Just to clarify:
The downloaded shipset must be installed in its own folder within the Pictures/Races folder. If you are playing a mod, the Pictures/Races folder must be within that mod.
If you are on PBW look for the shipsets with the blue lettering just below each player's empire name. This is a direct download link for that ship set and makes the download as painless as possible.
Check the path within the zipped file. IE. If it is simply /abc race , then just install as I said above. If it is Pictures/Races/abc race then install directly into your SEIV folder (or appropriate mod).
One trick I learned by accident. If you don't like the random shipset you are seeing, just run the movement log. When it's done, it will randomly select another ship set.
