Waterworld - Exploring Laythe

[The Error]

So recently, I got an idea in my head for a Laythe exploration and colonization project. Not some dinky one-probe trip, a full-on colony, with planes and rovers and stuff.

Because of the Time and Effort involved, I'm not going to fly all the parts out. I will cheat (slightly).

The Mission Plan:

1. Send a fleet of probes (design calls for 6) to Laythe to scout for locations and landing zones.

2. Send a mothership with basic colonization gear - this will also carry the JumpGate (A probe, really) to counterpart the one above Kerbin*.

3. Begin transferring modules and craft to the base(s).

4. ???

5. SCIENCE!

Note this will be in Sandbox, and will have a maximum of 4 mods. I'll let you lot reccomend some. (No Kethane, RemoteTech, MechJeb, or FAR, please.)

*I'll fly ships up to these probes before HyperEditing ("jumping") the craft to Laythe. I have not the time/patience to fly all the bits out.

This is in lieu of a workable FTL mod (Interstellar lags me to hell and gone).

The Planned Crew:

IP-NV-X Longbow [Mothership] - Commander Jebediah, Captain Lengas, Captain Donrey. These guys will fly Longbow between Kerbin and Laythe the old-fashioned way, it masses too much to jump.

Laythe Base / Heck's Gate Base - Commander Bob, Captain Bill, [TBD]. This lot will maintain and SCIENCE from the base facilities on Laythe.

Laythe Squadron ["Jadehawks"] - Captain Neilbart, Lt. Billy-bobfred, [TBD], [TBD]. This intrepid crew will fly around on Laythe, seeing the sights and SCIENCEing.

Subject to change. hopefully the probes will be away later today. Will update as often as possible.

[Tw1]

KAS. Best mod for base building, IMHO. Adds a great deal of fun setting up and re-arranging things.

[The Error]

I was thinking that, too. I might have to refit the Longbow for KAS stuff... hm.

[Legendary Emu]

Lack luster labs SXT or Novapunch?

Edit: Or to fix the problem with the tedius "flying all the bits out" you could get Burn Together. It makes it so other ships with the same part on them "follow the leader." It's in alpha though.

Edited April 8, 2014 by Legendary Emu

[The Error]

Lack luster labs SXT or Novapunch?

I find NP to be a bit..meh. LLL/SXT might be worth a look.

EDIT: K.A.S. doesn't work with .23 (I don't have 23.5 yet), so that's out.