Handwavium ships are pretty much based on intent and belief.
"Flying car" is a powerful meme, so handwavium can make one. Likewise, a ship from a popular SF series can be built and handwaved relatively easily. (Although the larger a ship is, the more likely it is to be quirked, which is why Fenspace has a lot of X-Wings but no Star Destroyers.)
Flying boats and flying trains... well, they're already vehicles, so the 'wave just amplifies that. Sometimes.
Purpose-designed spacecraft are possible, but you have to be bloody-minded stubborn in believing you can make one and have a clear idea what you want for it to work. A lot of Big Name Fen are that bloody-minded stubborn, though, which is why Noah Scott, Paidrag O'Neill, and Bob Schroeck's group have their own custom-designed stations. For most people, it's easier to just buy and 'wave a vehicle or use an existing design.
Space combat... yeah, that's pretty much only unwaved projectile weapons. I always wrote those scenes in hard-SF style, back when I was still writing here.
"Flying car" is a powerful meme, so handwavium can make one. Likewise, a ship from a popular SF series can be built and handwaved relatively easily. (Although the larger a ship is, the more likely it is to be quirked, which is why Fenspace has a lot of X-Wings but no Star Destroyers.)
Flying boats and flying trains... well, they're already vehicles, so the 'wave just amplifies that. Sometimes.
Purpose-designed spacecraft are possible, but you have to be bloody-minded stubborn in believing you can make one and have a clear idea what you want for it to work. A lot of Big Name Fen are that bloody-minded stubborn, though, which is why Noah Scott, Paidrag O'Neill, and Bob Schroeck's group have their own custom-designed stations. For most people, it's easier to just buy and 'wave a vehicle or use an existing design.
Space combat... yeah, that's pretty much only unwaved projectile weapons. I always wrote those scenes in hard-SF style, back when I was still writing here.
--
Rob Kelk
Sticks and stones can break your bones,
But words can break your heart.
Boycotting ALL products from the USA as long as that country's leader continues to lie about my native country.
Government of Canada: How to immigrate to Canada
Government of Canada: Claiming refugee protection (asylum) from within Canada
Rob Kelk
Sticks and stones can break your bones,
But words can break your heart.
Boycotting ALL products from the USA as long as that country's leader continues to lie about my native country.
Government of Canada: How to immigrate to Canada
Government of Canada: Claiming refugee protection (asylum) from within Canada