diff --git a/engine/CMakeLists.txt b/engine/CMakeLists.txt
index 2d414249a..03484b74b 100644
--- a/engine/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/engine/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -166,6 +166,7 @@ IF (UNIX)
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/damage
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/resource
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/components
+        ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/python/base_computer
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/python/config
         ${Vega_Strike_BINARY_DIR}
         ${Vega_Strike_BINARY_DIR}/src
@@ -178,6 +179,7 @@ ELSE ()
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/damage
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/resource
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/components
+        ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/python/base_computer
         ${Vega_Strike_SOURCE_DIR}/src/python/config
         ${Vega_Strike_BINARY_DIR}
         ${Vega_Strike_BINARY_DIR}/src
@@ -769,6 +771,8 @@ SET(LIBPYTHON_SOURCES
     src/python/unit_method_defs.cpp
     src/python/unit_wrapper.cpp
     src/python/universe_util_export.cpp
+
+    src/python/base_computer/ship_view.cpp
 )
 
 SET(LIBSCRIPT_SOURCES
diff --git a/engine/src/cmd/basecomputer.cpp b/engine/src/cmd/basecomputer.cpp
index f739ba3cc..586ed3312 100644
--- a/engine/src/cmd/basecomputer.cpp
+++ b/engine/src/cmd/basecomputer.cpp
@@ -62,6 +62,8 @@ using VSFileSystem::SaveFile;
 #include "facet_configuration.h"
 #include "vs_logging.h"
 #include "controls_factory.h"
+#include "python/base_computer/ship_view.h"
+
 
 //#define VS_PI 3.1415926535897931
 
@@ -4702,53 +4704,8 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
         text += "#n##c0:1:.5#[STATS]#n##-c";
     }
     if (!mode) {
-        const std::string &name = playerUnit->name;
-        for (nameindex = 0; (nameindex < name.size()) && name[nameindex] != '.'; nameindex++) {
-        }
-        nametemp = playerUnit->getFullname();
-        if (nametemp.length()) {
-            nametemp[0] = toupper(nametemp[0]);
-        }
-        for (nameindex = nameindex + 1; nameindex < name.size(); nameindex++) {
-            model += name[nameindex];
-        }
-        if (model == "blank") {
-            model = "TEMPLATE--WARNING--BUG";
-        } else if (model == "") {
-            model = "Military Issue (equipped)";
-        } else if (model == "rg") {
-            model = "Regional Guard Issue (equipped)";
-        } else if (model == "milspec") {
-            model = "Military Spec.";
-        } else if (model == "rgspec") {
-            model = "Regional Guard Spec.";
-        } else if (model == "stock") {
-            model = "Stock";
-        } else if (model == "begin") {
-            model = "Stock(Refurbished)";
-        } else {
-            model = "Military Spec. Variant (" + model + ")";
-        }
-        Cargo *fullname = GetMasterPartList(playerUnit->name.get().c_str());
-        Cargo *milname = GetMasterPartList(nametemp.c_str());
-        Cargo *blankname = GetMasterPartList((nametemp + ".blank").c_str());
-        if (!subunitlevel && (fullname || milname || blankname)) {
-            text += "#c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[NOTES]#n##n##-c";
-            if (fullname) {
-                text += fullname->GetDescription();
-            } else if (blankname) {
-                text += blankname->GetDescription();
-            } else if (milname) {
-                text += milname->GetDescription();
-            }
-            text += "#n#";
-        }
-        text += "#n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[GENERAL INFORMATION]#n##-c";
-
-        text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Class: #-c" + nametemp + statcolor + "    Model: #-c" + model;
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Mass: #-c", playerUnit->getMass(), 0, "metric tons");
-        //Irrelevant to player as is proportional to mass in our physics system.
-        //PRETTY_ADDU("Moment of inertia: ",playerUnit->GetMoment(),2,"tons.m�");
+        std::map<std::string, std::string> ship_map = playerUnit->UnitToMap();
+        text += GetShipView(ship_map);
     }
     if (mode && replacement_mode == 2 && playerUnit->getMass() != blankUnit->getMass())
         PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Effective Mass reduced by: #-c", 100.0 * (1.0 - playerUnit->getMass()), 0, "%");
@@ -4761,9 +4718,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
         bvol[0] = blankUnit->getEmptyCargoVolume();
         bvol[1] = blankUnit->getEmptyUpgradeVolume();
         for (int index = 0; index < 2; ++index) {
-            if (!mode) {
-                PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + dvol[index] + " volume: #-c", vol[index], 0, "cubic meters");
-            } else if (bvol[index] != vol[index]) {
+            if (mode && bvol[index] != vol[index]) {
                 switch (replacement_mode) {
                     case 0:                 //Replacement or new Module
                         PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Changes " + dvol[index] + " Volume to: #-c",
@@ -4792,9 +4747,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
     }
     //following lines somewhat borken in terms of semantics for quantity of fuel
     //and policy of upgrades to fuel
-    if (!mode) {
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Fuel capacity: #-c", playerUnit->fuelData(), 2, "metric tons of Lithium-6");
-    } else if (blankUnit->fuelData() != playerUnit->fuelData()) {
+    if (mode && blankUnit->fuelData() != playerUnit->fuelData()) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                 //Replacement or new Module
                 break;
@@ -4811,21 +4764,13 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
                 break;
         }
     }
-    //const Unit::Computer uc  = playerUnit->ViewComputerData();
-    //const Unit::Computer buc = blankUnit->ViewComputerData();
     const Computer &uc = playerUnit->ViewComputerData();
     const Computer &buc = blankUnit->ViewComputerData();
-    if (!mode) {
-        text += "#n##n#" + prefix + "#c0:1:.5#[FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS]#n##-c";
-        text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Turning response: #-c";
-    }
+    
     if (playerUnit->limits.yaw == playerUnit->limits.pitch && playerUnit->limits.yaw == playerUnit->limits.roll) {
         prettyPrintFloat(conversionBuffer, playerUnit->limits.yaw
                 / ((playerUnit->GetMoment() != 0) ? playerUnit->GetMoment() : 1), 0, 4);
-        if (!mode) {
-            text += conversionBuffer;
-            text += " radians/second^2#n#" + expstatcolor + "  (yaw, pitch, roll)#-c";
-        } else if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.yaw)) {
+        if (mode && MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.yaw)) {
             switch (replacement_mode) {
                 case 0:                     //Replacement or new Module
                     PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "#n#Installs maneuvering jets with turning response #-c",
@@ -4847,15 +4792,9 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
             }
         }
     } else {
-        if (!mode) {
-            float moment = (playerUnit->GetMoment() != 0) ? playerUnit->GetMoment() : 1;
-            PRETTY_ADDN(substatcolor + "  yaw #-c", playerUnit->limits.yaw / (moment), 4);
-            PRETTY_ADDN(substatcolor + "  pitch #-c", playerUnit->limits.pitch / (moment), 4);
-            PRETTY_ADDN(substatcolor + "  roll #-c", playerUnit->limits.roll / (moment), 4);
-            text += " radians/second^2";
-        } else if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.yaw)
+        if (mode && (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.yaw)
                 || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.pitch)
-                || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.roll)) {
+                || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.roll))) {
             switch (replacement_mode) {
                 case 0:                     //Replacement or new Module
                     text += "#n#Replaces existing maneuvering system with one rated at: #-c#n#";
@@ -4885,27 +4824,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
         }
     }
     if (!subunitlevel) {
-        if (!mode && (playerUnit->getMass() != 0)) {
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Fore acceleration: #-c",
-                    playerUnit->limits.forward / (9.8 * playerUnit->getMass()), 2, "gravities");
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Aft acceleration: #-c",
-                    playerUnit->limits.retro / (9.8 * playerUnit->getMass()), 2, "gravities");
-            if (playerUnit->limits.lateral == playerUnit->limits.vertical) {
-                PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Orthogonal acceleration: #-c",
-                        playerUnit->limits.vertical / (9.8 * playerUnit->getMass()), 2, "gravities");
-                text += expstatcolor + "#n#  (vertical and lateral axes)#-c";
-            } else {
-                PRETTY_ADDN(statcolor + " Lateral acceleration #-c",
-                        playerUnit->limits.lateral / (9.8 * playerUnit->getMass()),
-                        2);
-                PRETTY_ADDN(statcolor + " Vertical acceleration #-c",
-                        playerUnit->limits.vertical / (9.8 * playerUnit->getMass()), 2);
-                text += " gravities";
-            }
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Forward acceleration with overthrust: #-c", playerUnit->limits.afterburn
-                    / (9.8 * playerUnit->getMass()), 2, "gravities");
-            text.append("#n##n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[GOVERNOR SETTINGS]#n##-c");
-        } else {
+        if (mode) {
             switch (replacement_mode) {
                 case 0:                     //Replacement or new Module
                     if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, limits.forward)) {
@@ -5009,11 +4928,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
         }
         static float non_combat_mode_mult =
                 XMLSupport::parse_float(vs_config->getVariable("physics", "combat_speed_boost", "100"));
-        if (!mode) {
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Max combat speed: #-c", uc.max_speed(), 0, "m/s");
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Max overdrive combat speed: #-c", uc.max_ab_speed(), 0, "m/s");
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Max non-combat speed: #-c", uc.max_speed() * non_combat_mode_mult, 0, "m/s");
-        } else {
+        if (mode) {
             switch (replacement_mode) {
                 case 0:                     //Replacement or new Module
                     if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, max_speed())) {
@@ -5057,20 +4972,9 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
             }
         }
     }
-    if (!mode) {
-        if (uc.max_yaw_right == uc.max_pitch_up && uc.max_yaw_right == uc.max_roll_right) {
-            PRETTY_ADD(statcolor + "Max turn rate: #-c", uc.max_yaw_right, 2);
-            text += " radians/second " + expstatcolor + "(yaw, pitch, roll)#-c";
-        } else {
-            text += ("#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Max turn rates:#-c");
-            PRETTY_ADDU(substatcolor + " - yaw: #-c", uc.max_yaw_right, 2, "radians/second");
-            PRETTY_ADDU(substatcolor + " - pitch: #-c", uc.max_pitch_up, 2, "radians/second");
-            PRETTY_ADDU(substatcolor + " - roll: #-c", uc.max_roll_right, 2, "radians/second");
-        }
-        text += "#n##n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[TARGETTING SUBSYSTEM]#n##-c";
-    } else if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, max_yaw_right)
+    if (mode && (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, max_yaw_right)
             || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, max_pitch_up)
-            || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, max_roll_right)) {
+            || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, max_roll_right))) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                         //Replacement or new Module
                 text += ("#n#" + prefix + "Governor settings for maximum turn rates set to: ");
@@ -5098,39 +5002,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
                 break;
         }
     }
-    if (!mode) {
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Tracking range: #-c", uc.radar.maxrange / 1000, 0, "km");
-        if ((acos(uc.radar.maxcone) * 360 / PI) < 359) {
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Tracking cone: #-c", acos(uc.radar.maxcone) * 2, 2, "radians");
-            text += expstatcolor + "#n#  (planar angle: 2 pi means full space)#-c";
-        } else {
-            text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Tracking cone: #-cOMNIDIRECTIONAL";
-        }
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Assisted targeting cone: #-c", acos(uc.radar.trackingcone) * 2, 2, "radians");
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Missile locking cone: #-c", acos(uc.radar.lockcone) * 2, 2, "radians");
-        if (!subunitlevel) {
-            //Always zero PRETTY_ADDU("Minimum target size: ",uc.radar.mintargetsize,2,"m");
-            text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "ITTS (Intelligent Target Tracking System) support: #-c";
-            if (uc.itts) {
-                text += "yes";
-            } else {
-                text += "no";
-            }
-            text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "AFHH (Advanced Flag & Hostility Heuristics) support: #-c";
-            std::string afhh;
-            if (uc.radar.UseFriendFoe()) {
-                afhh += "friendly/hostile ";
-            }
-            if (uc.radar.UseThreatAssessment()) {
-                afhh += "threat ";
-            }
-            if (afhh.empty()) {
-                afhh = "no";
-            }
-            text += afhh;
-        }
-        text.append("#n##n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[ENERGY SUBSYSTEM]#n##-c");
-    } else {
+    if (mode) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                 //Replacement or new Module
                 if (MODIFIES_ALTEMPTY(replacement_mode, &uc, &buc, radar.maxrange, FLT_MAX)
@@ -5179,48 +5051,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
     const JumpDrive &uj = playerUnit->jump_drive;
     const FtlDrive &ftl = playerUnit->ftl_drive;
     const JumpDrive &buj = blankUnit->jump_drive;
-    if (!mode) {
-        float maxshield = playerUnit->totalShieldEnergyCapacitance();
-        if (shields_require_power) {
-            maxshield = 0;
-        }
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Recharge: #-c", playerUnit->reactor.Capacity() * RSconverter, 0, "MJ/s");
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Weapon capacitor bank storage: #-c",
-                ((playerUnit->maxEnergyData() - maxshield) * RSconverter), 0, "MJ");
-        //note: I found no function to get max warp energy, but since we're docked they are the same
-        if (!subunitlevel) {
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Warp capacitor bank storage: #-c",
-                    playerUnit->warpCapData() * RSconverter * Wconv,
-                    0,
-                    "MJ");
-
-            text += "#n##n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[SPEC SUBSYSTEM]#n##-c";
-
-            PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Active SPEC Energy Requirements: #-c",
-                    ftl.GetConsumption() * RSconverter * Wconv,
-                    0,
-                    "MJ/s");
-
-            text += "#n##n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[JUMP SUBSYSTEM]#n##-c";
-            if (!uj.Installed()) {
-                text += "#n##c1:.3:.3#No outsystem jump drive present#-c";                 //fixed??
-            } else {
-                PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Energy cost for jumpnode travel: #-c",
-                        uj.GetConsumption() * RSconverter * Wconv,
-                        0,
-                        "MJ");
-                if (uj.Delay() > 0)
-                    PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Delay: #-c", uj.Delay(), 0, "seconds");
-                if (uj.Damaged())
-                    PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Damage to outsystem jump drive: #-c", 1-uj.Percent(), 0, "%");
-                if (playerUnit->ftl_energy.MaxLevel() < uj.GetAtomConsumption()) {
-                    text += "#n##c1:.3:.3#" + prefix
-                            +
-                                    "WARNING: Warp capacitor banks under capacity for jump: upgrade warp capacitance#-c";
-                }
-            }
-        }
-    } else {
+    if (mode) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                 //Replacement or new Module
                 if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, reactor.Capacity()))
@@ -5268,10 +5099,6 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
                 break;
         }
     }
-    if (!mode) {
-        text += "#n##n##c0:1:.5#" + prefix + "[DURABILITY STATISTICS]#n##-c";
-        text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Armor damage resistance:#-c";
-    }
 
     if (mode && MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit,
             armor->facets[as_integer(FacetName::left_top_front)].health)) {
@@ -5292,7 +5119,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
     }
 
     // Add Armor stats
-    if (!mode || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, armor->facets[2].health)) {
+    if (mode && MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, armor->facets[2].health)) {
         std::string armor_color_strings[8] = {
                 " - Fore-starboard-high: #-c",
                 " - Aft-starboard-high: #-c",
@@ -5317,14 +5144,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
         }
     }
 
-    if (!mode) {
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Sustainable Hull Damage: #-c",
-                playerUnit->GetHull() / (playerUnit->GetHullPercent()) * VSDM, 0, "MJ");
-        if (1 != playerUnit->GetHullPercent()) {
-            PRETTY_ADD("  Current condition: ", playerUnit->GetHullPercent() * 100, 2);
-            text += "% of normal";
-        }
-    } else if (MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, GetHull())) {
+    if (mode && MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit, blankUnit, GetHull())) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                         //Replacement or new Module
                 PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "New Sustained Hull Damage Rating: #-c",
@@ -5345,14 +5165,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
 
     // Shields
     const int num_shields = playerUnit->shield->number_of_facets;
-    if (!mode) {
-        if (num_shields) {
-            PRETTY_ADD(statcolor + "Number of shield emitter facings: #-c", num_shields, 0);
-            text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Shield protection rating:#-c";
-        } else {
-            text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "No shielding. #-c";
-        }
-    } else if (replacement_mode != 0 || playerUnit->shield->GetMaxHealth() != blankUnit->shield->GetMaxHealth()) {
+    if (mode && (replacement_mode != 0 || playerUnit->shield->GetMaxHealth() != blankUnit->shield->GetMaxHealth())) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                         //Replacement or new Module
                 text += "#n#" + prefix + statcolor + "Installs shield with following protection ratings:#-c";
@@ -5391,7 +5204,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
     }
 
     if (shield_strings) {
-        if (!mode || MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit,
+        if (mode && MODIFIES(replacement_mode, playerUnit,
                 blankUnit,
                 shield->GetMaxHealth())) {
             for (int i = 0; i < num_shields; i++) {
@@ -5404,9 +5217,7 @@ void showUnitStats(Unit *playerUnit, string &text, int subunitlevel, int mode, C
     }
 
     const float regeneration = playerUnit->shield->GetRegeneration();
-    if (!mode) {
-        PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Shield protection recharge speed: #-c", regeneration * VSDM, 0, "MJ/s");
-    } else if (replacement_mode != 0 || playerUnit->shield->GetRegeneration() != blankUnit->shield->GetRegeneration()) {
+    if (mode && (replacement_mode != 0 || playerUnit->shield->GetRegeneration() != blankUnit->shield->GetRegeneration())) {
         switch (replacement_mode) {
             case 0:                         //Replacement or new Module
                 PRETTY_ADDU(statcolor + "Shield protection recharge speed set to: #-c", regeneration * VSDM, 0, "MJ/s");
diff --git a/engine/src/cmd/unit_csv.cpp b/engine/src/cmd/unit_csv.cpp
index bcc7e8c5c..9642333ee 100644
--- a/engine/src/cmd/unit_csv.cpp
+++ b/engine/src/cmd/unit_csv.cpp
@@ -47,6 +47,7 @@
 #include "resource/resource.h"
 #include "unit_csv_factory.h"
 #include "upgradeable_unit.h"
+#include "resource/manifest.h"
 
 extern int GetModeFromName(const char *input_buffer);
 extern void pushMesh(std::vector<Mesh *> &mesh,
@@ -643,6 +644,13 @@ void Unit::LoadRow(std::string unit_identifier, string modification, bool saved_
     string tmpstr;
     csvRow = unit_identifier;
 
+    // Textual Descriptions
+    this->unit_key = unit_identifier;            
+    this->unit_name = UnitCSVFactory::GetVariable(unit_key, "Name", std::string());
+    this->unit_description = Manifest::MPL().GetShipDescription(unit_identifier);
+
+    // This shadows the unit variable. It also doesn't support more than one ship.
+    // TODO: figure this out.
     std::string unit_key = (saved_game ? "player_ship" : unit_identifier);
 
     fullname = UnitCSVFactory::GetVariable(unit_key, "Name", std::string());
@@ -1095,42 +1103,32 @@ CSVRow GetUnitRow(string filename, bool subu, int faction, bool readlast, bool &
 }
 
 void Unit::WriteUnit(const char *modifications) {
-    const bool UNITTAB = configuration()->physics_config.unit_table;
-    if (UNITTAB) {
-        bool bad = false;
-        if (!modifications) {
+    bool bad = false;
+    if (!modifications) {
+        bad = true;
+    }
+    if (!bad) {
+        if (!strlen(modifications)) {
             bad = true;
         }
-        if (!bad) {
-            if (!strlen(modifications)) {
-                bad = true;
-            }
-        }
-        if (bad) {
-            VS_LOG(error,
-                    (boost::format("Cannot Write out unit file %1% %2% that has no filename") % name.get().c_str()
-                            % csvRow.get().c_str()));
-            return;
-        }
-        std::string savedir = modifications;
-        VSFileSystem::CreateDirectoryHome(VSFileSystem::savedunitpath + "/" + savedir);
-        VSFileSystem::VSFile f;
-        VSFileSystem::VSError err = f.OpenCreateWrite(savedir + "/" + name + ".csv", VSFileSystem::UnitFile);
-        if (err > VSFileSystem::Ok) {
-            VS_LOG(error, (boost::format("!!! ERROR : Writing saved unit file : %1%") % f.GetFullPath().c_str()));
-            return;
-        }
-        std::string towrite = WriteUnitString();
-        f.Write(towrite.c_str(), towrite.length());
-        f.Close();
-    } else {
-        if (pImage->unitwriter) {
-            pImage->unitwriter->Write(modifications);
-        }
-        for (un_iter ui = getSubUnits(); (*ui) != NULL; ++ui) {
-            (*ui)->WriteUnit(modifications);
-        }
     }
+    if (bad) {
+        VS_LOG(error,
+                (boost::format("Cannot Write out unit file %1% %2% that has no filename") % name.get().c_str()
+                        % csvRow.get().c_str()));
+        return;
+    }
+    std::string savedir = modifications;
+    VSFileSystem::CreateDirectoryHome(VSFileSystem::savedunitpath + "/" + savedir);
+    VSFileSystem::VSFile f;
+    VSFileSystem::VSError err = f.OpenCreateWrite(savedir + "/" + name + ".csv", VSFileSystem::UnitFile);
+    if (err > VSFileSystem::Ok) {
+        VS_LOG(error, (boost::format("!!! ERROR : Writing saved unit file : %1%") % f.GetFullPath().c_str()));
+        return;
+    }
+    std::string towrite = WriteUnitString();
+    f.Write(towrite.c_str(), towrite.length());
+    f.Close();
 }
 
 using XMLSupport::tostring;
@@ -1154,24 +1152,15 @@ static string tos(int val) {
     return XMLSupport::tostring(val);
 }
 
-string Unit::WriteUnitString() {
-    const bool UNITTAB = configuration()->physics_config.unit_table;
-    string ret = "";
-    if (!UNITTAB) {
-        // Is this code doing something? Is it legacy?
-        // TODO: figure this out
-        if (pImage->unitwriter) {
-            ret = pImage->unitwriter->WriteString();
-        }
-        for (un_iter ui = getSubUnits(); (*ui) != NULL; ++ui) {
-            ret = ret + ((*ui)->WriteUnitString());
-        }
-        return ret;
-    }
-
+const std::map<std::string, std::string> Unit::UnitToMap() {
     std::map<std::string, std::string> unit = UnitCSVFactory::GetUnit(name);
     string val;
 
+    // Textual Descriptions
+    unit["Key"] = unit_key;            
+    unit["Name"] = unit_name;
+    unit["Textual_Description"] = unit_description; // Used in ship view
+
     //mutable things
     unit["Equipment_Space"] = XMLSupport::tostring(equipment_volume);
     unit["Hold_Volume"] = XMLSupport::tostring(CargoVolume);
@@ -1374,7 +1363,7 @@ string Unit::WriteUnitString() {
     unit["Afterburner_Speed_Governor"] = tos(computer.max_combat_ab_speed / game_speed);
     unit["ITTS"] = tos(computer.itts);
     unit["Can_Lock"] = tos(computer.radar.canlock);
-    unit["Radar_Color"] = tos(computer.radar.capability);
+    unit["Radar_Color"] = std::to_string(computer.radar.capability);
     unit["Radar_Range"] = tos(computer.radar.maxrange);
     unit["Tracking_Cone"] = tos(acos(computer.radar.trackingcone) * 180. / VS_PI);
     unit["Max_Cone"] = tos(acos(computer.radar.maxcone) * 180. / VS_PI);
@@ -1413,6 +1402,10 @@ string Unit::WriteUnitString() {
         unit["Tractorability"] = trac;
     }
 
+    return unit;
+}
+string Unit::WriteUnitString() {
+    std::map<std::string, std::string> unit = UnitToMap();
     return writeCSV(unit);
 }
 
diff --git a/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.cpp b/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.cpp
index 4e08c7f95..5280228b5 100644
--- a/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.cpp
+++ b/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.cpp
@@ -424,11 +424,6 @@ void Unit::Init(const char *filename,
         std::string unitModifications,
         Flightgroup *flightgrp,
         int fg_subnumber) {
-    // Deprecated UNITTAB and configuration()->physics_config.unit_table options.
-    // Game will always load units from the JSON or CSV files.
-    // The other option was not implemented wholly. It simply opened the file
-    // but didn't do anything with it. See VSFile f variable.
-
     // TODO: something with the following line
     this->Unit::Init();
     graphicOptions.SubUnit = SubU ? 1 : 0;
diff --git a/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.h b/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.h
index afd06b9f5..2ca6eae6b 100644
--- a/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.h
+++ b/engine/src/cmd/unit_generic.h
@@ -145,6 +145,16 @@ struct PlanetaryOrbitData;
 // TODO: move Armed to subclasses
 class Unit : public Armed, public Audible, public Drawable, public Damageable, public Energetic,
         public Intelligent, public Movable, public JumpCapable, public Carrier, public UpgradeableUnit {
+    // We store relevant textual description here. 
+    // We stop relying on manifest and units data once we create the unit.
+    // The unit description is always taken from the manifest and not saved.
+    // Note the game confusingly refers to units:
+    // - class (Llama) - should be model
+    // - model (stock) - should be variant, but only if actually different without upgrades
+    // TODO: name is duplicated down below in some memory saving measure (StringPool::Reference)
+    std::string unit_key;           
+    std::string unit_name;
+    std::string unit_description;
 
 protected:
 //How many lists are referencing us
@@ -539,6 +549,8 @@ class Unit : public Armed, public Audible, public Drawable, public Damageable, p
 public:
 //tries to warp as close to un as possible abiding by the distances of various enemy ships...it might not make it all the way
     void WriteUnit(const char *modificationname = "");
+
+    const std::map<std::string, std::string> UnitToMap();
     std::string WriteUnitString();
 //Loads a unit from an xml file into a complete datastructure
     void LoadXML(const char *filename, const char *unitModifications = "", std::string *xmlbuffer = NULL);
diff --git a/engine/src/configuration/configuration.cpp b/engine/src/configuration/configuration.cpp
index 29aac0c2a..779c3eef2 100644
--- a/engine/src/configuration/configuration.cpp
+++ b/engine/src/configuration/configuration.cpp
@@ -312,7 +312,6 @@ void Configuration::OverrideDefaultsWithUserConfiguration() {
     physics_config.velocity_max = GetGameConfig().GetFloat("physics.velocity_max", physics_config.velocity_max);
     physics_config.max_player_rotation_rate = GetGameConfig().GetFloat("physics.maxplayerrot", physics_config.max_player_rotation_rate);
     physics_config.max_non_player_rotation_rate = GetGameConfig().GetFloat("physics.maxNPCrot", physics_config.max_non_player_rotation_rate);
-    physics_config.unit_table = GetGameConfig().GetBool("physics.UnitTable", physics_config.unit_table);
     physics_config.capship_size = GetGameConfig().GetFloat("physics.capship_size", physics_config.capship_size);
     physics_config.near_autotrack_cone = GetGameConfig().GetFloat("physics.near_autotrack_cone", physics_config.near_autotrack_cone);
     physics_config.close_enough_to_autotrack = GetGameConfig().GetFloat("physics.close_enough_to_autotrack", physics_config.close_enough_to_autotrack);
diff --git a/engine/src/configuration/configuration.h b/engine/src/configuration/configuration.h
index e515387c5..4c9a93c48 100644
--- a/engine/src/configuration/configuration.h
+++ b/engine/src/configuration/configuration.h
@@ -368,7 +368,6 @@ struct PhysicsConfig {
     float velocity_max{10000.0F};
     float max_player_rotation_rate{24.0F};
     float max_non_player_rotation_rate{360.0F};
-    bool unit_table{false};
     float capship_size{500.0F};
     float near_autotrack_cone{0.9F};
     float close_enough_to_autotrack{4.0F};
diff --git a/engine/src/python/base_computer/ship_view.cpp b/engine/src/python/base_computer/ship_view.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..47d442869
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/src/python/base_computer/ship_view.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+/*
+ * ship_view.cpp
+ *
+ * Copyright (c) 2001-2002 Daniel Horn
+ * Copyright (c) 2002-2019 pyramid3d and other Vega Strike Contributors
+ * Copyright (c) 2019-2023 Stephen G. Tuggy, Benjamen R. Meyer, Roy Falk and other Vega Strike Contributors
+ *
+ * https://github.com/vegastrike/Vega-Strike-Engine-Source
+ *
+ * This file is part of Vega Strike.
+ *
+ * Vega Strike is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 2 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * Vega Strike is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with Vega Strike. If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+// -*- mode: c++; c-basic-offset: 4; indent-tabs-mode: nil -*-
+
+#include "ship_view.h"
+#include "vsfilesystem.h"
+
+#include <Python.h> 
+#include <boost/python.hpp>
+#include <boost/filesystem.hpp>
+
+static const std::string module_name = "ship_view";
+
+const std::string GetShipView(const std::map<std::string, std::string>&ship_stats) {
+    if(!boost::filesystem::exists("python/base_computer/ship_view.py")) {
+        return "Error: ship description not found";
+    }
+    
+    PyObject* module = PyImport_ImportModule(module_name.c_str());
+
+    if(!module) {
+        PyErr_Print();
+        return "Error: PyImport_ImportModule is null";
+    }
+
+    boost::python::dict dict;
+    for (auto const& pair : ship_stats) {
+        dict[pair.first] = pair.second;
+    }
+
+
+    PyObject* args = PyTuple_Pack(1, dict.ptr());
+    if(args == nullptr) {
+        PyErr_Print();
+        return "Error: PyTuple_Pack is null";
+    } 
+
+    PyObject* function = PyObject_GetAttrString(module,"get_ship_description");
+    if(!function) {
+        PyErr_Print();
+        return "Error: PyObject_GetAttrString is null";
+    } 
+    
+    
+    PyObject* pyResult = PyObject_CallObject(function, args);
+
+    if(!pyResult) {
+        PyErr_Print();
+        return "Error: PyObject_CallObject is null";
+    }
+
+    std::string result = PyUnicode_AsUTF8(pyResult);
+
+    return result;
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/engine/src/python/base_computer/ship_view.h b/engine/src/python/base_computer/ship_view.h
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..4d6691e36
--- /dev/null
+++ b/engine/src/python/base_computer/ship_view.h
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+/*
+ * ship_view.h
+ *
+ * Copyright (c) 2001-2002 Daniel Horn
+ * Copyright (c) 2002-2019 pyramid3d and other Vega Strike Contributors
+ * Copyright (c) 2019-2023 Stephen G. Tuggy, Benjamen R. Meyer, Roy Falk and other Vega Strike Contributors
+ *
+ * https://github.com/vegastrike/Vega-Strike-Engine-Source
+ *
+ * This file is part of Vega Strike.
+ *
+ * Vega Strike is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 2 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * Vega Strike is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with Vega Strike. If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+// -*- mode: c++; c-basic-offset: 4; indent-tabs-mode: nil -*-
+
+#ifndef VEGA_STRIKE_ENGINE_PYTHON_BASE_COMPUTER_SHIP_VIEW_H
+#define VEGA_STRIKE_ENGINE_PYTHON_BASE_COMPUTER_SHIP_VIEW_H
+
+#include <string>
+#include <map>
+
+const std::string GetShipView(const std::map<std::string, std::string>&ship_stats);
+
+#endif // VEGA_STRIKE_ENGINE_PYTHON_BASE_COMPUTER_SHIP_VIEW_H
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/engine/src/python/init.cpp b/engine/src/python/init.cpp
index 1f8965406..3c93f7458 100644
--- a/engine/src/python/init.cpp
+++ b/engine/src/python/init.cpp
@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@
 #include "python_compile.h"
 #include "python_class.h"
 #include "cmd/unit_generic.h"
+#include "python/config/python_utils.h"
+
 #if defined (_WIN32) && !defined (__CYGWIN__)
 #include <direct.h>
 #include <vega_py_run.h>
@@ -170,6 +172,15 @@ void Python::init() {
     InitBase();
     InitDirector();
 
+// Add relevant paths to python path
+    const std::string python_path_string = GetPythonPath() 
+                                           + ":" + VSFileSystem::programdir
+                                           + ":" + VSFileSystem::datadir + "/python/base_computer/";
+    const std::wstring python_path_wstring = std::wstring(python_path_string.begin(), 
+                                                          python_path_string.end());
+    const wchar_t* python_path = python_path_wstring.c_str();
+    Py_SetPath(python_path);
+
 // Now we can do python things about them and initialize them
     Py_Initialize();
     initpaths();
diff --git a/engine/src/resource/manifest.cpp b/engine/src/resource/manifest.cpp
index 91fd4fe50..69458175a 100644
--- a/engine/src/resource/manifest.cpp
+++ b/engine/src/resource/manifest.cpp
@@ -164,3 +164,13 @@ Manifest Manifest::GetMissionManifest() {
 
     return manifest;
 }
+
+const std::string Manifest::GetShipDescription(const std::string unit_key) {
+    for(const Cargo& cargo : _items) {
+        if(cargo.name == unit_key) {
+            return cargo.description;
+        }
+    }
+
+    return "";
+}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/engine/src/resource/manifest.h b/engine/src/resource/manifest.h
index 12e758137..2ffc14631 100644
--- a/engine/src/resource/manifest.h
+++ b/engine/src/resource/manifest.h
@@ -52,6 +52,8 @@ class Manifest {
     std::vector<Cargo> getItems() { return _items; }
     bool empty() { return _items.empty(); }
     int size() { return _items.size(); }
+
+    const std::string GetShipDescription(const std::string unit_key);
 };