I've always liked airships. When I took my first Maya class a few years back I tried to model one (it was awful, but it served its purpose). I've learned a few things since then! :-)

Anyway, it's based on the USS Akron/USS Macon type airship from the early/mid 1930s. I lengthened it to a scale 950 feet (the originals were 785 feet long). Right now all I have is the basic hull shape, the tail fins (sans control surfaces), and the control car.

The Akron and Macon (both of which crashed) were designed as aerial aircraft carriers. Specially equipped fighter planes would hook on to a "trapeze" which would then bring them into the hull to be hung on a rack. I hope to duplicate this mechanism on the finished model.

I am NOT looking forward to doing a UV map on the control car! If anyone knows of a plug-in which makes UV mapmaking easier, PLEASE let me know! :-)

Here is a first picture. As always, comments and suggestions welcome!