Keeping two central launch stages held together

[Djsnowboy267]

I like to use a launcher with a couple of asparagus mainsails, and after I drop them I am left with the center stack as well as an intermediate stage with a large grey tank and a Skipper engine. Problem is, they like to flop around like noodles, and I have a difficult time maneuvering when half of your ship is going right and the other half left. Assuming the two stages don't break apart. I've tried using struts between two cubic octagonal struts and attaching those to the tank, but that doesn't help a whole lot. Any suggestions?

Edited September 4, 2013 by Djsnowboy267

[Johnno]

Not enough struts, simple as that. You can stitch each component to the next with 3-4 struts and reinforce between decoupler-engine connections (the engine fairings are entirely cosmetic). With enough struts you can make pretty much any craft rigid.

[sojourner]

Something like this?

Yeah, just add struts at each tank/part connection. 3-by symmetry is enough.