Handy drag-related tip

[Foxster]

Simple one really: If you are making a rocket then don't put struts or fuel ducts near the front.

Both these items have a LOT of drag. Avoid them at all if possible. If you have to have them then attach them from the back of the craft to the front, this lowers their drag for exactly the same looking strut.

Example:

This craft will make orbit...
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/d9KkwF7.jpg[/IMG]

This will flip and not make orbit...
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/FDXzFTt.jpg[/IMG]

The only difference is two struts near the top.

Also...

Attach struts from the first-used stage to a later one. When a strut breaks, the mass remains on the part you first attached a strut to. This way you will be throwing away the mass of your struts as you stage, not leaving a massy stub on your remaining craft. Edited November 21, 2015 by Foxster