quickly amended the issue with the impulse engines, as well as moving the bridge module down a bit. (may conisider adding extra engines on the wings or backs of the nacelles)
How's this now?:

I had to do alittle reading back to just find out why those green slots were there.
I'd like to make a suggestion.  Don't make the slots green.  3 horizontal black vents (top to bottom) would be just as effective for representing the impulse engines.  It would be less obvious as the glowing piece as an addition to what we already know. You know...more subtle like the other changes like the Bridge and the shuttlebay you've added but just as effective for detail.

Just my thoughts though.

[X_TheUnknown_X]

I had to do alittle reading back to just find out why those green slots were there.
I'd like to make a suggestion.  Don't make the slots green.  3 horizontal black vents (top to bottom) would be just as effective for representing the impulse engines.  It would be less obvious as the glowing piece as an addition to what we already know. You know...more subtle like the other changes like the Bridge and the shuttlebay you've added but just as effective for detail.

I can see your point, Saquist. However, my counter argument would be that: The ship wouldn't move without the impulse engines being there (which is half of the reason why I added them), and secondly there'd be no point having them there if they weren't turned on.
Although, I think a comprimise would work: in similar style to the Galaxy-class, keep only the centre, larger engine illuminated and have the other two greyed out. From a design perspective, this would suggest that the other two engines are either backups or reserved for when the ship requires additional impulse power. Therefore the engines might look less out-of-place, but still appear as a functional addition to the ship as a whole.

[starfox1701]

Might I segest an alternative. Place the engines in or near the Necelles. The Quantum singularity drive requiers some kind of mater sorce and the Romulans are masters of fusion tech. The same powerful reactors the pushe the ship at sublight could feed the warp drive too. besides having the impulse engines outbourd would enhance the ships menuverability a bit.

[Saquist]

I can see your point, Saquist. However, my counter argument would be that: The ship wouldn't move without the impulse engines being there (which is half of the reason why I added them), and secondly there'd be no point having them there if they weren't turned on.
Although, I think a comprimise would work: in similar style to the Galaxy-class, keep only the centre, larger engine illuminated and have the other two greyed out. From a design perspective, this would suggest that the other two engines are either backups or reserved for when the ship requires additional impulse power. Therefore the engines might look less out-of-place, but still appear as a functional addition to the ship as a whole.

It's your baby...
But what about a compromise on a compromise on a compromise?
StarFox1701 is right about outboard location on the nacelles
What about spreading out these three impulse engines?  One thin one on each nacelle and one on the rear doral neck?
Or two thin horizontal slits on the back of the nacelles for a total of 4?