Ship Recognition for dummies

Stormflux · 07-27-10, 10:14 AM

It took me *forever* to figure this out, squinting at the recognition books, counting the number of cables on the masts, number of doodads on the deck, not knowing which identifying features to look for.

Then one day I decided to research what exactly a "old split freighter" meant, and it's actually ridiculously simple! Here's a chart:

Split superstructure freighters have the smokestack completely separated from the bridge, while Composite superstructure freighters have a big structure in the middle containing everything.

To tell modern from old, the easiest way I've found is to look at the bow. If the bow is straight, it's an old freighter. Newer freighters had an angled, "swept" look. You can also look at the bridge, older freighters have a larger, 'Titanic' style bridge whereas newer freighters have a smaller, enclosed bridge.

Freighters also come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. There are only two large freighters in the game: the large modern composite and the large old split. These are recognizable by their many masts & loading cranes, as well as their tiny ant-like crew members. Conversely, if you see gigantic crew members looming over the deck, you're probably dealing with a Small freighter!

07-27-10, 10:14 AM	#1
Stormflux Watch Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 16 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Ship Recognition for dummies It took me forever to figure this out, squinting at the recognition books, counting the number of cables on the masts, number of doodads on the deck, not knowing which identifying features to look for. Then one day I decided to research what exactly a "old split freighter" meant, and it's actually ridiculously simple! Here's a chart: Split superstructure freighters have the smokestack completely separated from the bridge, while Composite superstructure freighters have a big structure in the middle containing everything. To tell modern from old, the easiest way I've found is to look at the bow. If the bow is straight, it's an old freighter. Newer freighters had an angled, "swept" look. You can also look at the bridge, older freighters have a larger, 'Titanic' style bridge whereas newer freighters have a smaller, enclosed bridge. Freighters also come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. There are only two large freighters in the game: the large modern composite and the large old split. These are recognizable by their many masts & loading cranes, as well as their tiny ant-like crew members. Conversely, if you see gigantic crew members looming over the deck, you're probably dealing with a Small freighter!