3788 Scale Fed Classic War Destroyer WEM

The Federation’s Star Fleet began the General War with the venerable Heavy Cruiser, the Old Light Cruiser (refits of ships nearly a century old), the Destroyer (a ship made from a cruiser saucer and engine, which had never worked as well as expected), and the excellent Frigate. To increase cruiser strength, the New Light Cruiser had been introduced just before the war began and had pushed the Old Light Cruiser and Destroyer out of production. This left a growing gap between the cruiser and frigate classes, forcing the Federation to proceed with plans for a war destroyer. Two designs were tested: the Battle Frigate (also available in our shop on Shapeways) and a true War Destroyer. The Ortega-Class War Destroyer was selected as it had more growth potential than the overloaded Battle Frigate.

The war destroyer used a new saucer (larger than the Frigate, smaller than the New Light Cruiser) and three of the same engines as the frigate. The first 100 ships were named for revolutionary leaders (Mandela, Barzani, Aidid, Premadasa, Buthelezi, etc.); thereafter general military names (Ariel Sharon, William Sherman, Spitfire, Chicamauga) were used. The ship was produced in vast numbers (over 100) and in many variants (scout, drone combat, escort, carrier, minesweeper, commando, squadron leader, resupply ship, and others). The fans asked for this smooth-saucer version as a classic look and for ease of adding decals.

The ship is available in a variety of materials. Ships are unpainted, use standard flight stands available from many sources, and, while designed for gaming, make fine display pieces.