What I want from TML

One quick comment, one quick question

(question perhaps that should be on Computer Aided Traveller...)

The Comment;

I agree with Rodger Sanger that the TML is a list I signed onto primarily
as a source of material.  I also would encourage (enthusiastically) the
other activities (something I think Rodger feels as well) as having their
own value and a place on this list.

To that end, have any of our talented programmers written starship design or
vehicle design programs?  Probably some are still in the making...

I am using Microsoft Excel and have (in about 6 hours of work) made a
reasonably presentable small arms design template (conventional only)
and will post at least the test design in the next few days.

If anyone wants a copy of the Excel Spreadsheet Template (in Excel 3.0/windows)
just drop me a line.  The spreadsheet requires having FF&S to fill in some
places, but does all of the formulae.

The Question;

Has anyone tried to use one of these home floorplan design programs to do
deckplans?  I am considering laying out the $40-60 on such a product for just
such a purpose and would like a reccomendation.

Is it possible that we could come to some internal (to the TML) informal
standard which would allow al of us to exchange deck plans?  I have several
(all of the hand-drawn variety) which I am rather happy about, but have not
been able to find a suitable medium for putting them in a computer.

The one program I have used is the inexpensive CAD program from IMSL (name
escapes me "something-cad").  Perhaps I am not suited to the controls, but
I could not easily reproduce accurately my starship design (in a reasonable
amount of time).

Happy travelling,

Pete

"The opinions expressed certainly have nothing whatever to do with
the University of Chicago or the Department of Biochemistry (I just
work there and use their toys)."

Peter Brenton					   [phone removed]
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology	[email removed]
The University of Chicago