Like JimiSue, I did not like the size consumption of some of the systems.
Logically I'd think it would vary with tech level and available resources, although "available resources" for a multi-stellar society may quite easily be a moot point. But regardless of actual size and weight, at any given tech level it's going to be as small and light as they can possibly get it.
Quite true and thanks for the DeNozo smack. I did vary the size of components based on TL. However, I was referring to the formulas and the example I gave on the 2007 Dodge Viper engine being twice the size of the
whole car just to get it to RL specs using the formula as RAW for ICEs (internal combustion engine). At first, an ICE would have to have been quite large to propel a car at 100kps. However, we are at the verge of TL16/TL17 and using the formula as RAW in the VehMan still causes the engine to be about twice the size as the whole car. I even tried it on an Apache attack helicopter and the engine required would be about 1.5 times larger than the whole helicopter. And for a third example, I tried a M1B1 main battle tank and, again, the engine ended up being larger than the whole tank. That was the problems I referring to on the size comsumption of some of the systems. Especially using it RAW.
I basically went in and altered some of the factors in the formulas so they would be more realistic instead of whimsical. Some I did not alter such as Zero Point Power Modules (misnomered as Vacuum Power) and the Cosmic Power Generator. Some I also left alone because they were realistic, especially the rocket engines. IIRC, rockets have to expend about 50% of their power just to lift the fuel needed up into orbit.
I even added some other systems, engines, etc. not in the VehMan version of the construction guidelines.
Update: Still haven't looked for my rewrite yet. Yesterday was a butt buster of a day and when I got home, I ate supper, laid down to watch Stargate: Atlantis, and fell asleep. Perhaps I'll get around to it this weekend.
rmfr