Career mode without reaction wheels.

[Orionkermin]

Hello, I have been thinking about starting a career save where I disable all reaction wheels before launch, to simulate more realistic control of spacecraft. I'll also be using several mods including TAC life support, DRE, FAR, and RLA stock alike. (the extra RCS options seem like they could be a huge help)

I'm sure others have done this sort of thing, so my questions for you is how doable was it and was it fun? I know using early sub-orbital flights to pick up control (for the winglets) and fuel for RCS thrusters will be pretty much essential. I did one flight in sandbox recently disallowing myself the use of reaction wheels and that was pretty fun. Managing my monopropellant as I landed on the moon and making sure I had enough for my return was interesting. Does that sort of thing get old/overly difficult on larger scale missions though?

Anyway just thought I'd share and see what some of my peers think about the matter, thanks.

[Deathsoul097]

Early flights will be completely unsteer-able, unless you plan on using about 4 different LF engines and manually throttling them using tweakables, and RCS and thrusters are really far down the tree. I haven't done it myself, but good luck if you do, and I for one want to see how this turns out.

[Orionkermin]

Well I'm hoping that the early gimbaling engines will help me out. I just need to get high enough and survive long enough to get the science I'll need. I have to make sure not to get into orbit either.

[brooklyn666]

Have you thought about using Realism Overhaul and Real Solar System?

[Orionkermin]

Have you thought about using Realism Overhaul and Real Solar System?

Not really. I actually like the scaled down universe, heck I still haven't made it to Moho or Eelloo or manned missions to Jool. To be honest I'm not entirely sure of the extent of the Realism Overhaul mod, I think it has to do with more realist weights doesn't it? Either way I do like the stylistic approach that the stock game takes, I just found this sort of a fun extra engineering and piloting challenge.

[Sirine]

Just play as you like. I believe you have already made up your mind on how are you going to play it.

[Minarkhaios]

It's kind of like playing without electricity, which happens a lot in early career mode.

Lot's of fun.

Landing on (the) mun with only the landing reactor trust vectoring is .. challenging.

And the return trip is also a small adventure.

Good luck (and good fun) to you.

[gamma_gandalph]

Consider using the FASA parts. The Mercury capsule starts with a little bit of RCS for attitude control and, if I recall correctly, the Mercury and Gemini capsules in the mod don't have reaction control wheels from the start. Plus they look gorgeous. I am playing a career mode game with FASA (plus DRE, TAC, FAR and a few others) and it's been great fun. I did a lot more missions than I would have otherwise done, as I tried to emulate a somewhat realistic space program. I am probably down maybe a dozen launches and now I start feeling like sending Gemini to the Mun.

[possum]

I use the FASA Mercury and Gemini capsules pretty much exclusively and not having reaction wheels brought new life to the game for me. Having to manage mono-propellent adds a new level of immersion.

[Awaras]

Hello, I have been thinking about starting a career save where I disable all reaction wheels before launch, to simulate more realistic control of spacecraft.

You should try Better Than Starting Manned then. The reaction wheels are disabled for all command pods, and all separate reaction wheel parts are severely nerfed.

[Orionkermin]

BTSM also does a bunch of other stuff I'm not interested in though. For instance I prefer to start with manned flights and don't really want an altered tech tree ATM. I did start this career game though and it's been a lot of fun. Things got good after getting gimbaling engines. I only lost 1 kerbal early on and haven't lost any others yet. I now have RCS unlocked, so it's just making sure I build with monopropellant needs in mind.

Here's some pics of my early rockets.

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