Horizontally Mounted Payloads (VBA)

[AlexinTokyo]

Does anyone have any nice tips for horizontally mounting payloads simply?

For example:

Say I want to build a hexagonal modular space station. I will create each module as a vertex with two half edges attached, sticking out at 120 degrees from each other. Clearly, I don't want to mount the vertex end on to the lifter, as it would be hideously unbalanced. But if I rotate the module so the legs are pointing into the air, I can't use symmetry to build the lifter, because the axis of symmetry follows the main axis of the original root part, which is now horizontal.

I can't attach the station module sideways to a lifter as a sub-assembly, because I cant attach the sub-assembly to a radial hard point's 'inner' side. For the same reason, I can't build the lifter first and add a horizontal payload.

Is there any way to get the rotated payload to sit happily on top of a lifter which can be built with symmetry, or is the only option to build everything completely by eye, with no automatic symmetry involved.

Honestly, this is probably the most frustrating thing I've tried to do in KSP yet.

[Taki117]

Here's what you need to do, build your lander with symmetry, using a girder as the root part. This ensures that you have the proper attach point when you go to save it as a sub-assembly.

Also, pictures of your predicament would help greatly.

Another point. If you are not adverse to mods you can get Select Root which allows you to change the root part of your vessel.

[MarvinKitFox]

Build the whole thing upright.

Then, rotate the whole thing so your payload orientation is as desired.

Then "bend" the joining piece to make the lifter upright again.

As for balance.... When I need to launch one horridly asymmetric thing, i don't. I launch TWO of them. No matter how horrid the shape or mass layout, if you have two of a thing you can radially mirror them, and achieve perfect balance.

[Kasuha]

Send two modules at once, attached symmetrically to the lifter.

[Amaroq]

As for balance.... When I need to launch one horridly asymmetric thing, i don't. I launch TWO of them. No matter how horrid the shape or mass layout, if you have two of a thing you can radially mirror them, and achieve perfect balance.

Facepalm. Why didn't I think of that!?!