Flaw in snap system preventing me from building a awesome refueling station?

[Tiankay]

I could write a long post about my issue, but this picture sums it up pretty good:

 

Peace

TK

[Gaarst]

Crafts in KSP are made in a "tree" system: a root part, parts attached to the root part, parts attached to these parts and so on.

KSP doesn't handle loops in craft. The only way you can make a structurally stable loop is using docking ports that will attach when the craft spawns, or use struts between the parts that cannot be connected.

[Snark]

48 minutes ago, Gaarst said:

Crafts in KSP are made in a "tree" system: a root part, parts attached to the root part, parts attached to these parts and so on.

KSP doesn't handle loops in craft. The only way you can make a structurally stable loop is using docking ports that will attach when the craft spawns, or use struts between the parts that cannot be connected.

^ This.  It's not an issue with the snap system, it's an issue with the fundamental architecture of the game.  Moral of the story:  don't try to build closed loops.  (Another common way that people get bitten by this is trying to use two radial decouplers, top-and-bottom, to attach a radial booster.  Doesn't work.

One KSP piece that can help is the "strut", which allows attaching any two parts.  That's the usual solution for people trying to reinforce structural strength.

[dafidge9898]

Take advantage of the wobbly joints in the game. I can't say for sure if it'll work, but it's worth a try. Disable the rcs ports on three of the tanks, and use the remaining tank's rcs to push it that last few centimeters. If the rcs isn't strong enough, attach a claw with engines on the last fuel tank.

(please excuse the bad drawing)

http://imgur.com/a/9S02c

Edited July 20, 2016 by dafidge9898
The picture didn't show, so I replaced it with a link

[dafidge9898]

Sorry for a second post, but you could do this:

http://imgur.com/a/pJyM3

I know this will work, because I've done it before. You just have to be very precise when docking.

[HebaruSan]

Yeah, you need to use docking ports and then join the pieces together. I made a similar station that way.