Designing the Da Vinci-class (Star Trek Online)

[@Keurosaur]

Henry: "... I've been designing ships for Star Trek Online for the past two years or so, and-" Me, after 2 years: "Aah, now it all makes sense."

[@SephirothRyu]

I still want the Yeager class. I'm sure EC Henry could make it look pretty cool too.

[@sithisarcanis]

@@SephirothRyu He would make the Yeager a proper class instead of an odd kitbash ugly.

[@mast3734]

So the guy who makes professional looking ship videos actually is a professional ship designer. Who’dathunkit?

[@subraxas]

Yeah, I thought that he was fitting carpets or something. :-D

[@spartantraveler7251]

He made the Battle of the Dreadnoughts for Eckhartsladder and designed the Viscount and the Eclipse

[@adamdubin1276]

@@spartantraveler7251 That's how I found this channel.

[@thoughtfortheday7811]

The Who'dathinkit class of Klingon ships in the Mirror-verse... 😉😁

[@vorrdegard2176]

Pretty much anyone who do 3d modeling

[@TemplinInstitute]

Truly awesome work. Really cool to get a sense of the design process and philosophy.

[@StuartLegomanLittle]

What are you doing here? Cool though

[@short72hp1]

That's a beautiful ship I plan on getting one I'm glad you got a job that you can express your talents

[@jimwest3363]

Reminds me of the Andromeda

[@zcholnk2943]

I respect the immediate flex

[@CaptainShack]

DUDE! Your making STO content? AWESOME! Edit - and I was the 1,000 thumbs up. Woot. Great work on the ship! Looks great and loving the lore around it.

[@stargatetitanx]

I don't know how but some how I got unsubcribed from your channel going to fix that now you might want to look into that

[@x_12unknown10]

@@stargatetitanx thanks for reminding me

[@Con5tantine]

Are we seeing a possible Extra Parts contender with this escort? 😁

[@keithgolden77]

@@stargatetitanx wtf, I was unsubscribed as well!! Stupid KZbin BS again

[@MikMoen]

You called it strange for Starfleet, but I say I LOVE it. It's a perfect leave from the typical saucers while maintaining a familiar style Starfleet is known for. It looks much more like a Spaceship now. The nacelles being built into the main Hull, the Hull being a single, solid piece. I hope Eaglemoss makes a replica.

[@Truex007]

If you play STO, you can get 3d printed models of custom ships that are hand painted from within the game itself.

[@lukerope1906]

Well that explains why so many of the designs are so great!

[@HarosOfStyx]

I seriously hope that's sarcasm. Everything after New Romulus has been vomit inducing.

[@lukerope1906]

@@HarosOfStyx nope. I really love a lot of the designs in STO. Particularly the Federation stuff. The stuff unique to STO is in my opinion better then the design aesthetic that's come out of the latest shows.

[@HarosOfStyx]

@@lukerope1906 don't ever get into art, mmmkay? 🙄

[@optillian4182]

@@lukerope1906 Also a lot better than the earlier STO ships. Those things are hideous.

[@The_Irish_Fox]

@@HarosOfStyx wheeeeeze

[@jonathansullivan6706]

Well, now we know why a lot of the newer ships are looking so great. On a side note, this gorgeous little boat is looking to be my next t6, alongside the t6 Equinox. Great work as always :)

[@1Scimetar]

I think the Da Vinci-class we got looks great, mostly as it has the silhouette of the Sabre-glass, and it looks like it came from the shipwrights as the Odyssey-class, such as the Enterprise F.

[@nickmalachai2227]

This is the single most beautiful Horseshoe Crab I've ever seen. Also the single most effective advertisement for ST:O I've ever seen.

[@LordBloodraven]

This is why I love the Saber-Class. I have a lot of respect for the "Tough little ships."

[@gamefreak3072]

I didn't know you did design work for STO. I loved this ship and was thinking when they started the "ships of the line" stuff that I wanted a modernized saber. This makes me love this design that much more. Good job.

[@hoojiwana]

I adore this ship design, I don't play STO but if I did it would be pretty solely to get ahold of this thing. It's beautiful!

[@Sporkmeister]

I don't think there is any ship in that game that I wouldn't want to hear the thinking behind. There are a lot of gorgeous ships in that game and plenty that I just don't get. As somebody that has a passion for Starfleet ship design specifically, anything more you can bring to the spotlight from that game would be wonderful.

[@Neilhammond64]

Design the Enterprise Era Steamrunner. The model was used in a fleet shot.

[@CaptainForsyth]

i second this.

[@Murarius43]

Demanding that a content creator do something is a surefire way to guarantee it never happens.

[@vascogoncalves8542]

Pay him?

[@joelmulder]

Yes please! The ENT era needs some love!

[@UGNAvalon]

@Chris T But if it gets clicks & views….

[@jacobktan]

I really love the design, and I can definitely see the relationship to the Sabre class. I also think that it actually looks a lot like a Ferengi Marauder.

[@EVAUnit4A]

EC Henry, Since *Alex Jaeger* created the Sabre-class [along with the Steamrunner, Akira and Norway-class(es)] for _Star Trek: First Contact,_ was he consulted at all for this process? Alternatively, did _you_ get to speak or message with him about the class? EDIT: I originally had John Eaves listed as the ships' creator; my mistake!

[@jasoncaldwell5627]

Eaves didn't create any of those- Alex Jaeger of ILM made all those.

[@EVAUnit4A]

@@jasoncaldwell5627 Ack- yes, Alex Jaeger. My mistake! >.

[@JDSleeper]

I get major horseshoe crab vibes from this design, too. Wonderful work all around.

[@TheKulu42]

Now this is the sort of starship/spaceship designing that I like. A lesson in how to make a distinctive and visually pleasing design that makes sense at the same time.

[@detpackman]

as a long running player of STO ive chit chatted on socials and streams with Ian and Thomas and Nick over the years playing the game talking about how great there designs are and i have to say your design is great ive always been a saber fan and this ship really is a great looking successor to the line of ships . and thank you for being apart of the STO team

[@redshirt0479]

Now this is the kind of content I love, even if I'm not a fan of STO in general. Positive, breaks down design principles both with in-universe design logic and real world reasoning, etc. Also love that you have a logical reason for some light greebling unlike so many designs in fiction which just slap it on without a care. Was not expecting an ersatz cloaking device nor the gatling phaser. I never read the SCE books and I wasn't expecting anyone to tap the gatling pulse phaser concept from the early drafts of Star Trek: First Contact. I do like the gatling implementation here more (1) since it feels like an evolution of the _Defiant's_ breakdown prone pulse phasers (given how often it's implied they had to replace components for it during the Dominion War) or possible a further development of the 'megaphasers' mentioned in the original design documents for the _Reliant_ in Star Trek II. Speaking off, was really getting a _Wrath of Khan_ impression from that animation. (1) Even if I'm not crazy about pulse phasers. Beam phasers are my jam since they look cooler, are portrayed as a far more flexible weapon system, and just are more impressive/powerful in general.

[@elgoblinocoolio4378]

Dude, you are a GENIUS! AN ABSOLUTE GENIUS! My God your designs have so much depth it's a joy to behold!

[@cjfedler327]

Ok... So.... I love this ship. I loved the Saber Class, I loved the USS Da Vinci and the Starfleet Corps of Engineers, and I Love sleek, streamlined ships. This was all of those combined. I bought this ship the instant I could, and I've been having a massive blast playing it! IT's amazing and so much fun! And now knowing that one my favorite ship designers is the designer of it is just the absolute perfect cherry on top! Excellent work done on this ship, and keep up the good work. STO benefits in *every* way from your designs

[@KYle13265]

I love your ship designs! When i hear you work on a ship it’s a day one buy for me and get floored by your work

[@IAmEvilTree]

You make ships for STO?! That's amazing! Really interesting going over the design phases. The general shape from the ship it's based on, using patterns and curves for depth and contrast to the finer greebles of detail to go along with in-game abilities. Amazing work. Love some of the designs from that game, even some of the stranger/awkward ones (just between you and me, I have a soft spot for the old NPC Jupiter Class Dreadnought)

[@Tar-Numendil]

WHAT???? Dude that's awesome! I've been watching your videos since before I started playing STO. I never would have guessed that despite your obvious talent.

[@samuel5916]

Damn, I had no idea you were doing work for STO! I’ve enjoyed a lot of the original ship designs they’ve made over the last decade. Could you give us a list of all the ships you’ve designed in STO? I’m REALLY curious.

[@danwick8566]

I love all your Star Wars stuff. As an STO player, I had no idea you were working on their designs, but it makes sense because they've really come out with some great looking ships of late. Masterfully done, as usual!

[@Tanglw]

Oh, this video gave me such nostalgia for STO... think I'll download again just to see how it goes o.o

[@SHDUStudios]

I had no idea, that’s why those designs are so great!

[@ToggerstheFroggers]

It reminds me of a horseshoe crab in shape, but I see the influences of other ships in Star Trek. I like it. Nice job 👍 Edit: ducking autocorrect thinks “horseshoe” means “hermit”

[@ThePgtir]

I had the same thought

[@Erasmusprime]

I had more of a stingray vibe when I first saw it.

[@zafranorbian757]

Star Trek online kept the visual language of Star Trek alive when no one else did. And it seems recently you did ypur part as well. hats off.

[@jedimindfrak82]

I'm a huge STO addict, I would LOVE to see more videos like this about the ships you've designed!!!

[@yellowprime8491]

Fascinating to hear your in-depth design process

[@Funaru]

Now I'm curious about which other ships you designed.

[@justindelima5607]

I'm guessing all of the ship designs he cycles through while talking at the start of the video are his.

[@Stronghand-yw1lk]

Probably the ugliest ones available.

[@SephirothRyu]

@@Stronghand-yw1lk You take that back! I love my Khitomar class, even if no one else does!

[@linz8291]

Looking forward to more sovereign ships, scientific ships, medical ships, battleships, city-sized motherships, interstellar stations, etc.

[@matthewst537]

Really nice to see you make new ships for a game I’ve played since the subscription

[@A-Legitimate-Salvage]

Really cool to see, this is actually the first ship I’ve bought for STO, and I’ve had loads of fun with it. The fact that you were involved in the design makes it even better

[@Roddy229]

I'm absolutely loving this design. Great work man!

[@chheinrich8486]

I would like to hear your opion on other sci fy ships like the normandy from mass efect, the many ships of babylon 5, and of course the battlestar galactica

[@SpaceEngineerErich]

Oh man do I love this ship. Someone posted it on Twitter and now it's my desktop background. It makes me really want to get back into STO! Excellent job. This ship is a thing of beauty.

[@erichludwig2095]

This looks fantastic. I can really see the design philosophy carry through into this ship. Beautiful as always.

[@p0lishsausage]

Brilliant breakdown video. You communicate very well, especially the way you overlay those basic shapes on top of your final design. It helps others who want to do the same to emulate your thought process.

[@cardrabitt1159]

This is absolutely GORGEOUS, even if it is in that plucky, underdog way.

[@cj3xps]

Awesome design! Definitely one of the better Star Trek ship designs I've seen. I really appreciated your comments on how you came up with it

[@CJ-442]

Wait, you’re designing ships for STO? That’s awesome! Now I want to know what other ships you’ve done and if I have any of them. Also, you should tell them to let you make more videos like this. I love getting to hear about your creative process.

[@Argascend]

God, I loved your explanation of how you designed it, and the way you took the original design and its underlying aesthetic details into account to give the new ship a very strong sense of legacy that isn't just communicated via text/lore dumps, etc.

[@charlescassels3826]

Couldn’t find it anywhere explicitly stated that you designed the Da Vinci, but seeing as the Sabre is my favorite ship I got it ASAP. I hoped you designed it as it’s so good looking. Hopefully my purchase helped support you and your work.

[@TheVeritas1]

EC, First, glad to see a new video from you after so long. Second, the DaVinci is GORGEOUS. It has a cool stingray look, which is appropriate for its function. Like a stingray, the DaVinci can hide unnoticed until it launches a stunning attack. Brilliant work.

[@vaos3712]

She is gorgeous! Glad you’re on the STO team . It means that a lot of the ships in the game are going to get a BADLY needed design or skin remake. Can’t wait!

[@Gdsm9]

I had no idea you were designing ships for STO. Mad respect, man. Some of the ships in that game are gorgeous.

[@H3zzard]

If future Starfleet is taking its design cues / technology from other sources, that explains how many of the STO designs of late appear to ignore the age-old "nacelle line-of-sight" rule. Fair!

[@wikiascratchboy]

It's also a perfect explanation as to why the design ethos of the 31st century Starfleet is as different as it is!

[@surferblue78]

I feel like not having the video end with a warp animation is a missed opportunity, but always LOVE to hear and see a designer discuss their process. Great work.

[@FattyMcFox]

I just see an assault horseshoe crab and i adore it.

[@UndeniablyElated]

Ayy, legitimately one of the prettiest fed ships that's been put into the game. Glad it was yours ♥

[@rrrhh6168]

It looks great, such a beatiful ship. It makes me almost wanting to hop into STO again, I stopped playing it some years ago but checked it out some months ago just out of curiosity, the Zenn store was dead on PC... looked to me like its dying slowly

[@CyricD]

Love the ship. Not just the design, but flying it is a blast.

[@Erasmusprime]

As a STO player, I've been wanting a updated saber escort for ages as it's one of my favorites. Now I've finally got one and the fact that you designed it is all the cooler to me. While looking at the model in game, I noticed what appears to be a landing pad for a runabout on the upper hull (you can see it at 3:46). Is that what it's for or is it the entry for the whole shuttle bay?

[@peperesines]

Amazing design, splendid commentary. Loved it, thanks.

[@NeoSaturn69]

wow I never knew. I love to play STO. I hope we see more videos talking about what designs you done in the game or will do. Also are you allowed to share what designs you worked on?

[@JustGem87]

On seeing the thumbnail my mind went straight to the ship from Galaxy Quest. You have made a beautiful ship. I do love seeing your work.

[@philm7758]

Cryptic Studios has sponsored this video so you can just talk about your newest design. Kudo, Cryptic Studios.

[@owlwaifu4949]

Mate the ships you have designed for STO look incredible

[@Thebattlefreack]

This is awesome to see your ship designs and you talking about the ships, the game is still fun and seeing you talk about your ships but for the game I play is just amazing to see and to play with your ship, once I can get it will be the coolest. Keep up the good work.

[@kamenwaticlients]

This is such a great design a real evolution. I love designing Trek ships and lore for them.

[@Stingra87]

I had no idea that you work on STO, and I find that really cool. The game is dated (the ground combat is in such desperate need of an overhaul that will never come) but the space combat is still fun. And honestly? STO's timeline is superior to having Picard or Discovery being the future, STO's storyline is fun and it feels like Star Trek. That being said, I would personally, as a ship designer myself, change some things on this model. I find the Saber class to be just unforgivingly ugly so while not a total departure, my design changes would definitely distance it from it being a direct successor to the Saber. I will just never be a fan of the 'gaptooth' portion there on the front of the ship, so I'd just complete the saucer entirely. I'd also reduce the overall width of the saucer by about a quarter and get rid of the sections that connect the nacelles to the saucer itself, essentially shrinking it to the size of the saucer we see in the underside shots of the central hull. I'd move the nacelles to the rear, beef the stern up just a little bit and make it just a tiny bit longer and then mount the nacelles there, maybe even with some variable geometry action. I'd tuck the lower hull and deflector section a bit closer to the saucer as well. It's just a little too 'beer belly' for me as it. Not much, but a little nip/tuck would work fine to fit my personal aesthetics. The upper hull design used in the thumbnail is overall a better saucer. But yes, as one ship designer to another, those are my thoughts.

[@daverage4729]

Fun update of the Saber, my favourite Star Trek ship. Also...love that 'Gatling Phaser'. Very cool!

[@alisonpage8545]

Hi, just wondering, when do you think you will release the next mystery ships video? I really enjoy your designs and lore :)

[@pooldad]

They couldn't have picked anyone better! Awesome work!

[@Myname-il9vd]

It’s a horseshoe crab ship!!

[@power2084]

Absolutely stunning job, bravo ! As soon as I saw it I thought "Oh it looks like a Jem'hadar fighter".

[@exilestudios9546]

man i wish you would do your own redesigns of discoveries 32nd century fleet. i would love to see someone who actually understands star trek aesthetics make a far future starfleet

[@Vincent-396]

Another wonderfully creative design. Great job as always. 👍🏻

[@MrPingn]

She's a beautiful and deadly looking craft. Visually it looks like a fitting next step from the sabre class.

[@jasonjimerson7046]

That ship design is a beauty! I love its organic flowing look!

[@sambrasen2587]

I absolutely love the fact that the newest Star Trek Online Starfleet Ship was designed by one of my favorite Trek KZbinrs! This is the victory lap video for your achievement good sir, and to you I say congratulations! LLAP

[@yurikaizernunez]

she's absolutely beautiful! i love this design. great job!

[@gravelycritical]

Ayo I've been a long time watcher, but never realised you do designs for STO... I love your work as always, mate.

[@StarshipEternity]

Glad to hear some more about the design process behind some of these designs and seeing more details about them. STO has been a fun game and many designs have been interesting with a few down points being the lockboxes, events that take half a month to complete, and a fair amount of the newer ships locked behind paywalls. Yet, again, gameplay and storyline can make it worthwhile.

[@AaronScottLawford]

Beautiful work Captain. Thank you for your hard work.

[@mattador55]

Dude, I love the Columbia class. It's one of my best equipped ships and it slaps. Thank you for designing that masterpiece.

[@shankshoanatlprez4453]

Definitely the most unique Star Fleet vessel I've seen thus far. I really like the Gatlin emitter as well.

[@xell4701]

I love the Da Vinci class, very sleek and gorgeous design. Define one of the best looking ships in the game

[@TheHistoryDork]

So turns out *you're* the person behind all of my favorite sto designs. Good to know

[@ClnlBogey]

Cool to hear about the star trek team giving you the creative freedoms. She is a beauty!

[@jamescooper7878]

loved every ship design you have made, the Legendary NX skin has a special place in my heart, love that ship to the Neptune and back! keep up the good work, the Da Vinci class is an awesome design XD

[@CrackShotCleric]

Once again you did a fantastic job @ECHenry, and seeing the design process at work was facinating. But as a native Floridian and sci-fi nerd... I am left with a single take away. "In space, everything is become crab." Thanks for another great video and another beautiful ship!

[@GabrielGABFonseca]

I have a great love for the Space Horseshoe Crab, great job on this one!

[@Centurian128]

Wow, I knew the Da Vinci wasn't your first design for STO, but I had no idea just how many ships you've created for the game. I love what you've come up with and seeing the thought process does make it more appreciable. Very well done!

[@zalexville]

I love this ship. DIdnt realize you designed it until after I bought it. No wonder I love it so much!

[@m_schauk]

1. EC Henry videos always make my day! 2. F*****ing cool design! Just amazing! 3. Finally someone recognized your design talent and hired you! I really hope this is a stepping stone to studio work b/c you deserve it! I'd kill to have you as art director in a Star Trek or Star Wars series/movie. Can't wait for that to happen!

[@kingvan7872]

I have noticed an upswing of photogenic starship designs in Star Trek Online. Glad to know it was you.

[@westopher3615]

The Saber class was always a favourite of mine. And see you create this new class that follows the same over design template is amazing. This is definitely one of my new favourite ships. Keep up the amazing work with STO!

[@JeghedderThomas]

Oooo, I hope you'll share your other designs in more detail as well. Cool job.

[@adamglenn5477]

Love videos like this. First thing I thought about this design, from the thumb nail, was, nice update for the Sabre Class. Really enjoyed hearing about the creative process behind it. I can't wait for the Gattling Phaser to become available on other classes. It would suit just about every battleship Star Fleet has. Of course I'm thinking about the Defiant class and it's upgrade.

[@EvilgnomeTV]

Great work! Thanks for sharing your design process!

[@hal-7397]

wow, one of the coolest looking ship that I have ever seen, definalty getting it in game!

[@sim.frischh9781]

Once more an EC Henry video in the best tradition: it BLOWS my mind. This ship looks AWESOME, seriously, it´s just fantastic. But greedy me would also like the hexagon one, just because greedy me. And to see where you might take it.

[@Shapes_Quality_Control]

No wonder they’ve been looking so good. It’s about time your talent has been put to use for the franchise. :)

[@daefaron]

I love your care and respect for the ships and lore of the settings. I immediately latched onto that Mchla refit design you did and loved it for my newer raider type char in STO with the Klingon recruit event. It held the funky shape of the original, but actually looked and felt like a klingon design.

[@sithisarcanis]

Finally a good design again in STO. Edit: I purchased this ship as soon as it came out and as soon as it was mastered, got the Fleet Saber escort as well. It keeps a permanent slot in my Active Ship Roster and every single piece of tech in it has been turned into a XV Gold version. I love this ship and love your obvious passion for both Star Trek and Star Wars. Please keep making beautiful and accurate lore/ships for these two IPs.