Doubt this show already? Tsk tsk.
I was searching for some old Joe Johnston concepts yesterday when I was futzing around and stumbled across these. Take a look at some of this amazing concept art from Rebels shown at NYCC and their inspirations:
First, something familiar... (sorry if I break your PC) (right-click and "View Images" for larger versions, or check out the sources at the bottom of the post!)
It's spot-on.
I cannot wait to see this on my TV screen.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0330.jpg
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0328.jpg
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0325.jpg
I can imagine these being little Imperial scout ships or something with a small compliment of TIEs for defense... or a way to ferry small TIE squadrons to battle (since TIEs don't have hyperdrives themselves). It's based on the ship in the last link. I loved the design of this ship and I was sorry we never got to see more of it.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0324.jpg
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0315.jpg
I love that they're looking at the Incredible Cross Sections books. I pored over these every chance I had as a kid. I knew the anatomy of these ships inside and out.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0313.jpg
I love this attention to detail...
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0319.jpg
They nailed the design.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0312.jpg
It's a bit stubbier than the normal TIEs... what does that remind me of...
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0310.jpg
http://torwars.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Star_Wars_Kenner_Commercial_78_TIE-Fighter.jpg
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0303.jpg
This is a good one. Based off the old Kenner toy that made a few comic appearances.
http://starwarsblog.starwars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/t_vh_vin_imperial_troop_transport.jpg
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0301.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d165/hws5mp/The%20Whiffery/profiles/SWspeederbikes4a.png
Joe Johnston concept for ROTJ. Replicated it almost exactly.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0298.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta_hZkNB0AQ/TWdf1ljClkI/AAAAAAAABpw/737oJmMC0xM/s1600/022511.png
I love this design. I remember it from the old comics (as above) and I remember it was the prototype AT-ST from Galactic Battlegrounds. It's such an amazing design to me. It just "fits".
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0296.jpg
And here it is from 1979.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0299.jpg
The interior feels OT without being a rip off of the ROTJ version and without being too PT.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0294.jpg
I love these precursor AT-AT pilot-looking guys. I love the helmets.
http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/originals/0e/a6/da/0ea6da779b5181eb5be881698fe24a39.jpg
Definitely based off these guys.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0292.jpg
Ah, here's another classic look...
http://i.imgur.com/3eAws7t.jpg
A bit better contrast.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0290.jpg
This is great. It's the E-11 look with those early rounded barrel flares from the concepts and posters.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0285.jpg
Yet another classic. I think they nailed this design. Familiar, yet not exactly the same.
http://techexile.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SAM_0283.jpg
Check out the designs here, especially the tops of the buildings. It feels like more OT concept art to me.
http://i.imgur.com/ydV9V26.jpg
The main ship. I like it. Falcon without being Falcon.
http://i.imgur.com/tJKNdK4.jpg
Also a bit The Old Republic...
http://24.media.tumblr.com/b45c416a0aea4c5d4a20a94aad2aec96/tumblr_mqpyjppYU81qdbhwwo4_500.jpg
The design of the show is amazing. It's gorgeous. It's retro and nostalgic with so many designs based off of old concept art, and designs that I personally loved from my Art of Star Wars books, and best yet, it so perfectly screams OT. If this stuff doesn't get you jazzed for the show, then I dunno what will.
Sources here with a few other images.
http://techexile.com/nycc-day-3-star-wars-rebels-concept-art-gallery/5321/
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/notyetamovie/news/?a=88584