Modular Starfighter [LDD MOC]

[Toa_Of_Justice]

The 'Mamushi' class fighter is awesome! I like everything about it, from the sleek curves down to the tiniest details.

I have a couple of minor concerns though: I think the pilot should have a visor on his helmet, and I noticed two stray 1x1 plates underneath the starboard-side module.

Keep up the great work, vynsane!

-Toa Of Justice

[vynsane]

Thanks, Toa of Justice!

I have a couple of minor concerns though: I think the pilot should have a visor on his helmet, and I noticed two stray 1x1 plates underneath the starboard-side module.

HA, D'oh! I saw those 1x1's earlier today... easy enough to delete 'em. The visor is a pain to get to attach to the helmet at the angle it's currently at so I just left it out.

[Judah Nielsen]

Thanks, Toa of Justice!

HA, D'oh! I saw those 1x1's earlier today... easy enough to delete 'em. The visor is a pain to get to attach to the helmet at the angle it's currently at so I just left it out.

I added a visor to the copy of this module I recolored, but you're right, it was easiest to attach it to a fresh, level helmet and then move the whole helmet assembly onto the head.

[vynsane]

Blacktron Transgressor StarDrive by vynsane, on Flickr

A Blacktron "Transgressor", engaging the StarDrive propulsion system.

Having salvaged the wreckage of an alien starship whose original point of origin could only possibly have been from outside the currently-explored galaxies, Tanuki Corp. was able to reverse-engineer the intricate propulsion system into the faster-than-light Tanuki Corp. StarDrive module for the Modular Starfighter System.

Immediately upon the first successful test flight, Blacktron agents, who had infiltrated the Tanuki Corp. structure as janitorial staff, commandeered the prototype and fled to a moon on the far edge of the galaxy, where the homing beacon was deactivated, and the trail grew cold.

Recently, starfighters baring the same configuration and cloaked in the black, yellow and translucent red markings indicative of the Blacktron consortium have made quick hit-and-run attacks on convoys, leveraging the faster-than-light capabilities of the StarDrive module. This craft has come to be referred to as the "Transgressor" class.

This configuration uses a modified version of the PLM-T1 weapon module and a newly-developed "StarDrive" module, heavily inspired by Nathan Proudlove's Retro Rocket.

Blacktron Transgressor Cruise by vynsane, on Flickr

Blacktron Transgressor StarDrive by vynsane, on Flickr

LDD Files

• StarDrive Modular Starfighter (color-coded modules)
  
• Blacktron Transgressor ("painted" version)
  
• StarDrive module
  

Modular Starfighter Fuselage Extender Collection by vynsane, on Flickr

Promotional image from the Tanuki Corp. Fall 7012 solar cycle catalog.

Feeling a bit inadequate among your peers in the high-traffic spacelanes? Think your performance could use a little enhancement? The Tanuki Corp. Modular Starfighter System Fuselage Extender modules can help!

Currently available in four, six, or eight standard units long, each module can add more power output at your fingertips (except for the hollow cargo container module). Most feature two rows of up to six module hardpoints on each side (two rows of two for four-long, up to two rows of six for eight-long) to allow multiple engine and weapon mounting options.

Order yours today!

The idea here is to add more mounting points for additional modules while lengthening the entire fuselage so certain modules can clear others. Adding two rows was another aspect, so you can add the same module at an angle, top and bottom. The back-story I created hints that each one is able to increase the power output of the entire craft - I guess they're additional batteries or small reactors or something, IDK.

LDD File

• Modular Starfighter Fuselage Extender Collection
  

Edited November 15, 2011 by vynsane

[Toa_Of_Justice]

The Blacktron Transgressor is awesome! I think LEGO should re-do Blacktron, and hire you as one of the designers. I'd probably buy such sets if every store I looked for them in wouldn't already be sold out!

-Toa Of Justice

[vynsane]

Thanks, Toa - Blacktron has always been my favorite theme ever, I would love to see it come back in its original form (or an updated version of such). I think it would be an absolute dream come true to actually design the sets

This morning I started to work on Space Police's answer to the Transgressor...

Edited November 16, 2011 by vynsane

[vynsane]

So, yeah... wow, it's been a long time since I came up with something new in this series... That said, I have now!

"Oni" Class Defense Starfighter by vynsane, on Flickr

Contracted by the Classic Space Agency to design a high-speed defense starfighter intended to patrol large expanses of unexplored regions, Tanuki Corp. decided to go back to the drawing board and develop a new high-output engine module to be paired with the "Kitsune" Class Interceptor fuselage.

With lessons learned during the development of the PLM-T1 "Bakemono", Tanuki Corp. was able to keep development in-house, reducing the overall cost and exerting tighter control on engineering tolerances and aesthetic concerns.

Mating the standard Blaster Cannons mounted to the fuselage with a pair of newly-developed wing-mounted Heavy Pulse Cannons met the firepower requirements set forth by CSA, while the new "Firedemon" engine modules exceeded benchmark requirements for both thrust and handling.

Prototype "Kitsune" interceptors mounting "Firedemon" engine modules in a fastpack configuration are currently in the development stage.

LDD Files

• "Oni" Class Defense Starfighter (Classic Space Livery)
  
• "Oni" Class configuration modules (exploded view)
  

Surprise! Lightbrick! by vynsane, on Flickr

Lightbrick: It's in there!

Each "Firedemon" engine module for the "Oni" Class Defense Starfighter contains a lightbrick in the rear, activated by pressing back on the 1x2 cheese graters.

This is something I've wanted to do since the original "Kitsune" interceptor, but I just didn't have the chops at the time. Apparently, now I do...

[vynsane]

^ I realized a bit later that I got the "bee stripes" reversed... oh, well...

This one is basically a "souped-up muscle car" version of the previous design.

"Ryu" Class Space Superiority Fighter, Space Police Livery by vynsane, on Flickr

With the breakout success of the "Oni" Class Defender, Space Police Command requested a new Space Superiority Fighter to directly counter the threat posed by the Blacktron "Transgressor". Since the agency's investigation into the theft of the original prototype vehicle that would become the Transgressor implicated Tanuki Corp. for gross negligence in the background check practices for office maintenance and janitorial personnel, the company was more than happy to oblige the request - and at only a 10% markup on R&D and materials costs.

The resultant starfighter paired the same "Firedemon" engine modules from the "Oni" Defender with an extended fuselage via a newly-developed wing module. The enhanced power output provided by the fuselage extender module coupled with the already impressive "Firedemon" power consumption/output ratio provided a 50% increase in top-speed and 75% increase in acceleration.

The new wing module, separating the engines from the fuselage, also afforded the opportunity to develop a new high-power energy cannon module on either side of the cockpit, increasing the firing accuracy benchmark by 40% compared to the "Oni" Defender.

The next phase of development for this platform is the addition of at least one pair of second-generation StarDrive modules, to not only meet Transgressor attacks at the point of engagement, but to follow them home (and, possibly, arrive before them).

LDD Files

• "Ryu" Class Strike Fighter (color-coded modules)
  
• "Ryu" Class Space Superiority Fighter (Space Police Livery)
  

[vynsane]

"Ryu/Tokkan" Class Pursuit Special, Space Police Livery by vynsane, on Flickr

"Ryu/Tokkan" Class Pursuit Special, Space Police Livery

Phase II of the development of the "Ryu" Class Space Superiority Fighter was the introduction of a variant including FTL capabilities using the previously-developed (and, subsequently stolen) StarDrive module.

Tanuki Corp. was behind the 8-ball, developing new prototype StarDrive modules from schematics and raw data alone, since the original physical prototype was commandeered by Blacktron agents.

After a short development and shake-down period, the newly-christened "Gen 2 StarDrive" modules were unveiled. Lessons learned in the development of the first version led to breakthroughs in energy conservation leading to a 50% gain in FTL speed. Coupled with the extra power output generated by the extended fuselage on the "Ryu" Class SSF, this meant for an over-all 75% increase in top-speed.

Other than the addition of these four Gen-2 StarDrive modules, the configuration remains the same as the "Ryu" Class. The new configuration, dubbed the "Ryu/Tokkan" Class Pursuit Special has already had success in defeating it's primary target: The Blacktron "Transgressor".

Since the "Transgressor" relies on StarDrive modules for both conventional and FTL spaceflight, it is no match for the velocity and handling capabilities of the "Ryu/Tokkan's" "Firedemon" engine modules during conventional spaceflight, and the "Transgressor's" first-gen, barely tested, glitch-prone StarDrive modules are not nearly as powerful as the more durable and efficient gen-two StarDrive modules mated to the "Ryu/Tokkan".

SOP for the Pursuit Specials is to arrive at the scene of any "Transgressor" engagement through the use of FTL flight. Once there, they can out-maneuver the attackers during the primary engagement until such time as the "Transgressor" activates its StarDrive. Once the "Transgressor" has jumped, the "Ryu/Tokkan" will plot out the trajectory and projected endpoint of the jump, activate its own StarDrive, and beat the "Transgressor" to its final destination, where it can re-engage and disable it. In the short time it has been in service, this tactic has led to the "Ryu/Tokkan" brining no less than twelve "Transgressors" and their pilots to justice.

LDD Files

• "Ryu/Tokkan" Class Pursuit Special, Space Police Livery

"Seiryu" Class Superfighter, Special Edition by vynsane, on Flickr

"Seiryu" Class Superfighter, Special Edition

Tanuki Corp. introduces its fastest-ever (conventional propulsion) production starfighter, the "Seiryu" Class Superfighter. Featuring four "firedemon" engine modules mated to the longest fuselage extender/power generator module available, benchmark testing reveals 400% thrust output compared to the base model "Oni" Class Defender that first introduced this engine.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, Tanuki Corp. has produced a scant 100 of these "Special Edition" fighters featuring the unique blue and green color scheme inspired by its namesake (Seiryu being the Japanese word for Azure, or Blue-green, Dragon).

Production models will be available in the standard array of colors, and can be painted to specification for a nominal fee dependent on quantity ordered.

LDD Files

• "Seiryu" Class Superfighter, Special Edition (Blue/Green color scheme)
  
• "Seiryu" Class Superfighter (Color-coded modules)

[Nejharim]

Nice model!

[vynsane]

"Raijin" Class modular light interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr

While the "Kitsune" Class light interceptor filled a vital role in many fleets and performed admirably, it became apparent that it had reached the end of it's production lifecycle after the "Oni" and "Ryu" classes gained prominence.

Building on the performance abilities of the "Firedemon" engine modules both of those models share while looking for ways to reduce maintenance costs, Tanuki Corp. decided that a single-engine fighter would fill the gap left by the retirement of the "Kitsune". This also afforded them the ability to reduce the weight and size of the craft, greatly improving power/weight ratio.

Benchmark testing places the "Raijin" on par with the twin-engined "Oni" for speed and beats all other records for maneuverability. The over-all ship profile is reduced by 35% when compared to the "Kitsune", which greatly helps in evading enemy fire.

LDD Files

• "Raijin" Class light interceptor (Color-coded modules)
  
• "Raijin" Class light interceptor (Painted)
  

Edited March 3, 2012 by vynsane

[DLuders]

@ vynsane: You have a nice fleet of Starfighters! Do you build them in real bricks before you model them in LDD? If so, do you keep them all intact? It would look cool to hang them on fishing lines suspended from the ceiling....

Edited March 3, 2012 by DLuders

[vynsane]

Thanks, DLuders - no, unfortunately at this point none of the modular starfighters or larger spacecraft I've designed in LDD have been built in real bricks, they're strictly virtual models. That is not to say that I don't plan to build as many of them as I can, but that depends on the time, funds, and space to do so.

[Abu Dun]

I'm always amazed at your spacecrafts, but that second Ryu/Tokkan painted in the colours of Space Police 1 looks absolutely gorgeous. It has a menacing feel to it and I certainly wouldn't like to be the pilot of a Blacktron Transgressor who has to go against this beast of an interceptor-type ship

All your other ships are beautifully built as well and patiently waiting for the next model to be released by Tanuki Corp. may prove to be difficult

[vynsane]

Thanks so much for the high praise, Abu Dun! I'm happy to say you needn't wait too long!

"Raijin" Class Mk.II Light Interceptor by vynsane, on Flickr

While the speed and small profile of the "Raijin" Class Light Interceptor was above anything Tanuki Corp. had developed previously, the need for greater firepower options prompted a revision of the Light Interceptor configuration. Utilizing the same fuselage frame as the Mk.I while taking certain design cues from the "Mamushi" Class, the "Raijin" Mk.II paired a new set of wing/stabilizer modules featuring multiple weapon system hardpoints and a set of new enhanced nose-mounted blaster cannons.

In addition to the centrally-located enhanced blaster cannons, the depicted configuration is kitted out with four heavy energy cannons, two per side, connected via a forward-facing hardpoint mount.

LDD Files

• "Raijin" Class Mk.II - "painted" version (modules are blocked out as groups)
  
• "Raijin" Class Mk.II - color-coded modules
  

[gerkenz]

Hi,

I'm more into castle stuff but love star wars, too. I do like the classic space sets and did build some blacktron sets but nothing else so far.

Now I see this very cool modular idea and I'm infected! Great! you have to enter your designs in cuusoo if you don't have it there already.

UPDATED:

I just have a problem with missing parts on export as .ldr file. Importing it in Digital Designer or another program will show missing parts.

ldr imported

I'm using the newest version of Digital Designer ( updated parts online )

UPDATED2:

ah ok, I need an updated ldraw.xml file for LDD. I found one at: LDD ldraw.xml file for export to .ldr

Edited April 14, 2012 by gerkenz

[Hubertbrickengineer]

Hi vynsane,

I absolutely love these starfighters, the curves and the detailing are amazing! I've dabbled a bit with modular building myself but I never got it looking right... needless to say I'll be playing around with these!

I might also try to come up with a larger fuselage module series, for freighters and frigates and the like. I'm picturing a dual hull freighter with a full compliment of Tanuki Corp fighters...

EDIT: I've found quite a nice system centring around piece "64179 beam frame 5x7", which allows a multitude of hard points and a standing figure within a module... I'll upload something soon

keep up the good work!

Edited April 17, 2012 by Hubertbrickengineer

[vynsane]

Hi,

I'm more into castle stuff but love star wars, too. I do like the classic space sets and did build some blacktron sets but nothing else so far.

Now I see this very cool modular idea and I'm infected! Great! you have to enter your designs in cuusoo if you don't have it there already.

Thanks! I'm always delighted to hear I've inspired others.

I've toyed with the idea of putting it on CUUSOO, but I'm not really sure it has the legs to become a real theme. I'm also something of a self-declared LDD evangelist and espouse the ideas of free exchange of digital design files, which is why I share them all here. Putting it on CUUSOO would be sort of like "selling out" compared to my "open source" ideals

UPDATED:

I just have a problem with missing parts on export as .ldr file. Importing it in Digital Designer or another program will show missing parts.

ldr imported

I'm using the newest version of Digital Designer ( updated parts online )

UPDATED2:

ah ok, I need an updated ldraw.xml file for LDD. I found one at: LDD ldraw.xml file for export to .ldr

Ah, cool! Although, you've picked the one design that really doesn't fit in with the rest. The first design in this topic was a bit of a false-start... I ended up with quite a different 'standard' for the rest of the designs which has proven more versatile, but I encourage you to continue to work with the first design if you like!

Hi vynsane,

I absolutely love these starfighters, the curves and the detailing are amazing! I've dabbled a bit with modular building myself but I never got it looking right... needless to say I'll be playing around with these!

I might also try to come up with a larger fuselage module series, for freighters and frigates and the like. I'm picturing a dual hull freighter with a full compliment of Tanuki Corp fighters...

EDIT: I've found quite a nice system centring around piece "64179 beam frame 5x7", which allows a multitude of hard points and a standing figure within a module... I'll upload something soon

keep up the good work!

Thanks for the praise! The curves you mention are one of my "things" I guess. I can't stop using those 1x10 curved slope pieces (one of my faves), even though they're crazy expensive and only available in limited colors. Needless to say, a lot of my designs can't be fully realized in the brick.

I'd love to see what you come up with for larger vessels. I've actually progressed into the same realm and posted those designs in a sister topic here. I only have the two designs posted therein finished as of yet, but have a third in production, with an attempt at a modular two-deck standard. It's just become a beast of burden though so I had to step away from it for a bit, and in the interim I designed the "Raijin" lineage here as a sort of breather

Edited April 17, 2012 by vynsane

[Hubertbrickengineer]

Thanks for the praise! The curves you mention are one of my "things" I guess. I can't stop using those 1x10 curved slope pieces (one of my faves), even though they're crazy expensive and only available in limited colors. Needless to say, a lot of my designs can't be fully realized in the brick.

I'd love to see what you come up with for larger vessels. I've actually progressed into the same realm and posted those designs in a sister topic here. I only have the two designs posted therein finished as of yet, but have a third in production, with an attempt at a modular two-deck standard. It's just become a beast of burden though so I had to step away from it for a bit, and in the interim I designed the "Raijin" lineage here as a sort of breather

Ah, I missed that. Mine turned out smaller than I'd intended but that means it fits nicely in-between... I've just created a brickshelf account and will link to some stuff on the other thread

[DraikNova]

I have been following this topic since it appeared on the front page and I must say that these models are grade-A work.

[vynsane]

Thanks, DraikNova! I'm glad you're enjoying them! I actually have a version of the "Raijin" 90% built in real bricks as I type, just have to pay for some BL orders to finish it off, and will post pics as soon as possible after it's complete.

[DraikNova]

Actually, I was wondering if you could make a larger version of your basic fuselage and cockpit modules, for a large, four firedemon-engine spacecraft. Sadly enough though, LDD doesn't work on my PC.

[vynsane]

I plan on expanding the line of modules into larger fuselage diameters and different configurations, etc - though I think the cockpit will remain about the same size for fighters. You can check out the sister topic Modular Spacecraft for my foray into non-fighter, larger modular designs. There are only two so far, but one uses a four-firedemon configuration such as you mention.

[DraikNova]

Could I please ask you to make a specific starfighter then?

PS: How do you combine several modules together in LDD?

[Hubertbrickengineer]

PS: How do you combine several modules together in LDD?

Use

File -> Import Model

and select the LXF. file you want to bring in - in this case another module

Edited April 23, 2012 by Hubertbrickengineer