I may have to postpone my entry into this race until next week!
Last edited:
Community Event / Creation Buckyball Racing Club presents: Grom in 60 Seconds (16th - 22nd December)
- Thread starter furrycat
- Start date
Hello.
Chief Engineer Gyeong Castro here. Commander Stevenson is currently spending some quality time recovering on her estate on Emerald, under proper gravity, so it's up to me to get things ready for the race. I have some questions about the rules:
1) If I'm reading the rules correctly, it looks like each category requires a different sized ship. For example, if Cmdr. Stevenson was to do a Cannonball Run in a small ship, her Fast and Furious entry could only be a medium or large, and her Gone in 60 Seconds entry can only be done in whatever size ship is left. Is this correct?
2) Do all three category entries have to be done within 15 minutes of each other? Does it have to be "Start, first category run, second category run, third category run, stop?" Or could Cmdr. Stevenson make all her large ship runs first for all three categories, then do all her medium ship runs for all three categories, and then all her small ship runs?
I find the regulations are ambiguous on this matter. Barring another substantial financial windfall, Commander Stevenson may find herself unable toplay compete in the Large Ship category if its the former.
3) What do you mean by "withdraw" an entry. Does that mean we can only have one active race entry? Or does it mean only one active entry per size and category combination, such as SML, SLM, MLS, etc...?
4) Given the difficulty of capturing both the target display and the ship's clock in the same field of view in Virtual Reality, would elapsed video time be considered sufficient to tick of 60 seconds, as long as the clock is in frame occasionally?
5) Just in case, are rental ships allowed, or does Cmdr. Stevenson actually have to own the ship outright? Jameson Memorial Rentals have given me a reasonable quote on a deposit, as long as their logo remains visible.
Many thanks in advance.
Chief Engineer Gyeong Castro
Team Stevenson
Chief Engineer Gyeong Castro here. Commander Stevenson is currently spending some quality time recovering on her estate on Emerald, under proper gravity, so it's up to me to get things ready for the race. I have some questions about the rules:
1) If I'm reading the rules correctly, it looks like each category requires a different sized ship. For example, if Cmdr. Stevenson was to do a Cannonball Run in a small ship, her Fast and Furious entry could only be a medium or large, and her Gone in 60 Seconds entry can only be done in whatever size ship is left. Is this correct?
2) Do all three category entries have to be done within 15 minutes of each other? Does it have to be "Start, first category run, second category run, third category run, stop?" Or could Cmdr. Stevenson make all her large ship runs first for all three categories, then do all her medium ship runs for all three categories, and then all her small ship runs?
I find the regulations are ambiguous on this matter. Barring another substantial financial windfall, Commander Stevenson may find herself unable to
3) What do you mean by "withdraw" an entry. Does that mean we can only have one active race entry? Or does it mean only one active entry per size and category combination, such as SML, SLM, MLS, etc...?
4) Given the difficulty of capturing both the target display and the ship's clock in the same field of view in Virtual Reality, would elapsed video time be considered sufficient to tick of 60 seconds, as long as the clock is in frame occasionally?
5) Just in case, are rental ships allowed, or does Cmdr. Stevenson actually have to own the ship outright? Jameson Memorial Rentals have given me a reasonable quote on a deposit, as long as their logo remains visible.
Many thanks in advance.
Chief Engineer Gyeong Castro
Team Stevenson
Yes.
Yes.
Yes one final entry in the classification. Which is the same as any other race. The difference here is that your final entry is weighted towards your best performance in the Gone in 60 Seconds category. If you didn't think you were going to be competitive in that category but you'd done well in one of the other two you could withdraw one or more entries so that your active entry gave you a better chance in another category.
As long as the distance is visible at the point where the entry is deemed to finish that sounds reasonable. Otherwise it would have to stop at the last point the distance was in shot.
A third party's ship may be flown with the owner's consent. Check the terms of your rental contract to determine who is responsible for insurance costs should
Hi!
Chief Engineer Castro again.
Thank you for the rules clarifications. I now know which ships Commander Stevenson will be flying in this race.
First up, in the Gone in 60 Seconds category, will be the Asp Explorer Emerald's Dawn. Thankfully, with the exception of swapping the FSD out for an unengineered one, most of the modifications necessary for it to be competitive have already been planned. Fortunately, my team likes racing nearly as much as our Patron does, so the overtime required won't be unbearable. Plus we can use the bonus pay for the holidays.
Next up, for the Cannonball Run category, will be the classic Cobra Mk III Slave of the Empire, newly restored to its blockade running prime.
In what is probably a prophetic last on the list, for the ironic Fast and Furious category, I'll be paying the extra 100 credits to rename our rental Type-7 Transporter Careful, there's a Deposit on It...
... Just as soon as she earns another ten million to cover the deposit, plus another five million for the inevitable insurance co-pays.
On behalf of Team Stevenson, we'll see you at Sinclair Port tomorrow... which would actually be tonight local time.
Chief Engineer Castro again.
Thank you for the rules clarifications. I now know which ships Commander Stevenson will be flying in this race.
First up, in the Gone in 60 Seconds category, will be the Asp Explorer Emerald's Dawn. Thankfully, with the exception of swapping the FSD out for an unengineered one, most of the modifications necessary for it to be competitive have already been planned. Fortunately, my team likes racing nearly as much as our Patron does, so the overtime required won't be unbearable. Plus we can use the bonus pay for the holidays.
Next up, for the Cannonball Run category, will be the classic Cobra Mk III Slave of the Empire, newly restored to its blockade running prime.
In what is probably a prophetic last on the list, for the ironic Fast and Furious category, I'll be paying the extra 100 credits to rename our rental Type-7 Transporter Careful, there's a Deposit on It...
Suddenly, Commander Stevenson bursts into Gyeong's office, wearing a half fastened Remloc suit. "Ah! Why didn't you tell me that we're still short! Is the Dawn ready? Please tell me you've got some good contracts lined up!"
"You could simply sit out the large ship entries!"
"Where's the fun in that?"
"You could simply sit out the large ship entries!"
"Where's the fun in that?"
... Just as soon as she earns another ten million to cover the deposit, plus another five million for the inevitable insurance co-pays.
On behalf of Team Stevenson, we'll see you at Sinclair Port tomorrow... which would actually be tonight local time.
Sounds like a good opportunity to practice speed undocking: this has been a bit of a weakness of mine as I tend not to hit boost until aligned with the airlock. My ship choices are provisional, as I will need to remove the engineering mods from my Imperial Clipper and if I find myself short on time might skip that category altogether but we'll see:
Intent to race:
CMDR Edelgard von Rhein
small ship: Cobra Mk 3 'Null Geodesic'
medium ship: Asp Explorer 'Eurydice'
large ship: Imperial Clipper 'Shiro Tengu'
current plan:
Gone in 60 seconds: Eurydice
Cannonball Run: Shiro Tengu
Fast and Furious: Null Geodesic
Intent to race:
CMDR Edelgard von Rhein
small ship: Cobra Mk 3 'Null Geodesic'
medium ship: Asp Explorer 'Eurydice'
large ship: Imperial Clipper 'Shiro Tengu'
current plan:
Gone in 60 seconds: Eurydice
Cannonball Run: Shiro Tengu
Fast and Furious: Null Geodesic
Ozric
Volunteer Moderator
Stating my intent to try and make it back to the bubble in time to race, but I've not long left Colonia in a Python... so it'll be a close one.
?
?
Brother Sabathius has gathered his fleet and stands ready to race.
He will be using his faithful Cobra Mk3 "Angel of the Void", a shabby secondhand Asp Explorer "Somebody Else's Problem", and a Lakon Type-7 "The Big Van". Pre-event testing has been... educational... and the station maintenance crews should be commended for their speed in fixing the Sidewinder-shaped dent below the exit.
The Cobra-shaped one above it is taking a bit longer..
He will be using his faithful Cobra Mk3 "Angel of the Void", a shabby secondhand Asp Explorer "Somebody Else's Problem", and a Lakon Type-7 "The Big Van". Pre-event testing has been... educational... and the station maintenance crews should be commended for their speed in fixing the Sidewinder-shaped dent below the exit.
The Cobra-shaped one above it is taking a bit longer..
The last mission I took was a little too topical not to share while I'm waiting for my lunch to cook.
"Good morning! Welcome to Stevenson Whirlwind Adventures! My name his Hans. How may we serve you today?"
Action starlet Abby Wong and her entourage looked around the nicely appointed office, located in the habitable ring of Mackenzie Relay station, before focusing her attention on the young man at the receptionist's desk, whose flowing tunic was open from neck to navel, showing off what many in the industry called the Emerald Physique. "Why thank you Hans," she said, pleased to see the young man was keeping things professional, and not gushing over her like a caffeinated fanboy. "I understand you offer custom made tours?"
"Yes, ma'am! Our adventures are custom tailored based on the demands of our customers, unlike a Beluga liner luxury tour. The owner is a member of the Pilot's Federation, and will fly you to your destinations personally aboard her Asp Explorer, Emerald's Dawn. The first class passenger lounge includes telepresence virtual reality headsets, and for a little bit extra, Commander Stevenson will allow you to sit at the gunnery station below the Commander's Station, so you can experience your adventure personally."
"That sound's perfect! But correct me if I'm wrong, but I though Cmdr. Stevenson flew a Cobra Mark Three."
"That she does, ma'am, the Slave of the Empire. She recently acquired Emerald's Dawn to expand her operations both here and on the Imperial/Federal border. Are you familiar with the Commander?"
"Yes! I'm a huge fan of racing, and when I saw she was offering tours, I couldn't resist. I just got cast to portray a pilot in a remake of an ancient action movie, and to better understand my role, I want to experience what it's like to race like that. Would she be willing to accommodate me like that? I'm willing to pay extra."
"Why certainly, ma'am. Just sign this release here, and get outfitted for a Remloc. Your adventure awaits!"
--== 15 minutes later ==--
Abby Wong gingerly settled down in the lower command chair, staring out the bubble of glass before her. She tried to ignore the tightness of the Remloc she was wearing and the tubes in uncomfortable places, and focused instead on the adventure she was about to embark on. This was going to be great!
"Miss Wong, are you ready?"
"I'm ready, Commander Stevenson. And please, call my Abby."
"Then call me Inga, Abby. Rachel, are you and our first class passengers secured?"
"Affirmative, Commander! They're all snug and secure here. Telepresence headsets are connected."
"Excellent. Hang on, Abby. I'm about to activate our Remlocs."
Abby let out a gasp as powerful magnets jerked her backwards into the seat. She could feel several clamps and plugs attach themselves into the back plate of her suit, and parts of the suit began to tighten around her legs and abdomen. "What the hell is... ow! What was that?" Something had just stuck into the back of her neck.
"Didn't you read the instructions? We Emerald girls may be able to endure higher G's than the average human, but you wanted the 'full racing experience.' Unless you want to black out if we require some high-G maneuvers, then the Remloc suit is going to try to keep the blood where it does the most good, and if you really need it, it can pump in some lovely, lovely chems to help you remain functional."
"Is that really necessary, Inga?"
"Be glad this wasn't 20 years ago, Abby. If you think this is bad, the Dreamweaver capsule was ten times worse. Ready to go?"
"Yes! Let's get this show on the road!"
"Roger! Mackenzie Relay Traffic Control, this is Lakon India November Golf, requesting clearance for departure."
"Copy that, Lakon India November Golf. The slot is clear. Try not to damage the toaster rack this time."
Abby frowned. What did traffic control mean by...
The actress successfully kept from screaming as God kicked her in the back. Hard.
"Dammit, Stevenson! Be careful!"
"Just working out the kinks in the Dawn's new engines, Control." Above her, Cmdr. Stevenson switched off the comm link. "Hang on to your butt, Abby!"
Not content to simply kick her in the back, God's invisible hand shoved her roughly down into the chair, while the Remloc squeezed her legs mercilessly. Almost unnoticed was the whine of the FSD spooling up.
"One more little tap, Abby, and we'll be making our first jump."
The Almighty kicked her in the back again, as Mackenzie Relay loomed large in front of the ship. The targeting reticle highlighted their destination BEHIND the station. "Wait! I thought we can't jump through things!"
"We're not. We're jumping between two of the station's support arms."
As the computer's voice finished its down, the Lord of Creation, not content to smack around His new and suddenly very devout believer, settled His vast immensity on Abby's chest.
As Emerald's Dawn vanished into Witchspace, Abby Wong suddenly remembered an ancient definition of adventure: "Someone else, far away from the comforts of home, up to their necks in ____."
--== One jump later ==--
"Inga! There's smoke billowing from the control panel!" The vertical bridge, while stifling hot, did provide a gorgeous view of the uncomfortably close star below.
"Don't worry, Abby. As long as there's no sparks, the ship's fine. It can take a little heat."
--== On initial approach to the first tourist beacon ==--
"Inga! You're not slowing down! Why aren't you slowing down!"
"Don't worry, we will."
"WHY ARE WE POINTING TOWARDS THE PLANET?!"
--== At the second tourist beacon ==--
"Where did all this wreckage come from?"
"Abby, sometimes pirates target passenger liners. They rarely hang around afterwards, though."
"Oh. Wait, rarely?"
--== On initial approach to the third tourist beacon ==--
Remloc suit RL-983A-7-56HT, sensing that its occupant's heart rate was once again unacceptably high, decided it was too soon for a third dose of performance enhancers, so it tried soothing music instead. It also noted that its waste pockets needed to be emptied.
--== Back at MacKenzie Relay ==--
Commander Inga Stevenson shut down Dawn's engines as the docking pad 38 dropped her ship down into the bowels of the station. Mindful of the low 0.1g pseudo-gravity of the station docking cylinder, she headed towards the gunner's station below her. She wasn't worried about the rest of her passengers. The first class cabins were specially designed to minimize the discomfort of space travel. The Remloc clad woman in the gunner's seat, on the other hand, didn't have that advantage. While she never complained, Inga was still worried about Abby's reaction to her little 'adventure.'
Inga opened the door, and peered nervously inside. "Abby?"
She found herself the recipient of vigorous hug. "Oh my GOD, Inga! That was incredible! And you do this every day?"
"Yeah?"
"We have GOT to do this again the next time we're both in Cemiess. Thanks for the Adventure, Inga. It was worth the whole four million."
_________________
It's long been a private joke of mine that the woman in my signature isn't the real Inga Stevenson, but the actress who will play Inga Stevenson in the 3310 Achenar Broadcasting Company's miniseries "The Adventures of Inga Stevenson, Slave of the Empire!"
She now has a name. Abby Wong.
13 million down. 2 to go.
"Good morning! Welcome to Stevenson Whirlwind Adventures! My name his Hans. How may we serve you today?"
Action starlet Abby Wong and her entourage looked around the nicely appointed office, located in the habitable ring of Mackenzie Relay station, before focusing her attention on the young man at the receptionist's desk, whose flowing tunic was open from neck to navel, showing off what many in the industry called the Emerald Physique. "Why thank you Hans," she said, pleased to see the young man was keeping things professional, and not gushing over her like a caffeinated fanboy. "I understand you offer custom made tours?"
"Yes, ma'am! Our adventures are custom tailored based on the demands of our customers, unlike a Beluga liner luxury tour. The owner is a member of the Pilot's Federation, and will fly you to your destinations personally aboard her Asp Explorer, Emerald's Dawn. The first class passenger lounge includes telepresence virtual reality headsets, and for a little bit extra, Commander Stevenson will allow you to sit at the gunnery station below the Commander's Station, so you can experience your adventure personally."
"That sound's perfect! But correct me if I'm wrong, but I though Cmdr. Stevenson flew a Cobra Mark Three."
"That she does, ma'am, the Slave of the Empire. She recently acquired Emerald's Dawn to expand her operations both here and on the Imperial/Federal border. Are you familiar with the Commander?"
"Yes! I'm a huge fan of racing, and when I saw she was offering tours, I couldn't resist. I just got cast to portray a pilot in a remake of an ancient action movie, and to better understand my role, I want to experience what it's like to race like that. Would she be willing to accommodate me like that? I'm willing to pay extra."
"Why certainly, ma'am. Just sign this release here, and get outfitted for a Remloc. Your adventure awaits!"
--== 15 minutes later ==--
Abby Wong gingerly settled down in the lower command chair, staring out the bubble of glass before her. She tried to ignore the tightness of the Remloc she was wearing and the tubes in uncomfortable places, and focused instead on the adventure she was about to embark on. This was going to be great!
"Miss Wong, are you ready?"
"I'm ready, Commander Stevenson. And please, call my Abby."
"Then call me Inga, Abby. Rachel, are you and our first class passengers secured?"
"Affirmative, Commander! They're all snug and secure here. Telepresence headsets are connected."
"Excellent. Hang on, Abby. I'm about to activate our Remlocs."
Abby let out a gasp as powerful magnets jerked her backwards into the seat. She could feel several clamps and plugs attach themselves into the back plate of her suit, and parts of the suit began to tighten around her legs and abdomen. "What the hell is... ow! What was that?" Something had just stuck into the back of her neck.
"Didn't you read the instructions? We Emerald girls may be able to endure higher G's than the average human, but you wanted the 'full racing experience.' Unless you want to black out if we require some high-G maneuvers, then the Remloc suit is going to try to keep the blood where it does the most good, and if you really need it, it can pump in some lovely, lovely chems to help you remain functional."
"Is that really necessary, Inga?"
"Be glad this wasn't 20 years ago, Abby. If you think this is bad, the Dreamweaver capsule was ten times worse. Ready to go?"
"Yes! Let's get this show on the road!"
"Roger! Mackenzie Relay Traffic Control, this is Lakon India November Golf, requesting clearance for departure."
"Copy that, Lakon India November Golf. The slot is clear. Try not to damage the toaster rack this time."
Abby frowned. What did traffic control mean by...
The actress successfully kept from screaming as God kicked her in the back. Hard.
"Dammit, Stevenson! Be careful!"
"Just working out the kinks in the Dawn's new engines, Control." Above her, Cmdr. Stevenson switched off the comm link. "Hang on to your butt, Abby!"
Not content to simply kick her in the back, God's invisible hand shoved her roughly down into the chair, while the Remloc squeezed her legs mercilessly. Almost unnoticed was the whine of the FSD spooling up.
"One more little tap, Abby, and we'll be making our first jump."
The Almighty kicked her in the back again, as Mackenzie Relay loomed large in front of the ship. The targeting reticle highlighted their destination BEHIND the station. "Wait! I thought we can't jump through things!"
"We're not. We're jumping between two of the station's support arms."
As the computer's voice finished its down, the Lord of Creation, not content to smack around His new and suddenly very devout believer, settled His vast immensity on Abby's chest.
As Emerald's Dawn vanished into Witchspace, Abby Wong suddenly remembered an ancient definition of adventure: "Someone else, far away from the comforts of home, up to their necks in ____."
--== One jump later ==--
"Inga! There's smoke billowing from the control panel!" The vertical bridge, while stifling hot, did provide a gorgeous view of the uncomfortably close star below.
"Don't worry, Abby. As long as there's no sparks, the ship's fine. It can take a little heat."
--== On initial approach to the first tourist beacon ==--
"Inga! You're not slowing down! Why aren't you slowing down!"
"Don't worry, we will."
"WHY ARE WE POINTING TOWARDS THE PLANET?!"
--== At the second tourist beacon ==--
"Where did all this wreckage come from?"
"Abby, sometimes pirates target passenger liners. They rarely hang around afterwards, though."
"Oh. Wait, rarely?"
--== On initial approach to the third tourist beacon ==--
Remloc suit RL-983A-7-56HT, sensing that its occupant's heart rate was once again unacceptably high, decided it was too soon for a third dose of performance enhancers, so it tried soothing music instead. It also noted that its waste pockets needed to be emptied.
--== Back at MacKenzie Relay ==--
Commander Inga Stevenson shut down Dawn's engines as the docking pad 38 dropped her ship down into the bowels of the station. Mindful of the low 0.1g pseudo-gravity of the station docking cylinder, she headed towards the gunner's station below her. She wasn't worried about the rest of her passengers. The first class cabins were specially designed to minimize the discomfort of space travel. The Remloc clad woman in the gunner's seat, on the other hand, didn't have that advantage. While she never complained, Inga was still worried about Abby's reaction to her little 'adventure.'
Inga opened the door, and peered nervously inside. "Abby?"
She found herself the recipient of vigorous hug. "Oh my GOD, Inga! That was incredible! And you do this every day?"
"Yeah?"
"We have GOT to do this again the next time we're both in Cemiess. Thanks for the Adventure, Inga. It was worth the whole four million."
_________________
It's long been a private joke of mine that the woman in my signature isn't the real Inga Stevenson, but the actress who will play Inga Stevenson in the 3310 Achenar Broadcasting Company's miniseries "The Adventures of Inga Stevenson, Slave of the Empire!"
She now has a name. Abby Wong.
13 million down. 2 to go.
Mmmm, infect competitors brains with virulent mind-worm I will (while I play with my new Oculus touch controllers and prepare for tomorrow's appallling hangover) ...
[video=youtube_share;U9t-slLl30E]https://youtu.be/U9t-slLl30E[/video]
Just for clarification. Can the categories be run in any order??
60 seconds really is not a lot of time
Poor, poor toaster rack
60 seconds really is not a lot of time
Poor, poor toaster rack
Thanks furrycat.
Had a few test runs.
Never flown an Anaconda before and struggling to even leave station in 60s
Probably not the wisest choice of ship for me
Thanks furrycat.
Had a few test runs.
Never flown an Anaconda before and struggling to even leave station in 60s
Probably not the wisest choice of ship for me
I was wondering whether it can break mass lock in the 44 seconds needed in a configuration that doesn't leave it with a shorter jump range than an Asp.
I'm thinking either Cobra mk3, Asp Ex, Clipper or Cobra mk3, FAS, Anaconda.
Yeh. That's what I was finding. Got jump range over 40ly but had to keep reducing it to get enough speed to break mass lock.
So even when I didn't get stuck in the rack I realised I may be better off going for the Asp instead.
I started with Cobra III, Asp X, Conda.
I'm changing loadouts now and going to try Clipper, Cobra III, Asp X.
Not sure on the Cobra either (I detest the things)
It took me a few attempts to get a valid entry for the Anaconda demo. You'll want to strip its mass right down to get your speed and range up. Keep A-rated thrusters and a decent distributor so you can boost often. If you don't perma-boost you are unlikely to get out of mass lock in time.
Of course if you burn your Large ship on Gone you risk being mass locked trying to get into supercruise for Cannonball. Decisions, decisions.
Of course if you burn your Large ship on Gone you risk being mass locked trying to get into supercruise for Cannonball. Decisions, decisions.
Finding this exact problem right now
Devious little race you've constructed
I thought this sounded too easy. Now I see that it's got furrycat written all over it. [hotas]