1. For more information on modules and modularity concepts - please watch this great video: • Modularity: ED Part 01
I used it as my inspiration, and decided to go one step further and use actual in-game ship models, to get as accurate as possible.
2. Here is a link to my module size spreadsheet: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
This is my internal document, I didn't intend to make it public, so I provide it 'as is'.
3. When placing and sizing the modules I used the following rules:
- There are 5 different module size categories:
- hardpoints
- O optional
- S core small (life support, power distributor, sensors, optional restricted)
- L core large (power plant, thrusters, FSD)
- H hatches (bays)
- For thrusters it looks like FDEV takes 2 one-size-smaller thrusters together to make one larger thruster module
- Optional modules need to have 100% of their volume unobstructed by other modules or structure, because they house universal components.
- Core modules do not need to have 100% of their volume unobstructed because they usually don't occupy all the available space and their mounting can be 'tailor made' to fit.
But whenever possible I try to go for highest available volume.
- Fuel tanks need to be able to contain liquid hydrogen at 70.8kg/cubic meter. This allows to calculate fuel tank volume based on specified capacity.
- Optional components need to have direct access to the cargo bay, so that cargo and SRVs can be transferred in and out of the ship.
- Whenever possible I try to take into account external hull design - doors, hatches, vents, windows, etc.
- Once all the modules are in place - the remaining space is allocated for thermal core, crew compartments and ship's structural frame.
4. Crew quarters layout
- lvl1 - big rooms on both sides of M Hardpoints - common area, galley
- lvl1 - small rooms at the aft - technical rooms and access to modules
- lvl2 - rooms on both sides of the cockpit - pilot and co-pilot private quarters
5. Structural frame takes a lot of effort to model, so I had to skip it again for this ship... Although I think it gives this additional final touch, and without it, it just doesn't look that good. Therefore I have some ideas to try out to see if I can model the frame faster, so I can reliably make it for every ship (hopefully).