Behind the Design: How Galactic Yards Creates Star Citizen Ship Models

Galactic Yards has established itself as one of the premier creators of collectible spaceship models for *Star Citizen* enthusiasts. The process behind each model is meticulous, blending high-end craftsmanship with fan-driven design to ensure that the miniature ships reflect not only the aesthetic of the game but also the desires of the community. Let’s take a deep dive into the step-by-step creation process of these highly sought-after ship models.

Step 1: Market Research and Community Requests

The journey of every *Star Citizen* ship model begins with thorough market research. Galactic Yards maintains a close relationship with the fanbase, actively engaging with *Star Citizen* players across forums, social media, and community events. A key part of this research involves understanding which ships the community is most passionate about at any given time.

Requests for ship models can surge after new in-game releases or updates, so Galactic Yards tracks these trends carefully. They monitor which ships are getting the most buzz, which roles players are gravitating towards (exploration, combat, trade, etc.), and even which design aesthetics are capturing the community’s attention. Surveys, polls, and direct feedback also play a crucial role in prioritizing which ship will be brought to life as a model next.

Once the design team has a clear picture of what ship is most desired by the community, they move into the next stage—ensuring the model remains faithful to the in-game version.

Step 2: Analyzing the In-Game Model and Ship Characteristics

With a specific ship chosen, the design team embarks on a detailed analysis of the in-game model. They study its exterior form, structural design, size, and key features, comparing all these details with official design documentation from Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the developers of *Star Citizen*. The team doesn’t simply focus on the surface appearance—they also delve into the ship’s functional purpose, role within the game universe, and how these aspects should be reflected in the physical model.

This phase also involves evaluating how complex or intricate the ship is. Some ships have intricate hull plating or numerous movable parts like wings, landing gear, or thrusters. This information influences decisions about the level of detail and the scale of the model. The designers meticulously plan how to translate the ship’s essence into a tangible form while maintaining the iconic look and feel that players have come to love.

Once the analysis is complete, Galactic Yards begins crafting the first 3D model.

Step 3: Creation of the Initial 3D Exterior Model

The design team, working with advanced 3D modeling software, starts by recreating the ship’s exterior. This step is crucial for capturing the correct proportions and detailing of the ship’s hull, ensuring that the final model remains true to the original in-game design. The artists employ a combination of manual sculpting and procedural generation to create the geometry of the ship, paying close attention to iconic features such as the ship’s silhouette, armor plating, and the overall futuristic aesthetic.

During this process, special attention is given to fine details—like rivets, antenna arrays, or weapon mounts—that make each ship unique. The exterior model must balance accuracy with manufacturability, so designers must account for physical limitations like material strength and the capacity for mass production while still maintaining fidelity to the game model.

At this point, the ship is primarily viewed as a static object. However, ships in *Star Citizen* aren’t just hollow shells—they have complex interiors, movable parts, and functional elements. This is where the next phase begins.

Step 4: Planning Additional Features: Movable Parts, Interiors, and Electronics

One of the standout aspects of Galactic Yards’ models is their attention to functionality, not just appearance. Once the exterior is completed, the design team begins planning for additional features that will bring the model to life. This stage involves deciding which parts of the ship can be made functional, such as movable wings, deployable landing gear, rotating turrets, or engine thrusters. These elements are crucial in making the model dynamic and interactive, providing an immersive experience for collectors.

In addition, for ships with open interiors, the team plans how to recreate those spaces accurately. Interior sections may include cockpits, cargo bays, crew quarters, and more. This planning requires careful examination of the in-game interiors to ensure every console, seat, and door aligns with player expectations.

Electronics, such as integrated LED lighting systems for engines or interior lights, are also mapped out during this stage. These elements enhance the model’s display value, adding realism through functional lighting that replicates what players see in-game. Careful engineering is required to ensure these electronics are seamlessly integrated without sacrificing detail or durability.

Step 5: Implementing Features and Re-Modeling

Once the planning stage is completed, the team re-models the 3D design to incorporate the planned features. Movable parts are carefully engineered with physical hinges, magnets, or other mechanical systems to allow them to operate smoothly in the physical model. Interior elements are added piece by piece, with careful attention paid to scale and accessibility.

This phase involves heavy collaboration between 3D modelers and mechanical engineers to ensure that the additional features are functional without compromising the model’s structural integrity. For example, movable wings or turrets must be durable enough for repeated use, yet still delicate enough to maintain the fine aesthetic details.

The modelers also adjust the design to accommodate the internal wiring needed for lighting or electronics, ensuring these components don’t detract from the overall look. Every element, from the cockpit lights to the glow of the engines, is tested and refined at this stage.

As the 3D model takes shape, prototypes are printed using high-end 3D printing technology to evaluate the design. These prototypes undergo rigorous testing to ensure that movable parts function correctly, interior details are precise, and electronic components work as intended.

Step 6: Final Approval and Polish

Once the 3D model is fully fleshed out with all features in place, the design goes through a final round of review and approval. At this point, the team ensures that all aspects of the model—from exterior proportions to mechanical functionality—meet the company’s high standards.

The model is compared to reference materials from *Star Citizen*, ensuring that it accurately represents the in-game ship. Feedback from internal teams is gathered, and any minor adjustments or corrections are made to improve the design. Once the design passes all checks, it enters the final polish phase.

During this stage, the team focuses on the small details that elevate the model from good to exceptional. Surface textures, weathering effects, and even paint applications are fine-tuned to give the ship a more realistic and battle-worn appearance, if necessary. The goal is to ensure that each model looks as though it could step right out of the game and into the real world.

Once all polish is applied, the model is ready for production, ensuring that *Star Citizen* fans get a collectible that meets their high expectations.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Quality and Detail

Galactic Yards’ approach to creating *Star Citizen* ship models is a perfect blend of art, engineering, and fan service. From initial market research to final approval, each ship goes through a multi-phase process that ensures both accuracy and functionality. The result is a line of collectible models that not only look stunning on display but also offer an interactive and immersive experience for *Star Citizen* fans worldwide.

This commitment to quality, alongside close collaboration with the *Star Citizen* community, is what sets Galactic Yards apart as one of the leading creators of ship models in the gaming world. Every model tells a story, not only of the ship itself but also of the passion and attention to detail that went into its creation.