How exactly are these models structured? Do they use bones, or something else far more insidious? I know my way around blender(kinda), but what can you tell me?
Robsoie has posted a model for this in the Orbiter thread I linked to above. I've never used Blender or any other 3D modeling software before, so I can't tell you how exactly it works. Pretty much all I know right now is how to export the models from Blender using a plugin and how to make it work with Robsoie's files.
I've already requested some changes to the basic shape. After I get the important things to work the next steps would be animating the landing gear and nose cone and finally texturing the model.
If Robsoie wants/has to do things other than working on that model sometime, you may still help with that if you want to.Robsoie said he doesn't have any more time for this, so it would definitely be good if anyone could help with that.
You know, make it look like a giant beverage barrel, wood and iron etc.
Well, I had pretty much the same idea with my design: I wanted it to look basically like a beer barrel with a cone on top, but fully made out of metal. But maybe there can be a version that is painted to look like a wooden barrel. Aside from some small modifications
like adding a landing gear, the model in the Orbiter thread already shows the shape pretty well.
edit: I've decided to try to go with the original "tailsitter" only design, which will use the fins as landing gear.
So while the basic shape is already pretty much set, ideas for "dwarfy" gimmicks that don't alter the 3D model of the base vessel (too much) are still welcome. If you have any ideas for add-ons like the "lignite bin" booster or other dwarven space stuff, you can also post them here, but remember that the basic "dwarf shuttle" has the higher priority right now.