Thu, Feb 25, 2021 at 6:25 PM
David,
My own rationale for the catwalk is so that the techs can get out and put eyes on the all-important act of linking up with the cargo container as well as being able to inspect the locking tower and pins. And, yeah, mag-boots, tethers and a bit of common sense.
My thoughts for underneath are ladders, safety rings and runs of grab rail. Probably less need to get out in that direction as often. I'm wondering if it makes sense to have a small 'balcony' or step outside of each hatch (?). Simply as a sort of 'perch' to step out onto before grabbing for hand holds or whatever.
Back around the engine nozzles I would be inclined to think of something along the lines of an open cage structure. Essentially a set of monkey bars to enable that maintenance you speak of.
I checked on that hatch on the starboard bow. It's a little cramped, but it should be possible to exit the craft more or less safely at this point, or at least if one hadn't just had a three course meal. Extra image attached.
Late night here. Headin' for dream time.
- Ignatz
Thu, Feb 25, 2021 at 10:01 PM
Yeah, that hatch works. I can see a station having an elevator that mates up with it directly; just a tube or something.
The catwalks are a great idea. They really add to the industrial appearance of the ship. From where do you think the thruster, sensor, and weapon pod drones would be stored and deployed? I never put anything on the original plans, figuring they'd have been stored externally, and were, thus, long scavenged. Could they be in some sort of external box, anchored on the ventral hull?
Of course, they don't have to actually be anywhere. I'm just imagining the "logic" of the thing.
-David