Structural Members

[Pax Kerbana]

The stock selection of structural members is already pretty good, most things can be addressed with what we have already. I am quite fond of the structural fuselage and the girders. Two very useful additions would be round structural members that could be used for items like roll-cages and hard pipes. The lengths listed below would correspond appropriately with the Modular Girder XL.

1) Hard Pipe/Tube

Use: Primarily for connection of base modules or spacecraft to move fuel and electricity but not crew. It could eventually also be used to move heat to a remote radiator (once we get radiator and heat pump parts).

Size: 0.75 m x 2.5 m; one length only

Impact: 10-20 m/s

Texture: White or silver with a random scratch or two

Shape: Cylinder with beveled ends that mate cleanly to the Clamp-O-Tron Jr. (and to allow clean clipping at angles and "joints" when laid end to end)

Attachment: Node/end only; other parts may be attached radially

Transfer: Fuel, electricity, heat

Name: STX-3 Material Transfer Conduit

2) Structural Metal Alloy Members (2 sizes)

Use: Roll cages, masts, hard-landing legs, etc..

Size: Diameter at 3/4x or 1x of the M-beam height, length at 2.5 m and 1.25 m or 1/3 of large member. Not sure on best length.

Impact: 40-60 m/s

Texture: Grey? Maybe black...

Shape: Cylinder with beveled ends (clipping at angles but no joint when snapped end to end)

Attachment: Node & radial; other parts may be attached radially

Transfer: Electricity

Name: Seamless T-250/T-125

Edited May 7, 2015 by Pax Kerbana

[panzer1b]

Id like to have more structural stuff, especially larger things as right now low part count capital ships are basically impossible, as are massive stations.

[Wjolcz]

Roll cages! Why didn't I think of tha? That is truly brilliant! Would take care of fragile modules in case of hard landings or some other failure. Just imagine putting Hitchhikers and Labs in those! And could be toggleable. Genius!

Hopefully that's what you mean. Pipes would be great too.

[pincushionman]

Remember, the build tree system doesn't support "loop" connections outside of struts and fuel lines, which limits this functionality somewhat.

[Pax Kerbana]

Id like to have more structural stuff, especially larger things as right now low part count capital ships are basically impossible, as are massive stations.

I agree for sure. Along those lines I would like a larger plate, longer truss, and longer structural fuselage. While we're at it, a box girder would be more appropriate than the M-beam.

It's hard to build stations with enough clearance to dock large ships. The Mk 3 tanks can be used for length considerations but they are unattractive for stations IMO.

Welding was good for structural members but appears to be broken now. Also Squad seems to have changed something about how the part orientation is coded.

Roll cages! Why didn't I think of tha? That is truly brilliant! Would take care of fragile modules in case of hard landings or some other failure. Just imagine putting Hitchhikers and Labs in those! And could be toggleable. Genius!

Hopefully that's what you mean. Pipes would be great too.

That is exactly what I mean. There was a mod (that I never used) that had a good looking roll cage and pretty awesome tires. Don't know what it's status is ATM. Right now I use the M-beam... A bit unsightly for this application but it works. I'll post a pic tomorrow my favorite buggy.

Remember, the build tree system doesn't support "loop" connections outside of struts and fuel lines, which limits this functionality somewhat.

That is true. I build from the center by offsetting the furthest part and then connect the ends to the vehicle body if needed. Found this works quite well at protecting the little frogs that wear space suits.