Ladders and heat shields

[SymbolicFrank]

How do you get a ladder across the auto-generated decoupler fairing when you add that decoupler to the bottom of a heat shield? This is a problem for at least 3.75 m heat shields.

Edited May 9, 2015 by SymbolicFrank

[Superfluous J]

You mean, you extend the ladder and the Kerbal can't walk down it?

Two quick solutions I can think of involve the gizmos in the VAB. First, try rotating it 5 degrees so it kind of sticks out. Second, try sliding it a very small amount out of the vessel so it comes down outside the decoupler.

And in case you aren't already doing it, test things on the launchpad before you fly them to Duna

[SymbolicFrank]

How do I slide it out of the vessel? That would solve many problems!

[Tarheel1999]

How do I slide it out of the vessel? That would solve many problems!

Use the translation gizmo/widget.

[SymbolicFrank]

Use the translation gizmo/widget.

Which one? How do I activate it? Is there a manual?

[Tarheel1999]

Which one? How do I activate it? Is there a manual?

in the upper left hand corner, there are a row of icons. They are the gizmos. Select the translate one (I believe it's the second one). Click on the part you want to translate. Click on the arrow pointing the direction you want to move and drag your mouse in the direction you want it to move (it may be click and hold). You can press the shift key while you do this for finer control.