I'm not sure what the appropriate counter for each ship is. Is that posted somewhere?

This is good:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p7xc_snd9Cc-6o2UwvPEWUg&gid=0

WWW Link

Um, guys, I'm guessing he's playing the very first 10-planet single-player map on the list. I don't think a Novalith is the answer.

jayswimmer, the answer you seek is likely on the third research tab called "logistics". You need 1 trained capital crew, 50 unused supply, and a capital ship factory (which is a planetary logistics structure) to build your FIRST capital ship. You can see the number of capital ship crews and free logistics slot as the two numbers just to the left of money in the screen header - research on the third tab (logistics) increases these numbers.

Your second and following capital ships costs a capital ship crew, 50 free supply, 3000 money, 400 metal, and 300 crystal to build. The first one costs zero resources once you have the factory.

Suggestion: restart the game. Build a capital ship construction facility immediately, and then build a capital ship. Watch the numbers at the top of the screen as you do this.

If you want to finish your current game, you will likely have to increase your own logistics slots at one of your planets before you can construct a capital ship factory. They're slow, so make it a planet that's close to the bad guys to save time.

-- Retro

Don't think so. It's his first game according to the OP.

Jayswimmer, if you receive an answer that works for you, please have the courtesy to let us know?

Thanks,
-- Retro