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.
- unknown
Rob Kelk
Sticks and stones can break your bones,
But words can break your heart.
- unknown