[Challenge 2][Cat B] O.T.C. "Mercy Brandy"

[goatman461]

Challenge 2 Category B Octan Entry

Pilot, and occasional First Executive/Acting-CEO, John Hannibal commissioned the O.T.C. "Mercy Brandy" to further his goal of colonizing Octan territory with entrepreneurial, hard-working colonists brave enough to leave the familiar atmosphere of Earth and embark on a journey of momentous potential.

The "Mercy Brandy" is a unique ship. Formally a long-range bomber on Earth, her hull was sealed and engines modified for space travel. Now, instead of wasteful bombs, the ship carries colonization pods, customized and delivered to colonists throughout the galaxy to sustain their expeditions and provide them with the tools to survive new worlds.

There are many aspects of the ship that mimic it's belligerent origin. Hannibal was adamant that this ship be capable of reinforcing any colony at a moments notice, regardless of enemy blockades, unfriendly climates, or incredible distances. Thus, evasion and defensive counter-measures were enhanced and a specialized crewman would have the role of monitoring all surrounding "air"space and neutralizing any incoming projectiles. The engines were also upgraded with heat and atmospheric disruption dampeners to hide any signature of the ships course.

Hatches on the tail of the ship allowed ship-to-ship docking and towing of smaller starfighers or exploration craft. Hannibal's job as a pilot with Octan leads to a large variety of smaller ships docked to the Mercy Brandy. Currently, the OS-461 and a small speeder bike are available for aiding the colonists.

Inside, Hannibal and his crew oversee the ship. The spacious cockpit/command-bridge is quickly filled with colonists when the mission calls for it, but the current arrangement allows for Hannibal to analyze a variety of HUD's throughout the mission. When deploying pods, Hannibal vigorously scans readouts of the surrounding landscape and identifies threats and resources previously unknown to his people on the ground. His assistant crunches the numbers on their investment and constantly pushes the crew to move on to subsequent deliveries.

On either side of the bridge, crewmen can find their sleeping quarters when not on duty. Seating can be attached to the floor in most locations except on the path to and the hatch below the evasion specialist in the rear. He is the only crewman required to have a personal oxygen supply and a decompression suit at all times. From his position the specialist can override the pilot's controls (although effective flying really requires both a pilot at the main controls and a co-pilot at his side). The hatch below him leads to the cramped cargo area in the tail of the ship, which exits out to a main ramp and two more hatches for ship-to-ship connections.

Engines and counter-measures array. Rear landing pad/ship-to-ship link-up

Thanks for looking. C&C always appreciated. I plan to keep this together for BrickUniverse Dallas in November, so come see it if you're in the area.

Edited August 27, 2015 by goatman461

[mediumsnowman]

This is seriously impressive. It's been fun to see the progression in the Octan group PM. There are tons of great details everywhere. Words can not express how awesome this is! Though, as I said on Flickr, why are all your crewmen bald?

[Kai NRG]

Super impressive ship! From the top shot especially, it has a bit of a dragonfly look, which is really cool!

[Graham Gidman]

Awesome job! Lots to like here.

[LittleJohn]

Sweet ship! The shaping is very unique and I like how roomy the interior is

[MysticModulus]

Awesome shapes! I get a kind of Star Wars vibe here (X-wing on Hoth...).

[Jody Meyer]

Ug, how to compete with this bad boy...awesome job here, love watching the building and rebuilding of this one.

[MontyPython]

Amazing ship, massive size and lots of details, overall, fantastic work!

[Kodan Black]

Stunning. This easily dwarfs anything I've ever attempted to build in Lego and the complexity and thoughtfulness really make this shine. I see some clever parts usage that almost gets lost in a "forest for the trees" sense. The Octan logo in the cockpit is subtle and well done. There is a fantastic balance of greebles to "big" sections. I love it.

Also, it reminds me a lot of a Stingray.

Edited August 27, 2015 by Kodan Black

[mccoyed]

Best Cat B entry by a wide margin. This is going to be the one to beat. It's jaw-dropping.

[Aliencat]

Impressive ship, really complete and surprisingly spacious on the inside!

[Garmadon]

Fantastic spaceship, goatman, lovely shaping and color-scheme, but the overall size of this thing is even more impressive! Very nice interior as well, and I especially like the shots with the leaves beneath

[mrcp6d]

Completely incredible. The little shuttle could have been a great MOC all by itself, and I love the Octan logo in the floor, but what really steals the show here are the engines. Big inlets on the leading edge of the wings and huge exhaust sections on the backside. Awesome.

[shmails]

Such an amazing shape! The perfect balance of organic shape and greeble areas. Great work!

[goatman461]

Thanks everybody

Though, as I said on Flickr, why are all your crewmen bald?

In case you didn't see my answer on Flickr, it's because hair in space is just rude, it sheds, gets everywhere. Although not mandatory, Hannibal's crews get a regular wax to keep the equipment clean, except for Gary...

Awesome shapes! I get a kind of Star Wars vibe here (X-wing on Hoth...).

I can't say that I see it but I'll believe it, most of my builds are inspired in one way or another by Star Wars and Heinlein

Best Cat B entry by a wide margin. This is going to be the one to beat. It's jaw-dropping.

Thanks, but not true, especially now.

[rodiziorobs]

What an impressive build! My favorite part is the shaping on those massive engines. Brilliant design there.

[Blackhawk STX]

Awesome. Simply stunning. Wow. What else can be said?

[SpacerSteve]

Excellent! I love the airship idea. I like how open it is inside. My only criticism would be you need more random henchmen turning dials inside.

Edited August 31, 2015 by SpacerSteve

[LucasLaughing]

Wow, this turned out really well. Wonderful greebling throughout, and I think you struck a really nice balance between the smooth, sleek parts of the ship and the bumpier, mechanical portions. Love the engines too... awesome job!

[Lord Tyrus]

Simply stunning. Winner.

[Andromedas Gates]

The judges awarded you 9 points.

[Blufiji]

Outstanding detail and creativity, particularly on the shape.

[FatTina]

Those engines! Very clever!