1.25 m parts

[Basilo1146]

I am utterly incompetent when it comes to the 1.25 meter parts. I have only built one launch vehicle using them, and that could only carry about ten tonnes into orbit. Given the introduction of science, this has been a difficult learning curve. If i had my 2.5 meter parts, i would have unlocked everything in half a dozen launches, but i am about 11 launches in and just unlocking tier 4. So, how does one use these parts?

[KSK]

You can do a lot with 10 tons worth of early tech tree parts:

FLT800 tank or 2xFLT400 - 4.5 tons.

Command Pod Mk 1 - 0.8 tons

LV909 engine - 0.5 tons

Four landing struts - 0.2 tons.

Mystery Goo containment unit - 0.15 tons

SC-9001 Science Jr - 0.2 tons

Total mass budget - 6.35 tons. Plenty of spare payload for more fuel, more science modules and then batteries, antennas, ladders etc depending on how far you are through the tech tree. If you can get 10 tons into orbit you should be able to pick up a lot of science from missions (including landing missions) to the Mun and Minmus. There are a number of other threads on the forum about maximising your science points early in the tech tree.

[Kasuha]

The same principles that you apply to 2.5m parts work with 1.25 m parts - you can almost swap tank for tank, engine for engine. Build an asparagus out of 1.25 m parts and you will be surprised how good it is. What brings you to orbit in 2.5 m will bring you to orbit in 1.25 m, with just smaller parts. Staging, fuel pumping, all principles are the same, you just use 1-seat capsule instead of 3-seat. these things are smaller and contain less fuel, but are also lighter and have smaller fuel consumption.

[capi3101]

I designed a ship capable of Munar flyby for someone a few days ago at about the same level of the tech tree as you're at. Built it for my own save game and I can tell you that it works exceptionally well. All 1.25 m parts.

[Kerbart]

I am utterly incompetent when it comes to the 1.25 meter parts. I have only built one launch vehicle using them, and that could only carry about ten tonnes into orbit. Given the introduction of science, this has been a difficult learning curve. If i had my 2.5 meter parts, i would have unlocked everything in half a dozen launches, but i am about 11 launches in and just unlocking tier 4. So, how does one use these parts?

Very carefully

And keep chipping away. Can you get into orbit with, say, 3 FLT-800's? Why not exchange one of them for an FLT-400 and see if that works? Asparagus with 3 boosters instead of four, etc. We tend to slap on things but it's amazing how large the weight penalty is, and that also works in reverse. In sandbox mode I got an ion-engine probe to Duna (or any planet, really) launched on a single FLT-200 tank and a Mk1 Jet fuselage (and engines of course). Once you start cutting weight you'll be amazed on how much you can cut out and still get into orbit.

[Basilo1146]

Getting into orbit is fine actually. It's almost hard to build something that wont. Also, I finally made a mun landing with 1.25 meter parts, which, I have never done before. I think I have it down now, thanks.

[Captain Sierra]

Just think back to your demo days. That should help.

[SRV Ron]

This makes orbit with ease. It is the equivalent of two FLT-800 fuel tanks. The first stage LV-45 with three stacked FLT-400. The second stage an LV-909, FLT-400, and FLT-100 to compensate for the added Ox Stat panels. Since I have now unlocked Ox Stat solar panels, I use them for power generation to send crew reports.

It is currently in orbit with 1/3 fuel left to deorbit for return.

The same design, with added SRBs, orbits Mun and returned.

Modified to carry two Goo pods and returning. Added another SRB and a FLT-200 to the upper stage to allow for the additional weight of the Goo pods.

Edited October 23, 2013 by SRV Ron

[Skorpychan]

Do you have tri-couplers yet? If so, ABUSE THEM. Top stage as a -909 with a single -800 tank. Decoupler, tri-coupler, two -800 tanks under each one, and a -454 engine under, decouplers, and then the same. Add a ****ton of boosters on the bottom, fins, clamps, and maybe boosters/tanks on the top.

[SRV Ron]

Another simple 1.25m design for a probe that made a voyager run with a science module.

The tri coupler, with bracing, will work. Even better are radical decouplers as in the deep space probe launcher above. Better yet if I used liquid fueled in the place of the cheaper SRBs