Millenium Falcon - hopefully the final buildup

[Guest]

Hi everyone,

I will try to keep this really mellow, but also informative.

I am starting a new thread, if anyone's interested, I am gonna post the step by step re-buildup of the large Falcon. Someone recently informed me of the Weld It mod aka "UbioZur Welding Ltd.", which basically is the final push this project needs.

Here are a few pictures, mostly depicting the balancing of the chassis. As you can see, with the large advanced SAS modules being used on the left access tunnel, it became a relatively easy task to balance the CRAFT left to right. I fine tuned the balance by adding some batteries to the right, near the cockpit.

I am conceding to the use of two mods. The cockpit, if you look at it, you know it has to be used. This is not 1969. This is much further in the past. Also the Weld It mod.

Comments and suggestions highly encouraged.

Edited October 15, 2013 by Guest

[Guest]

New mandibles created with "double" symmetry. I made one while tilted vertically, using L/R symmetry, to cover the bottom and top with plating, and the circles. Then I used two copies one L and one R, flat. Symmetry would not work on the final step, so I just used two copies.

[MinerEdgar]

That looks sweet! How many parts do you think it will have when its finished?

[Guest]

Well, the one before this was over 1400, but the Weld It mod promises to reduce parts count radically.

Side tube angled metal - symmetry was used for the angled parts, and then again for L/R duplication. I duplicated the whole assembly with Alt - Left Click and placed the inverted copy on the bottom.

[Guest]

Engine mounts:

I think the Weld It mod does not yet compile engine parts, so I'll try to add those later towards the end. So here is what I use to mount the engines. I alternate Mainsail and one of the smaller engines, to try to get a continuous stream of thrust like the real Falcon. I wouldn't be able to do it with just Mainsails, they cannot be space that tightly.

Everything has to be centered, snapped, and perfectly symmetric.

The only way to mount engines on here is to add these little cubes and they HAVE to be dead center. I look thru the middle with both "x"'s aligned.

Finished mount. I am not using any struts as you can see, as I am in hopes that after this whole chassis is compiled into one part, that won't be an issue.

[Guest]

Detail slow things to a crawl at times. Closing in the end caps - almost forgot.

I can't compile with more than one command element (I think), so I will remove these modules before I compile.

[Guest]

End cap modification, dome construction (outer surface has been tilted one more unit this time), spacers used to align dome / angled metal, mandibles moved back. I have shortened the side tubes, and the cockpit tunnel.

[astropapi1]

That thing looks awesome.

[Guest]

Thanks very much, I think this is the 4th time I have built it, I really hope it's the last, and I hope Weld It works.

[fcdrifter13]

Weld it is awesome, best thign that has come out for KSP

[Guest]

Falcon's still grounded. Mod cockpit is junk - it's upside down. Weld It - a mixed bag. Was able to reduce parts count to a ridiculously low number, frame rate went from 3 FPS to the high teens at least. Vehicle totally uncontrollable, and up to this point I have been able to make the falcon work. What you see here is only 55 parts. I did not compile the engines, 6 torque wheels, 2 headlights, 2 lander cans, and the Falcon Cockpit. But the worst of it is I have zero control of the flight, of yeah the COM ball is lying.

Here's an engine run for you. There are only 55 parts in this CRAFT. What a tease.

http://youtu.be/Xj6ySiHy2XY

There was one unexpected win today, I have mounted a Mainsail right in the center, and it's shroud forms the circle I needed both on the top and the bottom.

Edited October 16, 2013 by Guest

[Guest]

Not grounded anymore

20 FPS on my mediocre Alienware laptop

Note: over a thousand parts have been compiled into 1.

[Martin0]

You are awesomeness incarnate...

[BostLabs]

WOW!

It's... It's... Beautiful!

[Guest]

OK, back tracked a little, now knowing more about the Weld It mod - what can and can't be "complied" as I like to say, into a single part. This might be finished today.

you gotta give it up to Ralph McQuarrie

Edited October 16, 2013 by Guest

[Guest]

Just about ready to "compile" the part, or whatever

Lined up the gray on the cockpit tube again - was too distracting. Shortened that tube by one ring. I am sure this is not the last version, even if I get it flying, I will want to make it better.

1189 parts

Edited October 16, 2013 by Guest

[GusTurbo]

This is amazing. I'm becoming really interested in the Weld It mod. Might have to check it out, because it would make it possible for me to build an N1 without worrying so much about parts.

[Guest]

Yeah, I have been thinking about all the things that could be made with the small cube.

OK here is less than 25 parts running 13 engines at 9 FPS which to me is a lot more playable than 3. Getting really close now.

http://youtu.be/wruM0rDP1jQ

[spacman7]

WOW! That looks epic!

[Guest]

She's got it where it counts kid. Seriously I can't wait to get it airborne and under good control which I will.

[Guest]

Just had an EUREKA moment, I very much hope that last one for this project. I get headaches afterwards. Since I will be having to distribute the main part that I compile (the thousand or so parts that get compiled down to one), what's to stop me from manually editing the CFG of said part?

MASS

DRAG

Edited October 17, 2013 by Guest

[BostLabs]

All you need now is Kessel.

[SeventhArchitect]

Seven thumbs up.

[MinerEdgar]

Wow, this looks great!

[Guest]

4 days til i get home to do this -but here's the to do list right now:

Fully symmetrize the left and right lateral tubes - ballast tank no longer needed on the left as Weld It compiled parts are balanced L to R no matter what. Will still have to balance craft after command module added after compile.

Incorporate large SAS wheels in said tubes - jury is still out whether compiled SAS units are functional, and additive - if not - they will be added after compile.

Various surface detail, and additional geometric detail to be added (protruding shapes). Most recently I added more downward curve to the outer surface of the domes - I am second guessing that change.

Accurize the antenna - too high etc.

Accurize the ends of the lateral tubes / interaction with the domes.

Reduce mass and drag of Weld It generated cfg file

Engines will all be the same now - no mainsails. Mostly for visual. Mass will be adjusted for maneuverability with that engine configuration.

Will attempt to compile with engines attached.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joits/6530247297/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joits/6530246877/

Edited October 21, 2013 by Guest