Among private spacecraft owners, the consensus was that the Starfleet Type 12 ("Speedboat") shuttle has long been considered one of the more graceful and attractive designs ever used in active Fleet service. There was much clamor over releasing the design for general usage; Starfleet acceded to the public's demand, and this shuttle has become a familiar site everywhere.

Tom Paris (recently retired from Starfleet) acquired one of the first ones available for public ownership and promptly set about turning it into a first-rate racing vessel. He was instrumental in starting the organization FAROUT *. This proved to be immensely popular. The racing organization dedicated to small spacecraft has drawn numerous competitors from every major species in the Alpha and Delta Quadrants. Here are pictures of his beloved 'Speedboat' racer, #4, recognized by space race fans everywhere.

*FAROUT: Free Amateur Racers, Open, Unlimited Trajectories - somewhat similar to NASCAR (the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)

The Model

This is a Resin Ranger's Speedboat Shuttle kit, in 1/48 scale. The kit is an excellent quick and easy build, and looks great when completed. It was then primed, and painted with the new paint called MIRAGEŽ. That's a color-shifting paint in an aerosol can. I used the purple/green combination, and it is a nice effect. I then dug thru my decals collection for some suitable choices, and decided that a history geek like Tom Paris would have certain car logos made just for him to use.

(Rick Sternbach says this is a Type-12 shuttle, not a Type-9. See this page for proof. Ignore all disinformation on this topic.)

Image: Port side

Image: Head-on

Image: Top/front view