How exactly do I get a base built and landed on the Mun?

[sadron]

(And indeed, Minmus and other planets down the road.)

So what I would like to know is how I would go about building a base, keeping in mind how I'm going to land it, and what parts I would need to achieve this feat. Obviously building it all in one piece and launching it would be extremely impractical (and would potentially take away the fun of building it piece by piece). I already know docking mechanics, so, once these things are assembled in space, how would I go about landing them, and what things should I consider? I want this structure to come down safely onto the Mun, no parts snapping off or anything. Are there any tutorials or player guides that can assist me in making this idea come to fruition?

[trippytripp]

So you're going to try to build a modular base to connect piece by piece with docking ports?

[sadron]

Potentially. If there are easier methods for getting this done I'd like to know them as well. I have the Quantum Struts mod so docking stuff should cause little issue.

[trippytripp]

I haven't actually done this myself, as I have also had some trouble. But for a first step, I'd recommend getting the subassembly mod. That way, you can have all of your docking ports/landing legs/modules level with eachother. As with landing? When I land large habitats and structures, I usually just put an eject-able probe core on top so that way I can fly/land it just like a normal lander.

[Tommygun]

I put this base together with these modular pieces.

I used docking ports and TouhouTorpedo's Modular Multiwheels instead of lander legs, then just landed each piece and drove each section in place, docking them on the ground.

Each module has two docking ports and one inflatable HAB with a second type with four docking ports.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/21909-0-16-TouhouTorpedo-s-Modular-Multiwheels-%28Tosh-s-Cart-Mod-powered%29?highlight=Omniwheels

[sadron]

Those are certainly interesting, and that makes a good potential opportunity for making my base. Are there any other options for me out there? Like if I wanted the base on legs like this image?

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6757/screenshot3um.png

[Tommygun]

That base is a lot harder to build and less forgiving if you drop a piece.

I would suggest trying out this mod for picking up fallen pieces and to help with assembly.

I haven't tried it myself though.

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/robotic-arms-pack/

[sadron]

His modular multiwheels seems outdated... 0.16...

EDIT: Oh never mind, found a most up-to-date version on spaceport.

http://kerbalspaceprogram.com/modular-multiwheels-and-omniwheels/

Edited May 18, 2013 by sadron

[Tommygun]

Oh yes, I forgot about the server crash. Those links in his thread are probably still the old stuff.

[sadron]

Are there any other tips for building a Mun base you guys can provide? Suggestions on getting things set up and what not?

[DMagic]

I put up this a while ago about building and testing base components to make sure that the docking ports and landing legs all line up right.

http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/showthread.php/27668-Tricks-hints-and-important-lessons?p=340578&viewfull=1#post340578

[Shrike42]

I just built a simple rolling crane that can pick up and move full rockomax X200-32 tanks and even dock them. It's rather lightweight, so I MIGHT be able to get it into orbit via spaceplane, but it's possible.

The weight is balanced in the middle, with the excess batteries on the back providing tons of power for doing operations at night. Note to self, add lights.

Here it's attaching to the Rockomax tank, fully loaded. There's two tanks joined together. Important to note that the rockomax tanks have the clamp-o-trons mounted to a radial attachment point for the necessary height.

Here's me NEARLY getting the tank back up onto the runway. I got distracted, and the tires burst after some excessive bouncing. Note to self: Add ladders so that the system can be fixed, consider moving the command module to a lower mounting point.