Being a fan (and Patron) of Chris Jarvis' amazing radio drama "Escape Velocity", I thought I would have a go at drawing a blueprint of some ships from Elite's earlier incarnations that have not made it into the latest game. Ships like the Krait, Moray Starboat, Osprey and from Frontier 2 and featured in the series, the Merlin fighter.
The thing is, the Merlin was very simplistic and there hasn't been much in the way of updated screen shots of late.
![](/image.axd?picture=/Merlin.gif)
The first thing I need to do is draw some basic elevations. A rough and ready update on the design.
![](/image.axd?picture=/merlin-mk1.png)
From there, get started on a 3D model. Here we go.
![](/image.axd?picture=/basic_merlin_model.jpg)
Put the wings on more to match original ship configuration and added thrusters and heat vents. Drives and hardpoints next.
![](/image.axd?picture=/merlin-mk3.jpg)
UPDATE
I have now completed both the model and the blueprint.
![](/image.axd?picture=/spin-merlin.gif)
Where would the Merlin fit into Elite: Dangerous? Well, it would be a comparable ship to the Imperial Courier. Probably an Alliance ship. Not massive cargo space, but a good turn of speed and low radar image. A good light trader/fighter with excellent range and agility. The perfect smuggling ship.
![](/image.axd?picture=/blueprints/merlin.png)