cmdr_feklhr

So -- a few weeks ago I built a ship with over 170,000 blocks. At some point beyond that count the game file crashed and I haven't been able to open it since. The game file tries to Connect, but gets stuck on the Loading page. After about a minute or so, I receive an error indicating Connection Lost: No response from server. Anything I can do to retrieve the ship?

Each cargo container in the CF-140 is a single block measuring .75 x .75 x 1.75 (7.5 meters x 7.5 meters x 17.5 meters). Each unit contains 48 cargo containers. The CF-140 is adjustable and can fit most needs within the CF-CB Freight Line. Larger Image:

I present the CF-140 SRCB (Short-Range-Cargo-Barge). This craft's intended purpose is to move cargo from storage facilities to LRCB's (Long-Range-Cargo-Barge). This craft is able to maneuver gracefully within a busy port and with it's unique design, is able to load cargo in a fast, efficient manner. The CF-140 is specifically intended to function with the entire CF-CB Freight line. It is important to note the CF-140 is not easily adaptable to other shipping methods. Featuring adjustable vertical arms, and easily replaceable engines. While the ship is capable of short jumps, it is recommended to retain the CF-140 in a single sector during normal operation as the hyper-space recharge is not optimized for frequent use. Enjoy. More images:

Slept on it. Decided to rebuild it entirely. Instead of using 50 tiny blocks for each container, I'm going to use 9. That should significantly reduce the block count.

The last sight of the Cargo-Tug as the file will no longer open. The issue is caused by the block count. As you can see in the image, the tug is up to 164,000 blocks. I believe, at last count, the tug was just over 170,000. Larger Image:

Funny -- I have about 18 Railguns mounted in the eye. You can't see them because of the bloom effects.

You may not have found a true black yet. Either that or the gamma needs adjusting. What specific dark color are you using? Dark Grey apparently, thought it was black. My bad. All good! Keep searching! You'll find *Black* eventually. :)

Looks very cool! 8) Since you don't provide the .xml, I can't be sure how you designed and built this "Planet Killer". However, I think it's safe to assume that you used the traditional ship-building method. By that, I mean I doubt that you took advantage of known exploits to get insane engine and thruster performance by overlapping or "void technology". Scytales shared several "modules" of compact, cheap, and efficient engine/thruster blocks as well as shield generators and power generators. (See the Scytales Laboratories, Optimized Starter Ships and Ship Modules [.xml] thread.) I'm just thinking that you could hide a few dozen X-009 Needlepoint as "modules" around the perimeter of your current huge engine complex and then convert your current engines into glow blocks. (Thrusters work better the further from the center of mass.) Or, perhaps you could use W, A,S, D to scale the X-009 to make it huge and use only two or three of them? By itself, each of his modules only requires 1 mechanic. You should end up with even better performance, yet at a small fraction of the current mechanic and engineer requirements. To make the glow bocks appear a bit more like thrusters, you could color the outer ring of them a golden yellow and the inner ring(s) could be a whiter and hotter shade of yellow. Up close, that would not look quite as good as real engine blocks. But they would still seem like engines and would still be impressive. Also, hiding several Scytales' "Void Generators" and "Void Shield" inside could probably add a lot of energy and shields without much credit or resource cost (esp. if they were converted to Avorion, Xanion or Trinium). Just a thought. Thanks for the info! I actually have no thruster or engine shortage on this behemoth. The "Mouth" of the Planet Killer is comprised of, entirely, xanion glow blocks. The thrusters and engines are hidden inside with no clipping. I'm sure I could use exploits, but this is my main, single-player file. With this specific build I prefer not to use any exploits. Thank you for the suggestions, though! I'll be providing the XMLs once I've completed each of my builds.

You may not have found a true black yet. Either that or the gamma needs adjusting. What specific dark color are you using?

Adding detail to the connection points before i add any haulage/container to the tug: Larger Image:

about to fire up a stream for a few. I should be working... but its blizzard-ing...

Once I complete them, I will be providing the XML files or tutorials to build your own (depending on complexity).

The Cargo-Tug EX-4993 features removable engines as they are worn out easily by the heavy loads and extended periods of acceleration. It's not uncommon for a set of engines to wear out after a few months in operation. The Primary Control Room (PCR) features 6 pilot seats including 2 navigation panels, 2 pilot seats, 1 communication panel and a captains chair. The PCR is protected by an extendable blast-shield that is commonly used to protect from premature wear of the forward-facing view-port during extended periods of travel through asteroid belts. While the blast-shield is extended, the pilots must rely heavily on the navigation crew and the IFS (Instrument Flight System). The Cargo-Tug EX-4993 is primarily utilized as a shipping container hauler, although it has been re-purposed and optimized for various haulauge since it's release. ((Make suggestions)) Larger Image: Larger Image: Larger Image:

I'm looking for the real-world dimensions of a 1x1x1 block. I recall seeing it somewhere on the forum but my search-skills are failing me.

Attempting to reach Ludicrous Speed with the Planet Killer. Also, covered half of the ship with tiny blocks to mold the proper shape. I'm up to 6,909 blocks and no performance drop. I'm impressed.