Another cool concept. 
I'm assuming the vertical orientation is to accommodate a retractable drilling shaft?
I'm assuming the vertical orientation is to accommodate a retractable drilling shaft?
Yes. The top section is slid back via a hydraulic ram and moving into the vertical position when the ship is set up for drilling.
Nothing beats a concept that's well thought out --which you're expert at! 
Going to color?
I see this as either construction yellow, or weathered (alien style) metallic. Either way, will look cool all rusty and asteroid battered, w/ flashy landing lights and such. Would enhance sense of scale.
Going to color?
I see this as either construction yellow, or weathered (alien style) metallic. Either way, will look cool all rusty and asteroid battered, w/ flashy landing lights and such. Would enhance sense of scale.
Yes. Additionally, I'll be doing a scaled-up cutaway as well. I'll be doing a series of ship designs for a possible book pitch.
Music to my ears! 
I know you're an ace w/ the cutaways.
Already looking forward to it. I'd publish yer ass in a heartbeat if I could.
I know you're an ace w/ the cutaways. Already looking forward to it. I'd publish yer ass in a heartbeat if I could.