On Sat, Feb 7, 2026 at 4:38 PM ewan at quibell.org.uk (via tml list)
<xxxxxx@simplelists.com> wrote:
>
> Ok so how does your average merchant ship survive in the wilds without access to spares, parts and repair facilities?

If you are willing to believe T5 as a source of correct information
about the wilds, T5 has a device called a "Maker", which is a
combination of a 3D printer and CNC machine capable of building parts
as needed. As long as you can supply the raw materials, usually
specified as specialized containers of materials, it can create any
spare parts you need,

You no longer need to carry around a ship-sized cargo container of
spare parts. The maker occupies a few tons of space, and the materials
a few tons more. but you will eventually run out of the Maker's
spares. But that gets you a few months further.

That and the design of the Leviathan (CT Adventure) should give you some ideas.