The Fastest Hunk-O'-Junk in the Galaxy!

[s/LaSH]

1.) What's the BEST spaceship design you've seen in any Sci-Fi offering?

2.) ...the Coolest?

3.) ...the Most Unique or Original?

4.) ...the Most Realistic?

5.) ...the Lamest?

1. I'd want to serve on a Federation Sovereign-class vessel (such as the Enterprise-E) simply because of the 24th century amenities. However, in times of war, I'd prefer to be on a modern RMSN SDN - Royal Manticoran Space Navy Superdreadnaught - from David Weber's Honor Harrington books. Two kilometers of hammerheaded state-of-the-art military technology, and yes, that means a great many long-range nuclear missiles.

2. (Hardest choice - nagging feeling I'm forgetting something) Probably just because it looks cool, the X-Wing. Nothing beats the Lexx looming over the horizon when there's choral music - but without the chorals it's not quite as great.

3. Probably the Lexx. There have been stranger, freakier ships, but you never get to see the mess hall on a Shadow Cruiser, which gives the Lexx the edge to come out on top. On the other hand, Taelon shuttles from Earth: Final conflict are pretty weird too.

4. I'll go out on a limb and mention the Venturestar. It's supposed to replace the space shuttle fleet (as a single-stage-to-orbit craft), but hasn't been built yet. I think you can see it in the Enterprise titles. The other realistic-style vessels tend to rely on unproven technology like nuclear drives. If a fictional vessel is required, probably the Leonov from 2010. That puppy was probably the inspiration for Earthforce destroyers (and the film was awesome).

5. Oh, probably something from Lexx season 2. There was some horrible stuff in there. Also some supremely cool stuff, but the space Americana got a little overwhelming at times.

 

[Turgenev]

1.) What's the BEST spaceship design you've seen in any Sci-Fi offering?

I've always been partial to the Corellian Corvette ever since I first saw Star Wars back in 1977 (maybe I like cheering for the underdog). I also liked the EarthForce Destroyers from Babylon 5. I like the concept of rotating sections to create an artificial gravity. It contrasted well with the alien ships that had "real" artificial gravity.

2.) ...the Coolest?

I was going to say 'Millennium Falcon', but then I remembered Spike Spiegel's Swordfish II swift fighter. There is nothing cooler than Cowboy Bebop!!!!

http://www.animeinfo.org/featured/bebop/bebopships.html

3.) ...the Most Unique or Original?

I would have to vote for the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension(s) in Space) from Dr Who, and/or the Eagle from Space 1999 (sure those things crashed all the time but they still look cool ).

4.) ...the Most Realistic?

At one time I would have said the Eagle II, but now probably the Leonov from 2010.

5.) ...the Lamest?

I would have to say either the B-Wing fighter or the Nebulon-B frigates (it looks like an outboard motor! ) from Star Wars: ROTJ.

Here's a site some of you might want to check out:
http://www.starshipmodeler.com/index.htm

Cheers,
Tim