Starting with no fuel!

[Talavar]

 I've been playing KSP in a different way. Starting with electric generation and full steel structurals and wheels and mining capabilities, but no fuel.. so the objectives are switched around... the first thing to do is, Get fuel!. Im also using Extra planetary launchpads, INfernal robotics, KSP foundry, and KAS KIS.  I first moved to a location and plopped down a launchpad near a good fuel source. This took a while.. I built paddle boats to transport everything, and some large land rovers to haul my stuff to the new location. Since Im no longer using the default space center, (other than to design my rockets for EPL) I have to mine for everything.. Also my new base is on top of a mountain in the western desert 4000 meters above sea level, (saves some fuel when launching) . This was a REAL job getting everything up there, (I built a spider that grapples the terrain to climb the mountain).. This enhanced my gameplay INCREDIBLY.  I've just wiped my save, and am starting over in a new location for a different experience. Just thought I'd throw this up here for an IDea for people who may be getting bored with the same ol same ol. Take care!

Edited January 6, 2016 by Talavar
details

[Francois424]

I've often given thoughts on "what if" we could start on any body in the Kerbol System...  Obviously having some kind of functional base then to reproduce the KSC.  

I agree that it would spice things up.  I would start a game on Eve of all places (although jets would have to use LFO instead of just LF; until nerva anyways), and would make it a real challenge to launch into space.
Another idea would be starting on Laythe or Tekto. Heck if you mod-in a Halley's Comet you could have your base there... it's ever moving and would be a real challenge to get anywhere (would require some more basic tech tho).

I may actually do as you did later in 1.1, starting with barebones setup on another world just for kicks... 
Only use KSC for unlocking science/recruiting Kerbals (and hyper-editing their crew module onto my starting location), but never to launch stuff or supplies.  If you don't install any LS mods then you should be okay.
It would make a nice YouTube series now that I think about it.  Too bad I don't have any recording software.

Thanks for the idea.

[Talavar]

3 minutes ago, Francois424 said:

I've often given thoughts on "what if" we could start on any body in the Kerbol System...  Obviously having some kind of functional base then to reproduce the KSC.  

I agree that it would spice things up.  I would start a game on Eve of all places (although jets would have to use LFO instead of just LF; until nerva anyways), and would make it a real challenge to launch into space.
Another idea would be starting on Laythe or Tekto. Heck if you mod-in a Halley's Comet you could have your base there... it's ever moving and would be a real challenge to get anywhere (would require some more basic tech tho).

I may actually do as you did later in 1.1, starting with barebones setup on another world just for kicks... 
Only use KSC for unlocking science/recruiting Kerbals (and hyper-editing their crew module onto my starting location), but never to launch stuff or supplies.  If you don't install any LS mods then you should be okay.
It would make a nice YouTube series now that I think about it.  Too bad I don't have any recording software.

Thanks for the idea.

 Im in the middle of adding a population mod so kerbals can breed at my new base. Before I restart, I'm going to go all out with being "self sufficient capable" .. And no problem! Always nice to spread Ideas around!

[Bandus]

A spider to grapple and climb the mountain? I immediately envisioned this:

[Talavar]

3 minutes ago, Bandus said:

A spider to grapple and climb the mountain? I immediately envisioned this:

 

 You actually aren't that far off... lol

[fourfa]

This sounds like a lot of fun, though sounds like a LOT of parts at the launch pads for those of us with pretty low part count limits

[Evanitis]

Got screens?

[Talavar]

On 1/6/2016 at 4:45 PM, Evanitis said:

Got screens?

 Unfortunately, I didn't think to screenie anything before I wiped and restarted. I'll post some once I get my new base up and running. I found a sweet spot for a new base!

[Evanitis]

Sure thing.

Anyways, started a game with similar goals in mind. I never knew EPL is such a refined, complex mod.

I wanna' base my space program from Laythe. So I started a career game with 3k sci, but 10% science income. I hope that will provide the tech needed for the exodus, but it will still leave me enough stuff to do later. Currently I'm setting up a test-facility next to KSC - hopefully I'll be satisfied with all the elements by the time the first Jool launch window opens. Than I intend to send a flotilla, and never look back.

Though I guess the 'no fuel' part will be left out. As I won't be sending the raw materials from Kerbin, I'll already need a mining-transporting-refining operation for ore. Doing the same with the fuel feels would only add to my base part count and would require extra hassle. I'm playing on a potatoe, and has a short attention-span. Hopefully it wil last long enough to finish the project.

I also hope constructing ships on Laythe will be as reinvigorating to my spacy interests as I imagine it will be. Less dV needed to orbit, and Tylo is a slingshot-monster compared to the Mun. I'll probably grab a planet-pack once the offworld economy is set, so I can explore around like in the good 'ol times.

[Talavar]

 Airlifting some equipment to my new base on the mountain way in the background. Nice spot! http://i.imgur.com/5E9kXi7.png

Edited January 9, 2016 by Talavar