As I read the changelist to the most recent update today, I began to think of a total conversion mod I'd like to work on and realized that there would be one limitation--models.

The idea I had was for a mecha-based TC. I've made several models and noticed in our forum that others have created some as well. My approach, in terms of 'mecha components' and jewelery, would be like that of the PSX game Armored Core and the lovely Mechwarrior series, but acquiring these things GalCiv style.

As of right now, it's definitely possible to get this done--saving mecha as ships and adding them to the shipscfg folder would be a snap. However, creating components for these, graphically, would be tough. Having no modeling skills, getting pieces built would be the main hindrence in completing a TC like this. While you could just attach the pre-existing models to custom ships, creating your own version of addons would be the way to go to maintain canon (while possible now, it's definitely a daunting task for those who have neither the knowledge nor the time to learn how to model/texture). Now, to the question posed in the subtitle: How plausible would it be to edit the ship builder to save your constructions as ship pieces, in either one of two ways:

-Utilizing the same format as shipcfgs, but having it be readable as and save to the folder of ship jewelery/components/hulls?

-Saving the entire creation as a solid model?

This is more a question pointed to the Stardock devs, I know, but I'm wondering what everyone thinks of this idea, as I can see it as a means of giving everyone the chance to add some graphical flair to the game without the need for complex modeling skills.

My own application of this would be extensive-- several heads, torsos, arms, legs, weapons, etc. could be created in a matter of hours, each piece being saved as a usable component. While in a mod like this, nothing could stop people from creating ships (as I don't think there's any way to code it so they *must* have component X Y and Z before they craft something), for those who wish to follow the mod's canon, they could create their own mecha without having to spend an hour building it shape by shape. The same could go for other TC's which wish to maintain their own style, but the creators lack the modeling/texturing ability/the time to learn, or just aren't able to get modeling assistance.

I understand that the simple solution to this would be learning how to model, and I'm willing to accept that. In no way do I wish to seem like I'm demanding this feature or even suggesting it be done--I know there's already a million things on Stardock's plate right now. This is just a question of plausibility and everyone's thoughts on the subject.

Thanks for your time.