Lego Imperial Star Destroyer Chimaera (Multi-Set Alternate Build)

The Chimaera 

This is, as stated in the title, a multi-set, alternate build. It utilizes the pieces of multiple Lego Sets; the two used in this one being the Star Wars:

75171 Battle on Scarif (Rogue One), and

9526 Palpatine's Arrest [Excluding Jedi Airspeeder]

Some pieces of those sets were not used, notably the windows from Palpatine's Arrest, as not many Star Destroyers out there carry full-glass, floor-to-celing windows. Some pieces were added, including Technic pins and a handful of plates.

Normally, I am most impressed with alternate builds that contain all of the original pieces in one build, but I am rather satisfied with how this one uses its Lego parts, regardless.

Engines

I was very satisfied with how I was able to make an accurate representation of the engine layout.

The 3 large engines were made out of the 3 low, circular spires in Palpatine's office in Palpatine's arrest.

The 4 smaller engines were made out of the spare parts of the aforementioned spires and the two decorational posts in Palpatine's office. At one point, I added some blue studs at the ends to make the engines look alive.

(the photo below was brightened slightly to allow a better view of the engines)

Command Deck

The two previous images had some difference in the superstructure, notably underneath it. This is because one picture contained the addition of the cover underneath, and the other did not. Let me show an example:

(With the cover, and next, without the cover)

A command deck is available in the open space underneath the superstructure. There is an aesthetic feel created by having a superstructure towering over the top of the command deck. Both options are available, though, depending on the play or display usage. The superstructure can be removed via technic pins (one black and one blue guide pin) for easier access to the command deck minifigures.

Note that the command deck can seat two in crew pits, with a walkway capable of holding up to 4 figures (rather uncomfortably. It is probably better to stick to two).

Interior

Vehicle Hangar

I have seen various Lego Imperial Star Destroyer sets through the years, and I was always most impressed with those that contained a hangar. Even if it might be more practical to never use the hole created by adding a hangar, I still wanted a tangible hangar in this star destroyer.

Note the hangar master controls near the bow of the ship.

I like to think that tractor beam controls are also contained here.

Nicely enough, this hangar can contain a microfighter, in this case the Tie Advanced Prototype. It fits rather nicely with room to spare on both sides. Without any fighter in the hangar, it is still a nice, useable space.

Stern Crew Areas

Crew Quarters

I wanted this star destroyer to be a figuratively living ship. On the port side of the ship, near the rear, is located some crew quarters that have beds for two. In addition, there is a terminal by the bedside that is a convenient place for a gunner to sit, if there is a need for one here.

Note that the top bed is angled. This was done to allow the beds to have a minimal elevation that can still accomadate two figures who might both be wearing helmets. This sloped upper bed also nicely fits with the top covering panel for that ship section.

This room area also has a nicely styled entryway into the hangar area, shown below.

That entryway also utilizes some of the entryway slopes from the Battle on Scarif set.

Central Meeting Chamber / Armory

The center section right in front of the stern of the Star Destroyer houses a compact meeting area, capable of seating 4 figures, but normally 2. 

When not in use as a meeting area, the table can be stowed on the furthest wall, held in place by the brick used for the table's stand. When the room is in this configuration, the table more appears as a reactor or other engine component, with the opposite wall having a weapons rack capable of holding 4.

Commander's Office

It might be somewhat obvious by now that this particular design was meant to be a functional station as much as a ship. So, stored near the stern, on the starboard side, is an executive office. This office utilizes a shrunk down version of the desk from Palpatine's arrest.

There is a seat behind the desk that is without a back to conserve space. This allows the top cover to fit nicely without hitting the head of the firgure sitting in the seat (even if they are weating a helmet). Two statues and other gold-colored art object line the walls, as well as a terminal on the far wall that houses some secret plans. I think this fits nicely with Admiral Thrawn's demeanor. Note that there is space in front of the desk to allow another figure to stand there.

Again, this office room connects into the hangar through a nicely formatted doorway utilizing the sloped entryway parts from the Battle on Scarif set. As these parts are given specific attention, do not forget to remember that this entire ship is made from parts of the two aforementioned sets, with minor additions.

Crew Areas Overview

All of these crew areas are in the back section of the ship. In the top center, above the meeting chamber/aromory is an indentation for the command bridge to rest.

Also of note is that the side office and crew quarters are removable, resulting in an open space that any non-overlaping 6 x 6 stud arangement can fit, provided it has the underside stud connections set up.

Easy Accessibility

The entire Chimaera Star Destroyer design is quite easy to access. All top coverings are able to be opened or completely removable with ease. The top section is removable. The bottom section has hinges.

Note the central brace that runs the length of the bow.

This brace aids in the ship being sturdily moved and carried.

Lifting up

Because this ship is completely flat on the underside, it is most easily picked up when it is moved off of the edge of the elevated area that it rests. If it is on the ground, it is easily removed off of soft carpet.

Afterword

Alternate Builds are, without a doubt to my mind, the most exciting and mentally engaging Lego designs to create. They incorporate multiple aspects, and require thinking that is figuratively "outside the box", while still being "inside"; Alternate Builds require ingenuity within limits. This is what allowed the success of this design: utilizing as many parts as possible that were contained in the original two sets, adding new parts only when the original part ran out (technic pins, for example).

Shown below is the starboard flank of my rendition of the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimaera, with my personal rendition of Commander Faro at the helm.

No instructions for this model.

I would encourage a look at what other Lego Sets there are that might be makeable into a personal rendition of a Star Destroyer.