FlisKits: Borealis (Top Secret security leak from FlisStation!)

[jflis]

PP NewsWire – Jupiter Station: In a shocking announcement, spies deep within the heart of the Hobbicron Industrial Empire have let slip the first images of the little discussed Borealis class Heavy Hauler rumored to be slated for public announcement at an annual event held on Earth known as NARCON.

Little is know of this new class of ship but sources within this industrial regime claim to have actual photographs of construction taking place at the remote FlisStation space docks. Repeated hypertac relays to the comm. Officers at FlisStation were refused and the station appears to have closed itself off to outside contact.

The attached image is the only one that has been currently released. Local officials have offered no comment with regard to this announcement, maintaining that there is no such ship being constructed.

[jflis]

PP NewsWire – Jupiter Station: In further developments, communications experts at Planetary Press have been able to intercept some of the communications going on between the Hobbicron Empire and their loose allies the Cortum (a race of aliens known for their mining capabilities). Apparently there is a security leak of unparalleled proportions at FlisStation as the PP was able to intercept this image (see attached) which appears to be a schematic, or floor plan for this so-called non-existent ship, the Borealis.

Rumors have been running rampant throughout the USPF as news of this new class of ship seems to be making its way around the hyper-net.

While the PP can not confirm anything at this time, the information gathered to date speaks of a ship capable of moving enormous amounts of people and material. For what purpose we can only guess, but it is clear that it has something to do with the expansion of known space afforded by the exploratory missions of ships like the U.S.S. Grissom.

The Planetary Press will be sure to keep you, our readers, abreast of any new developments with regard to this shocking revelation.

[Rocketking]

Jim, as always, has been busy!!!

So has a new writer for Launch magazine. Keep an eye out for Issue #4- Jim Flis will be interviewed. Took place at NemRoc '06, many photos from Jim's archives.

Congrats on the new kits, Jim.

Glen A.
NAR # 26298 L1
:cool:

[rokitflite]

many photos from Jim's archives.


Glen A.
NAR # 26298 L1
:cool:


Oh Lord...

[Rocketking]

Do we have fear of the past here... ?

[jflis]

Do we have fear of the past here... ?

Naw, Scott's just 'fraid that *he* may be appearing in some of those old pix... LOL He and I go *way* back to when he was just a smart-alec little kid, now he's a smart-alec big kid... :D

Scott, you'll just have to wait, like the rest of us :)

jim

[jflis]

PP NewsWire – Jupiter Station: To further support their claims of a revolutionary new ship being constructed at the remote FlisStation ship yards, the leaders of the Hobbicron Industrial Empire have released the newest in a series of images captured by their deep space stellar observatory.

This image (see attached) enlarged and computer enhanced does indeed depict an unidentified object in station keeping around FlisStation. While little actual detail can be gleaned from this image the object does bear a remarkable resemblance to the once proposed 2nd generation Ram-Flush engine that was all the buzz at last years Astro-Alliance conference.

If you pull up the attached image you will see 3 levels of zoom resulting in a rather fuzzy image of a large cylindrical object at FlisStation. When further enlarged and computer enhanced we can compare this object to the last published drawing of the proposed engine and the similarities are remarkable.

The implication of this cannot be lost to the casual observer and is certainly not lost on the governmental powers involved. The whole basis of the Ram-Flush propulsion concept so tilted the power struggle to the advantage of the United Solar Planetary Federation that it was the proverbial slat that broke the Tazzlewalls hip. When the specifications for this propulsion unit were made public the K’nik regime filed an immediate protest as did a half dozen other bordering governments and one empire. This was seen as a direct threat to their borders and resulted in demands for this technology to either be shared equally or development halted unilaterally. Internally, member planets to the USPF were concerned that such technology would bring the wrath of many surrounding peoples down upon them and they too wanted development halted.

This reaction resulted, 6 months after the conference, in the signing of the Horse-Head Treaty halting all development of such technology.

The USPF had maintained throughout this period that the only reason this technology was being pursued was to help expand the growth of the USPF into claimed territories in the Sagittarius sectors that have recently been opened up and that no hostile use was planned nor desired.

It is clear that something is happening out at FlisStation and the Planetary Press will do its best to discover what that is and report back to you, our readers. An interview is slated for later this week with Commander Kits, the current commanding officer at FlisStation as he makes his way back to the inner systems at the request of the Commissioner of Arms.

[Ltvscout]

That's a great story-line you have going with this new kit, Jim. Keep it up!

[Rocketking]

As noted above, both 'E' Forum and TRF have people yelling for Sci-Fi kits, and Fliskits and Scott appear to be the only ones listening...

Glen A.
NAR 26298 L1

[Doug Sams]

As noted above, both 'E' Forum and TRF have people yelling for Sci-Fi kits, and Fliskits and Scott appear to be the only ones listening...Glen,

Don' t forget Squirrel Works (http://www.squirrel-works.com/) .

Doug

[Chas Russell]

Doug,

Don't forget Red River Rocketry. John has sci-fi kits too.

Chas

[jflis]

HyTac News Release!

Commander Kits Confirms Rumors!
Borealis class Heavy Hauler is a reality!

PP – Jupiter Station: In an unprecedented announcement, FlisStation commanding officer Commander Kits has confirmed the construction of the Borealis class Heavy Hauler in the shipyards at FlisStation.

Returning to the inner systems, Commander Kits sent a hypertac communiqué to the Planetary Press containing the following statement:

“HyTac USS Grissom – 043-32-687A Sagittarius arm: Cmdr Kits – USPF order 187D-sub-A has permitted the following announcement with regard to the information being distributed about the ship construction occurring at FlisStation ship yards. This transmission is to confirm that a Borealis class Heavy Hauler employing a 2nd generation Ram-Flush propulsion unit is currently under construction at the ship yards. The construction of this ship is taking place with the agreement of the Hobbicron Industrial Empire, K’nik regime and other surrounding stellar governments. Details of these agreements are not for public release at this time. Projected completion and public launch of this new ship is expected to take place at the Nova Antaries Reclamation Conference (NARCON) slated to take place in Old Minnesota, Earth, North America to be held Galactic 030907.9

End Communication. USS Grissom – 043-32-687A, transmission concluded.”

The Planetary Press was unable to gather any further information regarding this announcement as the U.S.S. Grissom has gone into communications black-out pending its arrival at Jupiter Station. To our knowledge, we are still scheduled to meet with Commander Kits upon his arrival.

This concludes this HyTac News Release.

[jflis]

Kits Speaks Out!
Renewed foreign relations and continued expansion of the USPF

In a fanfare of activity, the U.S.S. Grissom sailed unto the solar system being met by more and more ships as she navigated through Oort Cloud and made her way to the inner system.

Using standard space lanes, she struck her warp field just after passing the Oort boundary then cruised in past the orbits of the outer most planets. By the time she reached Saturn there was a whole flotilla of ships escorting her in to Jupiter Station. She arrived yesterday without incident.

PICTURE: (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/Saturn02sm.jpg) Source: Planetary Press, Jupiter Station The USS Grissom makes her way past Saturn escourted by dozens of ships who have come out to meet her enroute to Jupiter Station.

Locating the U.S.S. Grissom was no problem. You couldn’t miss her. Commander Kits, however, was another matter. An effort to get information to our readers a day sooner than planned was met with failure as Cmdr Kits was nowhere to be found.

A man of action and of his word, he appeared in our offices to the minute of his appointed time. Here then is our brief interview with Kits.

Planetary Press: Commander Kits, thank you for talking time from your busy schedule. It is an honor to meet you.

Commodore Kits: The pleasure is mine. And it’s “Commodore”

PP: My apologies, Commodore.

PP: I know your time is short, so let’s get right to the matter at hand. The Borealis. The 2nd Generation Ram Scoop and the K’nik. Can you help us understand just what is actually happening out at FlisStation?

Kits: As I confirmed in my earlier communiqué, the Borealis is a fact, as is her use of the 2nd Generation Ram-Scoop propulsion unit. What has also been communicated is the fact that this was done with the full knowledge and cooperation of our surrounding border systems.

PP: Yes, this was all clear in your message from the other day, and we thank you for that. However this begs more questions than it answers. For examp..

Kits: And that is why I am here today.

PP: Yes, thank you. For example, how is it that the unions, empires and regimes that surround the USPF now approve this development when it nearly lead to war just over a year ago. And why is the need for this technology so great that we would risk war again with its development?

PICTURE: (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/grissom02.jpg)Source: Cliff Miller aboard U.S.S. Grissom Photo taken from USS Grissom showing FlisStation and part of the Borealis. Poor lighting conditions don't help the quality.

Kits: First, allow me to explain the need. At this moment the USPF commands a vast area of space and that affords our member races a certain amount of security and trade wealth. However we have not grown our borders in decades while our neighbors have. Each expansion by our neighbors bespeaks of lower security for our own borders and our own growth and expansion is needed to maintain and, in fact, increase the security and wealth of the USPF.

PP: Ok, it’s important to grow, expand and advance the USPF, but is the risk of war worth it?

Kits: When that risk is eliminated, yes.

PP: Interesting. HOW was this risk eliminated, Commodore?

Kits: Surprisingly it began with the K’nik Regime. They approached the USPF requesting insight into this new technology. A bold move for such a fierce, xenophobic race. Their need was clear as they are surrounded on all sides by other governments with no direction into which they can grow themselves. This new propulsion unit would allow them to effectively leap over these regions into new and uncharted areas. The USPF doesn’t have such a problem, as the space out towards the Sagittarius arm is clear for our expansion. Not so for the K’nik.

PP: So the K’nik are interested of course. Surely we wouldn’t provide them with this technology knowing the nature of that race. Or, would we?

Kits: Clearly, providing them with such an advantage in propulsion would be an issue if they were to use it for offensive purposes and the question begs how to we prevent that. We do that by convincing all of the surrounding governments that our one true goal with this technology is science and advancement and we convince them by making the technology freely available to all who ask for it. The K’nic do not dare build offensive weapons with this technology as the dozen governments surrounding them have this same technology and far out power the K’nik in both numbers and wealth. They wouldn’t stand a chance and they know this. It’s a balance that will provide for all and will actually bring us closer together.

PP: Interesting. So, we’ve built the ship. What then? What is it to be used for and what ARE its actual capabilities? Just what IS this 2nd Generation Ram-Scoop anyway?

Kits: The Borealis is the first in the Heavy Hauler class and its primary purpose is to move massive amounts of people, raw material and equipment out to the newly opened areas of space that the USPF have claimed as part of our new borders. The ship is capable of carrying up to 60 passengers and hundreds of tons of equipment and materials. In an emergency, the ship can be outfitted for evacuation and could carry up to 2000 people for the short trip to a drop off point. As for the Ram-Scoop, the only real information I can provide right now is that its primary advantage is that is has no known top speed. Once it passes OCM and the pulse initiator charges the warp transducer she crosses over to light speed and can accelerate to over 1.5g and maintain that acceleration indefinitely. She’s really quite the ship.

PP: “OCM”?

Kits: Onset of Critical Momentum. That point where the sub-light engines get her moving fast enough that there is enough material scooped up by the magnetic constrictors to power the engine. This is about ¾ the speed of light.

PP: And when can we see this wonderful new ship? While we have gotten glimpses and out of focus amature pictures, we really have no idea of what this ship looks like inside or out. Any help there?

PICTURE: (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/grissom01.jpg)Source: Amanda Miller aboard U.S.S. Grissom
Photo by Chris's wife, Amanda giving a better view of the Borealis at FlisStation after returning from her first test flight.

Kits: No, sorry, I really can’t help. The whole system at FlisStation is under military control during the construction and, frankly, even your out of focus pictures shouldn’t exist. The only reason they do is we are so close to announcement that they really pose little security risk.

PP: Well, why all the secrecy if we’ve made the technology public information then?

Kits: Because while we are offering the technology freely, make no mistake that we want to be the first to put it to use and we want to be sure that the USPF is always on the up side of this technology growth. We developed it we will reap the first rewards from its use.

PP: So then, when WILL we see her in all her glory?

Kits: I have raised this very concern and I believe you and your readers will like the answer. Initially we were simply going to send her on her way to begin her job at the outer rim. However due to the clamor of excitement surrounding this new vessel we have decided that she needed a more formal and public send off. At this time her construction is nearly complete. One maiden test flight has taken place and a second is scheduled shortly. Upon the successful completion of that test she will set her sights on Jupiter Station and come right into the inner system on her 3rd and final test flight before being put into service for the growth of the USPF. We will bring her right here to you, kind sir.

PP: Incredible! When??

Kits: 10 days from today.

Kits: And I apologize, but that is all the time I have for today. I have a meeting with council on Earth that I must prepare for then I am due back out at FlisStation for the final operational work to be done on the Borealis.

PP: Thank you for your time. I look forward to seeing you again at Jupiter Station Commodore Kits.

And that was it folks. At this time we know a bit more about this new ship that should provide for the growth of our USPF and how it has come to be. As more information becomes available we will certainly get it to you as quickly as possible. Stay tuned for the exclusive arrival of the Borealis at Jupiter Station in less than two weeks!

[jflis]

FlisStation conducts 2nd test of Borealis
New information leaks result as 2nd test concludes

PP NewsWire – Jupiter Station: With Commodore Kits preparing to leave earth to return to FlisStation and the 2nd test of the Borealis appearing to be complete more and more information about this exciting new ship is making its way to the inner system.

This time arriving at Jupiter Station in the form of collected specification from a Hobbicron trader Spence Casings aboard his runabout the Herc-1. It seems that Cmdr Kits left out some details in his interview of earlier this week. The USPF is not only building this ship with the “approval” of our foreign neighbors, but with construction crews FROM these foreign neighbors!

Casings, as it turns out, is one of the lead suppliers to the Hobbicron Industrial Empires (HIE) assembly crews currently stationed at FlisStation. This crew is one of the primary system integrators on the Borealis and, as such they are privy to many if not all of the design parameters of this new class of ship.

Further, with much of the systems and construction of the Borealis class Heavy Hauler being declassified information is becoming available for general dissemination. The images provided here are copied directly from the assembly specification for the Borealis and represent a glimpse into what this new ship represents. As more of this spec becomes available to the PP we will make a point of getting it out to the public.

First is an outline drawing of the ships capsule which has the capability of housing an emergency crew should there be need to separate from the main ship for EVA, repair, rescue or other such necessity. Christened the Aurora, this fully functional ship in her own right is a unique departure from what we have seen on other USPF ships in the past. Click here for Borealis Capsule (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/borealis_capsule.gif)

Next is a sketch showing all of the interconnecting parts that make up the famed Ram-Scoops that power the engine of this ship. While this does not show an assembled Ram-Scoop it does show assembly material enough for THREE such scoops. An unprecedented discovery as this level of power was not anticipated when the Borealis concept was first discussed. Click Here for Ram-Scoop parts (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/borealis_ram-scoop_parts.gif)

Last (for this issue) we have a high level assembly drawing of the main engine assembly that will channel the raw power that the Ram-Scoops will deliver. This is the heart of the 2nd Generation Ram-Scoop propulsion unit and the drawing shows enough detail to clearly see how the assembly progresses from sub-part to a completed unit. How this interfaces with the Ram-Scoops is still a mystery but one that we are certain to solve before the final announcement next week.
Click here for Propulsion Unit (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/borealis_propulsion_unit.gif)

Say tuned to the Planetary Press as we work tirelessly to crack this mystery that has kept us wondering all these weeks!

[EchoVictor]

OK, Jim, you seriously have my appetite whetted for this one....

I seem to be getting lucky lately to be attending the events where you're releasing these sci-fi beauties. Sweet! :D

BTW, wait 'til you see the surprise I've got in store for you at NARCON (think iHobby)....

Later,
EV

[jflis]

Borealis to be put into service!
Testing complete, the Borealis begins her journey to the Inner System.

PP NewsWire – Jupiter Station: The latest information coming from FlisStation confirms reports that the Borealis class Heavy Hauler has concluded her test flights with flying colors and is ready to be put into service.

First reported by the captain of the Herc-1 trader ship, the Borealis sailed into FlisStation after completing a rigorous series of test flights into the Hobbicron Industrial Empire, transporting passengers and materials for additional ships of the Borealis class.

Click for PICTURE (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/hobbicron.jpg) : The Borealis can be seen in this highly enlarged image taken from FlisStation of the space controlled by the Hobbicron Industrial Empire as the Borealis makes her way back into USPF space during her 2nd and final test flight.

It is with great anticipation that we await her arrival at Jupiter Station next week. Our sources indicate that the Borealis should be in orbit sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Her exact arrival time is being kept secret at this time.

The PP will track her departure from FlisStation later today and will be on the lookout for her appearance out near the Oort Boundary beginning Wednesday afternoon.

Model to commemorate the Borealis to be released!

In related news the PP has been made aware of the pending release of an actual flying model replica of the Borealis. The famed aerospace replica company, FlisKits, Inc. has released the following photos of the packaged kit along with a photo of the famed "First Production Unit".

Click for PICTURE (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/P1010359.JPG) : This image shows the first 100 or so kits that have recently been packaged up awaiting distribution at NARCON next week.

Jimadiah Flis, current CEO of this long-lived family owned company, is preparing the kit announcement to coincide with the official announcement of the Borealis at the NARCON event being held on Earth later next week. Jimadiah is here at Jupiter Station awaiting the arrival of the Borealis where he is expected to be invited to return to Earth as a passenger aboard that ship.

Click for PICTURE (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/P1010361.jpg) : This photo shows the back of the packaged kit showing the wide array of tubes needed to construct a working replica of this awe inspiring ship.

Meeting up with Jimadiah during mid-day meal, he had this to add to the Borealis model release: “We are hoping to get a great deal of excitement with the release of our newest kit taking place with the release of the actual ship itself. I believe that this is a first in the industry and we expect a great turnout at our booth at NARCON.”

Click for PICTURE (http://fliskits.com/adverts/images/borealis/P1010360.JPG) : This picture of the front of the kitted Borealis reproduction clearly shows the famed Production #1 kit which is slated to hit the auction block shortly after the conclusion of NARCON.

Mr. Flis went on to explain that their corporate representatives will have the working prototype on display as well as enough kits to satisfy the masses. The prototype is slated to be donated to the Captain of the Borealis for display aboard ship.

While few of us will ever get to see the actual ship up close, this is the best way to take a piece of this living legend home with you. It looks like NARCON is going to be THE place to be next week. The Planetary Press will be present and reporting throughout the event.

[PaulK]

PP NewsWire – Jupiter Station:[/B] While few of us will ever get to see the actual ship up close, this is the best way to take a piece of this living legend home with you. It looks like NARCON is going to be THE place to be next week. The Planetary Press will be present and reporting throughout the event.Cruel, cruel Jimadiah, you tease us too much. I must suffer the fate of being in FL during Narcon, missing not only the opportunity to take home a piece of this living legend from the Jimidiah himself, but also being subjected to warm sunny days. I've gotta get my priorities straightened out :D

[jflis]

Well, with a box full of retail kits, the original proto type and abot 300 miles behind us, we're on our way to meet up with the crew from the Borealis!

The kit has been unofficially released and is now availalble for purchase. you can see all the details that the Planetary Press has been unable to provide by going to our site :)

You wil find the Borealis under Futuristic and under Skill Level 3

Very kewl :)

jim

[Daniel Runyon]

Very kewl indeed... one of the finest sci fi kits I've seen anywhere. And the ducted ejection is one super cool functionality to boot! You'll be getting a builder out of me ASAP.

[bikegod]

Already posted my order!

Just one look on the site and I was hooked!

I had just bought three others (Corona, NightWhisper and Long Overdue) and was very pleased with the kits and their quality. Had to have this one as well.

Wish I had done some pics while building, but I have already done the build on the Corona and Long Overdue. Just waiting for some warmer weather to start painting.

Next day off I might start the build on the NightWhisper.

[jflis]

Well the Borealis is certainly a big hit at NARCON! :) folks love seeing all those tubes in the bag (11 not counting the launch lugs :) ) and the proto type too. I also have out for viewing a set of the laser cut parts and the instructions.

jim

[EchoVictor]

Everyone needs to do themselves a favor and take a good look at this beauty....

I just got back from NARCON, and got to see first hand how cool this kit really is. The look is absolutely dynamite, and it's much more sturdy in real life than those thin BT-2 tubes would lead you to believe.

I actually scored Production #7 for myself (BWA-HA-HA!!!!!). :D :D :D

Later,
EV

[jflis]

It pains me to have to announce that we have discovered a serious error in the laser cut fins makes it impossible to properly assemble the kit as instructed.

This error was brought to our attention and we are taking rapid steps to correct this.

Sale of the kit from the FlisKits web site has been place on HOLD and our retailers are being informed.

Those of you who have purchased the Borealis but have NOT yet begun assembly will receive corrected pieces as soon as we get them in. We expect to be able to get them in the mail by Friday or Saturday of this week.

We only have contact information for those of you who purchased a Borealis kit from the FlisKits web site direct. If you purchased one from NARCON or from one of our fine retailers, I will not have contact information for you and I urge you to contact FlisKits directly and provide shipping information so that we can get these replacement parts to you.

If you purchased a Borealis from our web site and have not heard from me by Thursday, please contact me directly.

If you have already begun construction and have glued the Ring-Fins together, please let us know as we will replace all affected parts (main fin, cross fin and BT-101 tube)

We apologize for this error and are working our hardest to get it corrected.

The Borealis will remain on hold until we can get inventory purged.

Watch http://fliskits.com/ and this thread for updates

jim

[jflis]

The good news is that the corrected fins should be in this afternoon (fingers crossed :) ) and we'll have inventory purged this eveing. Then I can take the Borealis off of hold.

I would then be able to start shipping out the replacement fins to our customers and put this one behind us :)

I will keep everyone up to date as we get past this.

jim

[jflis]

And, the BEST news is that the replacment fins have arrived, inventory has been purged and the

Borealis is again available for purchase!

Man, *that* was not fun! but we're past it and that is good.

I will begin shipping replacement fins out to our Borealis customers tomorrow and expect to be done by Saturday.

jim