Launch Steam and Mobile Launch Crawler

[ZooNamedGames]

I would like to ask for two mods-

One that adds steam to rockets- if you ever watch a video of a launch there's always the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen boiling off. In KSP they don't do that... I'd like to see that the mod has altitude+movement detection plugin so that when you start moving to fast or are too high in the atmosphere the rate of smoke reduces.

Also I'd also like to ask for a mod that replicates the real NASA mobile launch crawler used by NASA to move rockets.

[hab136]

One that adds steam to rockets- if you ever watch a video of a launch there's always the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen boiling off.

Check out CoolRockets (and HotRockets while you're at it)

[ZooNamedGames]

Ok thanks- Coolrockets solved it for me.

Also I'd like to add one more request here! I'd like engine smoke to ACTUALLY go through the Launchpad ducts... Not just into the bottom and vanish.

[wasml]

Also I'd also like to ask for a mod that replicates the real NASA mobile launch crawler used by NASA to move rockets.

Not a pre-built mobile launch pad but you might(Haven't tried it myself) be able to make one with the mole tracks from lo-fi's Kerbal Foundries http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/84102-PARTS-PLUGIN-0-90-V1-8D-Kerbal-Foundries-wheels-anti-grav-repulsors-and-tracks combined with Extra Planetary Launch Pads - sorry - don't have the link.

[ZooNamedGames]

I am aware that the mod exists but I'd like one of more realism- specifically the detail. Something to go along with FASA.

[smjjames]

As far as the rocket smoke effects while going very fast or too high in atmosphere, I think SmokeScreen does this. It does expand the effects though. Some of the Novapunch and KWrocketry use this I believe.

[ZooNamedGames]

I have an answer to the first issue but what of the others?

[smjjames]

You mean the launch crawler? There isn't any mod that does that AFAIK, however, if Kerbal Foundries wheels and tracks support tweakscale (I think they do), you could construct some sort of crawler using the tracks from there and some large structural elements. It'd still spawn at the launchpad though.

[ZooNamedGames]

I know the mod doesn't exist hence why I'm asking for it- not a reference to.

Now I'd like someone to make a 1:1 replica of it in detail of look and form.

[sarbian]

Also I'd like to add one more request here! I'd like engine smoke to ACTUALLY go through the Launchpad ducts... Not just into the bottom and vanish.

If it was as simple as wanting it I would have added it to SmokeScreen a long time ago. Currently there is something in Smokescreen to so that : activating collision. The problem is that it is really slow.

Unity does not allow for the creation of proper colliding particles from script (Unity advanced "Shuriken" particle system does not allow much scripting so far). Once/When KSP move to Unity 5 I'll be able to play with asset bundle (or whatever replace them) and that should allow for some use of Shuriken from mods.

TLDR; : no.

[ZooNamedGames]

at least you tried leaving me with problem 2. I want a crawler.

[smjjames]

at least you tried leaving me with problem 2. I want a crawler.

The problem here though is, do you want it as a single part or built of multiple parts?

Having it be a single part would be a massive modelling job I'm sure.

[ZooNamedGames]

Single part if at all possible. Something to complement FASA...

[smjjames]

I still think you'd be better off constructing your own launch crawler with parts. I don't know anything about creating parts or modelling, so I'll let someone else explain whether that's a hugely difficult thing to do or not. However, despite me not knowing anything about modelling or constructing parts, it just seems like it'd be a massive task, especially if it's a single part.

Obviously it'd be possible because theres that guy (forget the name, sorry) doing the 1km stanford torus and a 1km ship, so, it's not impossible.

[ZooNamedGames]

aside from detail- it's essentially just a giant rover that goes at 2mph or less... Fuel is another issue but we can solve that later...

The absolute biggest issue is something like carrying Saturn Vs around and keeping the crawler from tipping... Granted make the mass of the crawler high enough and it can carry anything.

Just get some hype for the idea and it'll be made.

- - - Updated - - -

According to my research the Saturn V massed 6,540,000 pounds (assuming fueled) and the mobile transporter weighed 5,999,000 pounds. So you can use that to help judge things.

[NathanKell]

at least you tried leaving me with problem 2. I want a crawler.

And I want a pony, and Unity 5, and Alsace-Lorraine.

Wishing doesn't make it so, alas. I'd suggest looking into working on it yourself--there's tons of great tutorials here, and there should be tons of reference imagery.

[ZooNamedGames]

Your wanting me to try what? And also- I'm a newb at programming so it take me weeks/months to get what you cloud get done in a few hours. Trust me- I've been done this road before and I sucked at it. If I could do it myself I'd shut up and give it a try but because I KNOW I suck- I reach out for help.

[NathanKell]

Code doesn't seem to be the problem, there's a working tracks mod. Sounds more like what you were asking for was replica parts, and as I said there's some excellent tutorials on modeling and KSP part-making in the Dev forum and its subforums.

[ZooNamedGames]

Well my point was a general one but from what I see its on your own or never so I'll give it shot.

[sumghai]

I've always wanted to a launch crawler myself, but there's one thing that made me doubt the point of having one in-game.

In IRL, the crawler-transporter isn't actually on the launch pad at the moment of launch - instead, all it does is to deposit a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) carrying the rocket itself onto the launchpad, move out of the way during launch, and then go back to pick up the empty MLP later.

The MLP itself is basically a relocatable temporary static fixture that sits over the permanent launch pad, and is custom-designed for each specific rocket configuration - a MLP part in the VAB would essentially be a one-trick pony (unless it came with a set of different launch clamp parts for different rockets, but that wouldn't be much different from scratchbuilding a MLP using stock parts anyway)

Also, vessels being launched from the KSC spawn directly on the pad itself, and unless one is really into the role-play aspect of retrieving used MLPs after launch, I don't think a crawler would add much to the core gameplay experience.

[ZooNamedGames]

I just want to make things more realistic and yes- go out of my way to do things realistically to the point of painful. Understanding the MLP is the key part of the launch structures- I find that moving a rocket from A to B (albeit at a painful slow rate) is an interesting one- especially when you've made something within RSS and make it work- the size would be astounding.

What I'm saying is- I'm willing to go into the painful detail but sadly it isn't an option at the moment... besides FASA has launch clamps and all that already but if they could open up a compatibility for this mod (if not adopt it) so that players can take realism to the next level using Infernal Robotics to assemble their rockets in a self-made VAB by hand realistically then move it onto the CT for it to be moved to the FASA launch clamps finalizing the realism of pre-launch procedures. I've been there... there's a lot to it.

Also- new thought- Anyone made a mod that adds lightning towers? I've been to 3 launches here recently and just realized KSP (granted lacking weather of any sort on stock) lacks the lightning rods (I know they have a better name but I can't remember)... Anyone added those yet?

[Sampa]

Hey, zoo, take alook at Mike-NZ's shuttle mod! He has a wip crawler!

[ZooNamedGames]

Hey, zoo, take alook at Mike-NZ's shuttle mod! He has a wip crawler!

Alright, will do thanks.

[Sampa]

Alright, will do thanks.

Ok, gonna have to talk him into rereleasing it in the verzion of the shuttle mod i am directing.