Merging rockets how does it work.

[halbert5150]

So im designing an Apollo style mun rocket. I designed the LAM in the VAB first then saved the file. Next I designed the command module to my liking. I put a decouple at the bottom of the command module then merged the command module with the LAM I designed earlier, but I cant get it to attach. I want it to sit under the decoupler at the bottom of the command module.

My Lam has an attachment node at the top and the command module has an attachment node under the decoupler. So whats wrong?

I even tried going back to the LAM design and putting a decoupler at the top then save it. Go back to the command module and it still wont attach that way.

[Wolfos31]

I'll be honest and say I've almost never used the merge function. But I have used subassemblies and those work fine usually. Have you tried saving your LM as a subassembly yet?

[halbert5150]

No you cant save sub assemblies with a command module on them. The lam has a lander can as its main structure which everything else is attached to. Thats why I was trying to merge.

[peachoftree]

As far as I can tell it's like subassemblies except with whole crafts

Edited November 14, 2015 by peachoftree

[ZooNamedGames]

Issue is that the main part, the lander can, only has two attachment nodes (on top and on bottom) and I'm assuming you have a docking port on top and a decoupler on bottom. The game won't save it as a subassembly since both nodes are blocked and you can't attach for the same reason.

I can provide a prebuilt Saturn V replica I can give you so you can see how to make a proper Saturn V, just let me know and I'll link it to you.

Another thing, speaking from experience, just use the docking port AS a decoupler since otherwise you end up having a persistant decoupler between the CM and the LM, or worse, it'll stick to the LM or CM and completely make docking impossible. Also, disable the engine fairing as you do it or else it'll end up being docked with and block your view.

Lastly, I've heard LEM, but LAM is a first... LEM stands for Lunar Excursion Module which was the early name for the Lunar Module before it got dropped since (as they put it) "it sounded like [the mission] was going on a feild trip". LM stands for Lunar Module and that's the craft which actually landed on the moon. But LAM? What does that stand for?

[halbert5150]

Got it to work but it was a bit of a hack.

I did have a docking port on the top of my lander can and I thought that might be the problem so I re-saved it without the port. It still would not attach. So then I removed the engine off the bottom to connect fuel tank on CM to lander can on LM and it finally did it. So now that the two were merged I pulled them apart, put all the parts I wanted in the first place back where they were, and connected them the way I wanted it originally.

Thanks I didn't know that the LAM should be LEM. I guess I should have looked that up on Wikipedia. However I am sticking with the mislabeling and calling it the LAME now; Lunar Aggravation Module Exercise. I hope the rest of the mission doesn't go like this.

[Gargamel]

It will go like that.

Try changing the root part to either the engine or the docking port. That might help.

[ZooNamedGames]

Got it to work but it was a bit of a hack.

I did have a docking port on the top of my lander can and I thought that might be the problem so I re-saved it without the port. It still would not attach. So then I removed the engine off the bottom to connect fuel tank on CM to lander can on LM and it finally did it. So now that the two were merged I pulled them apart, put all the parts I wanted in the first place back where they were, and connected them the way I wanted it originally.

Thanks I didn't know that the LAM should be LEM. I guess I should have looked that up on Wikipedia. However I am sticking with the mislabeling and calling it the LAME now; Lunar Aggravation Module Exercise. I hope the rest of the mission doesn't go like this.

Welcome.

I'm still offering to help teach you how to make more proper useable replicas if you ever want any. I've got an awesome Titan II Gemini picture on my company's OP (link in sig), but Ofc I can drop the image here if you want.

Edited November 14, 2015 by ZooNamedGames

[Highguard]

No you cant save sub assemblies with a command module on them. The lam has a lander can as its main structure which everything else is attached to. Thats why I was trying to merge.

As gargamel said, use the re-root tool to select the parts by which you want to connect before saving the craft.

[Red Iron Crown]

Moved this gameplay question to Gameplay Questions.