I'm hoping we get a steady drip of modules now that they have announced retaliator gold standard with its modules. The caterpillar is the ship i'm most looking forward to for that.
@@ducktape4502 Not saying all ships need to fit a 32 box but things like Freelancer's little airlock room will probably go. (Also because they've abandoned roof airlocks)
CIG sold some dreams with the Cat and its modularity. It s taking time to get the dockable cockpit but i really like this ship! too bad the front grid doesnt handle 32 scu boxes tho ^^
I laughed at your "Imaginecessary" comment, nice turn of phrase. Edit: It could faster, but overall i like the way it flies. Additionally, it could be widened to allow larger SCU containers. I understand this would increase it's capacity, but it is more of a traditional cargo vessel then anything else in the game and feels top tier to me. Ultimately it's place vs. the Crusader series needs to be examined by CIG to ensure they both have viable positions in the game.
One small correction : the Caterpillar actually has TWO large shield generators. The matrix isn't up to date. to me the Caterpillar is the perfect ship. I have the Pirate Caterpillar, and it sits in my buyback mothballs for now while I wait for the Polaris. But even the mighty Polaris does not comes close to the Caterpillar. The vibe, the looks... The Cat is the true spiritual hero ship of SC. There is no ship with the same lived in, home away from home vibe to it, not even the Corsair. The size is perfect. Large enough to be considered a big ship, small enough to be manageable. It's mean, it's industrial, it smells of rust and sweat after you clean it, and it's glorious.
There has been an interesting post on the Drake sub forum in Spectrum that because of its modularity, the components are over powered for this cargo configuration. This means a dedicated co-pilot can do some interesting things with the shields and extra computer banks once those get implemented in the game
I’m leaning really heavily into acquiring a Caterpillar. I tend towards industrial loops, and have a soft spot for Drake as my intro to Star Citizen was the Cutter at IAE 2 years ago. Nice to see you reviewing older ships with an eye to the future!
Thanks for this! I had totally forgotten how detailed the Command Module was. I wonder if we'll be seeing that functional in the 'verse soon now that the Retaliator modularity is coming in 3.23.x. With your review being so brutally honest, when you got to the end, I was pleasantly surprised that you still gave it 9/10. I fly a C2 myself but most of my friends who like to cargo haul prefer the Cat. It's a classic ship.
The "lore" reason behind the difficulty in flying the Cat compared to the C2 is the shape. The Hercules line looks like a family of shuttles from the Apollo age, they are made to be extremely agile thanks to their sleek design. The Cat on the other hand is rugged, full of angled shapes and is longer than larger. This makes her rely on powerful thrusters to get out of atmosphere (Drake loves big ass engines) but she doesn't fly that well outside ov vacuum because of her elongated shape. The giant port fin was added to give her a bit more of game in mid air.
I had a Corsair I didn't use because I have a loaner C1 so I swapped it for the Caterpillar. The cat performs about the same as the Corsair, it's much better lit, and feels the same inside so I feel like I should have done this a long time ago. We can now put the nursa in the cat so it's now a medical ship
10 The modules were discussed 8 yrs ago in ATV Ship Shape: Drake Caterpillar and ATV Ship Shape: Drake Caterpillar II. Hopefully those discussed will be implemented eventually, so I would classify the current configuration as the cargo variant of the vehicle What makes this a 10 is the mix and match modularity making this and the Endeavor the ultimate customizable vehicles (which matches your description of a 10)
I'm not a fan of the Caterpillar. Maybe once it's modularity and full functionality is in the game. But right now it just seems a lot of effort for what the Hercules can do better and easier.
There is a “Pirate Edition” that unlocks if you clear Pirate Swarm multiplayer on Arena Commander. Same price as the regular Cat, but all black with red highlights.
Really looking forward to seeing the modules roll out for the Cat. Having the ability to load it out the way you want for whatever it is you're doing should be pretty rad.
In its current iteration, I love the Caterpillar because - when present in ERTs - it's easy to kill and easy to crack open to fill up my C2. Hopefully in a few years we can look back at some of these pre-modularity modular ships and wonder how we could have lived without them. For now, though, I can live without it.
If it hasn't, the Caterpillar is DEFINITELY a ship that should get a seriously long awaited update. And more variants. This should be a utilitarian moduleship. That was or is the original intent.
I love the CATERPILLAR, it's the Poor Mans ENDEAVOR. 4 + 1/2 modules that can be (eventually) reconfigured for many game play loops . I expect compared to the Hercules C2, it will be much cheaper to run, repair, and maintain, ... Especially in the frontier areas where CRUSADER and ORIGIN spares are almost unheard of, but there are wrecking yards full of cheap DRAKE parts.
"I think this ship should be a bit more maneuverable." So, a spaceship baseball bat? Why upgrade the weapons at all! Joking aside, they make the detachable ship on this sound fast. It would be nice to know what it is capable of. Plus they make it sound like you could have 2+ of the "Bodies" of the ship at a time. That is quite the benefit.
I love the cat and play it way more often than my C2 loaner. However, a lot of things are not ingame right now, like the elevator ramps, the modules and the command module is still fixed to the main body.
The Caterpillar is one of those ships that I just don't have a use for atm as the C2 just does everything it does... and then some. The tractorbeam for the Cat is limited imo in that it can't actually move stuff into the holds as you simply can't bend the beam (or see inside the hold from where you are when operating the tractor beams). The layout of the holds is an issue as well, not just because the grids don't fit larger boxes, but mostly because they are so incredibly cramped. Now... if it gets modules... that's a different story altogether. Provided those modules aren't purely a visual thing with no actual gameplay loop attached to it.
There was a time I would agree with a 9 but since the cargo refactor, I place it more at a 6. Cargo blocks access to the lower deck when full, it does not fit the larger cargo pods. Once the cat gets a gold pass and the side doors double as an elevator, and you can detach the command module then I would bump this to a 7 maybe an 8.
Well timed video! I've been eyeing the Caterpillar for in-game purchase lately.. (1.1 mil away 💪) Mostly for the vibes. I don't love cargo running but loading up refinery jobs or the occasional run feels fun. I like a lowkey level of RP in my head while I play and this kinda fits the bill Also I can't believe this was the first time I heard they're increasing prices for 3.23 -- I gotta keep up a little.
Id love to see them do a pass on the caterpillar. It seems like the perfect ship for so many things. As a fury carrier it has become a lot of fun as well.
I understand the modularity argument. the thing is those compartments aren't that big. without seeing the modules, I see this ship being useful for small orgs at most and being a jack of all trades master of none. the c2 has the capacity for cargo, vehicles, and troops. thats also not accounting for the handling/speed. I put a lot of my opinion on how i can take a ship and use it in both a logistical position but a militant one. at least with the c2 i can, with great risk, use it in a similar way to a valkyrie. I hope the modules brings the cat back into relevance for me.
I have the Pirate Cat, and I almost never fly it. Once modules come in that may change, I can see a few uses later. I would rather go a little under with the Carrack or a lot over with the C2 at this point though.
Modularity may change this, along with the assumed change to allow cargo doors to reach the ground, but I've never liked the Caterpillar. I want to because cargo hauling is one of my main game loops but maybe it's the nearly infinite hallway. It just doesn't click with me.
That's one of the biggest ships I like, cuz of its versatility. Even now Its already cool to me. Can't wait to see it with tractor beams better positioned an modularity
It's a nice ship, but with Master Modes coming down the corner, traders may be in serious trouble when operating big slow ships like the Cat, even more if they're flying solo.
The CAT is great, but man I wish it would fit a 32scu crate across. Its so close. Only other complaint is how far you have to go to get to the controls, but I daily drive an MSR, so I can't really talk lol.
Oh yea i had forgotten about command module racing :D That's what i am mostly waiting from catepillars. Also hoping for cool modules. Getting a ccu for it was good tip, def doing that next time its available.
Unfortunately, I fear that there will probably be more new ships before there are modules for Cat/Carrack... because CIG would rather make money instead of pushing modularity...
Unless Im missing something - the tractor beam views are kind of horrendous. There is no way you can see some of the cargo along the aft bulkheads of the further cargo modules. I do still like the ship though. Just not sure its going to make loading/unloading easier just because it has onboard tractor beams.
Such a wasted concept. Could have placed the catwalk centrally and raised it so it bulges out on the top. This would allow more room for the different fighters to fit inside each bay. Making it an amazing small fighter carrier. It would also look cooler giving the ship a pronounced spine. I’m hoping they give us turret modules.
The Caterpillar is the greatest space truckin' ship in the verse - it's so on point that you can almost smell the stale sweat and double cheeseburger farts.
I don't think tractor beans and the cargo overhaul are going to save it. Loading the C2 with 32 scu boxes still might be faster and far less tetris-y. They definitely need to give the engines more power to give the Cat a chance.
The review was concise but I think that it is better the C2. It is longer though it does not sit as high but overall I think that it is the better ship all round
I'm hoping we get a steady drip of modules now that they have announced retaliator gold standard with its modules. The caterpillar is the ship i'm most looking forward to for that.
Now that they have decided how big cargo containers are, so many ships need to have their cargo bays redesigned.
No. Those ships just won't be able to fit the larger boxes
@@ducktape4502 Not saying all ships need to fit a 32 box but things like Freelancer's little airlock room will probably go. (Also because they've abandoned roof airlocks)
Filling it with fury's is a fun way to use it as a pocket carrier :)
That's my favorite idea for this thing. Throw one into a convoy and it's basically a q ship.
i added a ursa medivac waiting medical module; so 4 fury's + medical ursa, i can respawn in another fury in fight with friends
Dude, solid plan!@@ClementMelchior
CIG sold some dreams with the Cat and its modularity. It s taking time to get the dockable cockpit but i really like this ship! too bad the front grid doesnt handle 32 scu boxes tho ^^
Caterpillar operations in 3.23 are gonna be tough, but that doesn't scare Drake pilots.
I've got to agree that the Caterpillar is pretty good overall, but that take off speed is a real drag.
I laughed at your "Imaginecessary" comment, nice turn of phrase. Edit: It could faster, but overall i like the way it flies. Additionally, it could be widened to allow larger SCU containers. I understand this would increase it's capacity, but it is more of a traditional cargo vessel then anything else in the game and feels top tier to me. Ultimately it's place vs. the Crusader series needs to be examined by CIG to ensure they both have viable positions in the game.
Coming in after the Ironclad reveal. How does that look to you?
One small correction : the Caterpillar actually has TWO large shield generators. The matrix isn't up to date.
to me the Caterpillar is the perfect ship. I have the Pirate Caterpillar, and it sits in my buyback mothballs for now while I wait for the Polaris. But even the mighty Polaris does not comes close to the Caterpillar. The vibe, the looks... The Cat is the true spiritual hero ship of SC. There is no ship with the same lived in, home away from home vibe to it, not even the Corsair. The size is perfect. Large enough to be considered a big ship, small enough to be manageable. It's mean, it's industrial, it smells of rust and sweat after you clean it, and it's glorious.
I love the design that the Caterpillar gives - Drake always offers something to get the job done
Can't wait to see what kind of modules come out for the Caterpillar.
I agree, the Caterpillar would make a great command ship. As always, I love that you have background knowledge on the ship. Keep up the good work!
The ship that actually excites me for modularity
There has been an interesting post on the Drake sub forum in Spectrum that because of its modularity, the components are over powered for this cargo configuration. This means a dedicated co-pilot can do some interesting things with the shields and extra computer banks once those get implemented in the game
I’m leaning really heavily into acquiring a Caterpillar. I tend towards industrial loops, and have a soft spot for Drake as my intro to Star Citizen was the Cutter at IAE 2 years ago. Nice to see you reviewing older ships with an eye to the future!
Thanks for this! I had totally forgotten how detailed the Command Module was. I wonder if we'll be seeing that functional in the 'verse soon now that the Retaliator modularity is coming in 3.23.x. With your review being so brutally honest, when you got to the end, I was pleasantly surprised that you still gave it 9/10. I fly a C2 myself but most of my friends who like to cargo haul prefer the Cat. It's a classic ship.
The "lore" reason behind the difficulty in flying the Cat compared to the C2 is the shape. The Hercules line looks like a family of shuttles from the Apollo age, they are made to be extremely agile thanks to their sleek design.
The Cat on the other hand is rugged, full of angled shapes and is longer than larger. This makes her rely on powerful thrusters to get out of atmosphere (Drake loves big ass engines) but she doesn't fly that well outside ov vacuum because of her elongated shape. The giant port fin was added to give her a bit more of game in mid air.
I really look forward to seeing what all the modules do for this ship. Without the modules it seems like the C2 outclasses this though.
I had a Corsair I didn't use because I have a loaner C1 so I swapped it for the Caterpillar. The cat performs about the same as the Corsair, it's much better lit, and feels the same inside so I feel like I should have done this a long time ago.
We can now put the nursa in the cat so it's now a medical ship
There was one FAN MADE concept of a carrier/landing pad module I've seen. It was amazing
Man the idea of a caterpillar carrier sounds hella fun. Keep it up man
10
The modules were discussed 8 yrs ago in ATV Ship Shape: Drake Caterpillar and ATV Ship Shape: Drake Caterpillar II.
Hopefully those discussed will be implemented eventually, so I would classify the current configuration as the cargo variant of the vehicle
What makes this a 10 is the mix and match modularity making this and the Endeavor the ultimate customizable vehicles (which matches your description of a 10)
I'm not a fan of the Caterpillar. Maybe once it's modularity and full functionality is in the game. But right now it just seems a lot of effort for what the Hercules can do better and easier.
There is a “Pirate Edition” that unlocks if you clear Pirate Swarm multiplayer on Arena Commander. Same price as the regular Cat, but all black with red highlights.
they are limited though...you wont be able to get it now
My favorite flight ready ship
Really looking forward to seeing the modules roll out for the Cat. Having the ability to load it out the way you want for whatever it is you're doing should be pretty rad.
In its current iteration, I love the Caterpillar because - when present in ERTs - it's easy to kill and easy to crack open to fill up my C2. Hopefully in a few years we can look back at some of these pre-modularity modular ships and wonder how we could have lived without them. For now, though, I can live without it.
If it hasn't, the Caterpillar is DEFINITELY a ship that should get a seriously long awaited update. And more variants. This should be a utilitarian moduleship. That was or is the original intent.
I love the CATERPILLAR, it's the Poor Mans ENDEAVOR. 4 + 1/2 modules that can be (eventually) reconfigured for many game play loops . I expect compared to the Hercules C2, it will be much cheaper to run, repair, and maintain, ... Especially in the frontier areas where CRUSADER and ORIGIN spares are almost unheard of, but there are wrecking yards full of cheap DRAKE parts.
"I think this ship should be a bit more maneuverable." So, a spaceship baseball bat? Why upgrade the weapons at all!
Joking aside, they make the detachable ship on this sound fast. It would be nice to know what it is capable of. Plus they make it sound like you could have 2+ of the "Bodies" of the ship at a time. That is quite the benefit.
I love the cat and play it way more often than my C2 loaner. However, a lot of things are not ingame right now, like the elevator ramps, the modules and the command module is still fixed to the main body.
honestly, this video makes me excited for when the Caterpillar get's it's modularity. It deserves it.
The Caterpillar is one of those ships that I just don't have a use for atm as the C2 just does everything it does... and then some. The tractorbeam for the Cat is limited imo in that it can't actually move stuff into the holds as you simply can't bend the beam (or see inside the hold from where you are when operating the tractor beams). The layout of the holds is an issue as well, not just because the grids don't fit larger boxes, but mostly because they are so incredibly cramped. Now... if it gets modules... that's a different story altogether. Provided those modules aren't purely a visual thing with no actual gameplay loop attached to it.
There was a time I would agree with a 9 but since the cargo refactor, I place it more at a 6. Cargo blocks access to the lower deck when full, it does not fit the larger cargo pods. Once the cat gets a gold pass and the side doors double as an elevator, and you can detach the command module then I would bump this to a 7 maybe an 8.
Programming whenever the caterpillar gets molecularity it's going to be awesome
Well timed video! I've been eyeing the Caterpillar for in-game purchase lately.. (1.1 mil away 💪) Mostly for the vibes. I don't love cargo running but loading up refinery jobs or the occasional run feels fun. I like a lowkey level of RP in my head while I play and this kinda fits the bill
Also I can't believe this was the first time I heard they're increasing prices for 3.23 -- I gotta keep up a little.
I think with modularity the caterpillar will be much more useful. Right now, it's a very niche ship that is outclassed by all of its competitors.
I have a thing for the older ships. The Cat is definitely one of them. It is an amazing ship and feels like a cargo hauler should.
really hope they start pumping out them modules soon tbh. but at the same time i want new start systems more then just more ship features right now.
Id love to see them do a pass on the caterpillar. It seems like the perfect ship for so many things. As a fury carrier it has become a lot of fun as well.
I understand the modularity argument. the thing is those compartments aren't that big. without seeing the modules, I see this ship being useful for small orgs at most and being a jack of all trades master of none. the c2 has the capacity for cargo, vehicles, and troops. thats also not accounting for the handling/speed. I put a lot of my opinion on how i can take a ship and use it in both a logistical position but a militant one. at least with the c2 i can, with great risk, use it in a similar way to a valkyrie. I hope the modules brings the cat back into relevance for me.
Nice review! I just realized how great is this ship! And the detachable hull is the cherry on the pie :D
I really hope she gets a Quantum Fuel tank upgrade for 4.0 or she's gonna have to make a ton of pit stops. Can't wait for modularity
The cat is just the kind of ship I want. Big ol industrial cargo hauler
Ahh the budget/ mini Endeavor. Great example of Drake.
Great outlook style and perspective. 07
I think the Cat has one of the best tractor beam setups, honestly.
I have the Pirate Cat, and I almost never fly it. Once modules come in that may change, I can see a few uses later. I would rather go a little under with the Carrack or a lot over with the C2 at this point though.
Modularity may change this, along with the assumed change to allow cargo doors to reach the ground, but I've never liked the Caterpillar. I want to because cargo hauling is one of my main game loops but maybe it's the nearly infinite hallway. It just doesn't click with me.
I love this ship so much I almost wish it was a drake semi capital ship like a frigate or something. The shape is so neat.
That's one of the biggest ships I like, cuz of its versatility. Even now Its already cool to me. Can't wait to see it with tractor beams better positioned an modularity
Despite its downfalls I still love this ship
Solid review. Thanks for making these!
I like the caterpillar a lot. It's one of those ships that feels good to walk through
I never knew it had a detachable command deck. how cool
Caterpillar with LTI, I have it and love it. - The flying brick
I love all drake ships. I hope that modules are soon in game.
It's a nice ship, but with Master Modes coming down the corner, traders may be in serious trouble when operating big slow ships like the Cat, even more if they're flying solo.
Love the caterpillar, it's up there with the herald and terrapin for design for me.
Was thinking about upgrading to this ship, do yall think it could do VHRTs and what not? I like hauling but I also like dipping into other game loops.
I'm looking to buy a C2 or a caterpillar but I don't which one to buy, this video might help decide.
This thing is gonna be sweet once modules are a thing. Then it'll have a leg up over the C2, can't wait tbh
I use to have a caterpillar. Very solid! Hope modularity will come soon for this ship! 👌🏾
The CAT is great, but man I wish it would fit a 32scu crate across. Its so close. Only other complaint is how far you have to go to get to the controls, but I daily drive an MSR, so I can't really talk lol.
One of my favorite ships the Caterpillar, every time its not in my asop I miss it.
I love the caterpillar. It's sad that the BIS Paint is still bugged.
the Cat is awesome , need a bit of rework on the interior ( whats going on with this massive staircase , habs location don't make sense)
The Cat is always gonna have a special place in my heart
Oh yea i had forgotten about command module racing :D That's what i am mostly waiting from catepillars. Also hoping for cool modules. Getting a ccu for it was good tip, def doing that next time its available.
Best Moduler ship period. I was hoping for moduls sell but we see.
thank you for the quality vids
They really need to get modularity on this
Unfortunately, I fear that there will probably be more new ships before there are modules for Cat/Carrack... because CIG would rather make money instead of pushing modularity...
looking forward to what the Cat becomes
I've been doing hrt/vhrts for rep and these things somehow do the most damage to my ship so the turrets seem to be good for what they have at stock
maybe the only contender for the 890j in the kitchen numbers game
I think the caterpillar is my favourite hauler. The herc just doesn't feel as lived in. This might change in future though so I'm open to anything.
for some reason I really like the interior
Think of the Caterpillar as 80% of a Carrack for almost half the price.
Its a good ship, but it will be even better once modularity comes along.
If only this had a front ramp for vehicles it would probably replace my pledged C2
The caterpillar is one of my favorite ships, I don't know why but I do lol, oh it actually has two large shields
Modularity is coming "soon" people, So this ship is about to be something else.
Part of me is wishing I didn't CCU it to the C2.
rn the caterpillar is just the bad version of the C2 but with modularity itll be one of the most useful ships in that size
Unless Im missing something - the tractor beam views are kind of horrendous. There is no way you can see some of the cargo along the aft bulkheads of the further cargo modules.
I do still like the ship though. Just not sure its going to make loading/unloading easier just because it has onboard tractor beams.
solid video thank you sir
Just subbed. Great content!
So much potential with the Caterpillar.
caterpillar is a unique ship very cool
Such a wasted concept. Could have placed the catwalk centrally and raised it so it bulges out on the top. This would allow more room for the different fighters to fit inside each bay. Making it an amazing small fighter carrier.
It would also look cooler giving the ship a pronounced spine. I’m hoping they give us turret modules.
Don't give up hope! This ship is still due for a rework!
Love the caterpillar
This thang looks awesome but struggles to compete against the other medium cargo haulers..
The Caterpillar is the greatest space truckin' ship in the verse - it's so on point that you can almost smell the stale sweat and double cheeseburger farts.
Im hoping the modules are good i see me picking it up when base building is a thing lol
Hygiene module for the caterpillar: sauna, showers and an outdoor grill (when doors open). Otherwise game is unplayable.
LOVE my Cat. If I could get salvage and repair modules for my cat then TBH I might never fly much else again.
This ship gives me pitch black vibes. I feel like this thing would handle atmo just as well.
Think im a drake fanboy. Someone described this ship as the actual falcon, and i kinda see it (in practice and function. and interior.)
yup, one of my favorite ships
I don't think tractor beans and the cargo overhaul are going to save it. Loading the C2 with 32 scu boxes still might be faster and far less tetris-y. They definitely need to give the engines more power to give the Cat a chance.
Gotta fix those tractor beams
The review was concise but I think that it is better the C2. It is longer though it does not sit as high but overall I think that it is the better ship all round
Which is why I rated it higher than the C2! Check out my C2 Review.
@@billionaireninjasI wish it had a bigger and nicer living quarters