U.S.S. RUSS (Centaur Class Starship) · NCC-64127

The U.S.S. Russ is a Centaur-Class ship similar to the one seen in the Deep Space Nine Episode "A Time To Stand". The Russ was originally designed as a survey vessel, conducting more extensive planetary surveys of systems previously mapped by other starships. Since they could be called on to study an extensive variety of phenomenon, Star Fleet equipped the ship with many outboard, mission-specific modules. By being attached to the outer hull, they could be switched out more easily than modules built internally into other starships.

This became a tremendous advantage when the Dominion War broke out. With Star Fleet suffering tremendous losses of ships and personnel, the idea of an easily mission-adaptable starship with a crew of only 50-75 people was ideal and so the Centaur class was pressed into service as "Assault Frigates". Like the mid-20th century PT boats that inspired their refit, the Russ carried only minimal phaser armament, used primarily for defense. However, it boasted an outstanding tactical sensor suite and enhanced ECM/ECCM capabilities (provided by the "plug-in" modules), oversized impulse engines and maneuvering thrusters. All this was topped off by dual fore and aft heavy torpedo launchers, making these vessels exceptional for "hit and run" strikes during a battle.

The Russ served admirably during the Dominion War, but, tragically, was lost with all hands while on assignment in the Ingleside sector.

This model was kitbashed in much the same way that the studio model of the Centaur was, using parts from Excelsior, Reliant and Maquis Raider kits, with a few bits of poetic license taken here and there (there are at least four sets of specs out there on this ship). The markings were custom Excelsior decals from JT Graphics along with some spare Babylon 5 decals (downloaded from this site) and copied onto decal paper out of an old issue of Star Trek: the Magazine. The Russ is mounted on a wood photo plaque with a comm badge and dedication mouonted on it and an insert in the photo slot with a brief history a pic of both the ship and Dr. Keith Russ, for whom the ship is named.

This model was built as a tribute to Dr. Keith Russ, a brilliant, highly successful chemical engineer and avid Star Trek fan whom I had the honor of knowing, but was, sadly, killed by a negligent driver in an auto accident several years ago. The ship's registry is a play on his birthdate (Jan. 27, '64) and the dedication phrase on the plaque/base was highly appropriate to his life, "What you leave behind is woven into the lives of others" by Pericles.

Image: Under the saucer

Image: Left/top view

Image: Port nacelle

Image: Left/rear view

Image: Rear view

Image: Nacelle detail

Image: Dedication

Image: Top

Image: Underneath