StrandedonEarth Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Part count is always a major consideration in KSP. My suggestion to help reduce part counts is to have the ability to combine small parts into a single part (Equipment Bay), perhaps in a 'Factory' building. I envision it working like this:1: Select the fuselage part, probably choosing between a short straight section and the different size adapters. It would probably be best if the fuselage parts had a set number of slots for internal parts, maybe 2-4 slots depending on size/diameter.2: Select what part you want in each slot. Of course, some slots could be left empty. Parts to choose from should include LF and LFO tanks, Monoprop tanks, batteries, RTGs, avionics (probe cores), reaction wheels, and science sensors. Maybe even lights and RCS thrusters!3: Weld it! This would combine everything into a single part (EB), with mass equal to the sum of all the parts inside. The cost would also be the sum of all the parts, plus a percentage to create the part. The finished part could be a one-off, one use custom part, or perhaps for an extra fee it could be prototyped and added to the part inventory for unlimited use.4: Use it! The new Equipment Bay could appear in subassemblies, structural parts, or perhaps a new 'Custom Part' category.Bonus Sub-part: Science Rack! Stick all the small science sensors (seismic, gravioli, thermometer, barometer) onto a rack which fits into just one EB slot.My inspiration for this is from trying to clip parts inside the otherwise empty adapter parts, which may help aesthetics but doesn't help part counts. With this scheme, including the Science Rack, in a 4-slot EB, 8 parts could become one, using up what would be otherwise empty space (if using an adapter).What do you all think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemrav Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I think you're thinking of the Weld mod The main reason why you wouldn't want this, is that then explosions destroy huge chunks of your vehicle.So I think that maybe, if things are in a cargo bay (like a probe), then you can do this, but otherwise keep it limited, and when your probe detaches, it separates into the individual parts again.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrandedonEarth Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Well, it's inspired by the Weld mod, and explosions will generally ruin Bill's day anyways. I mainly just want to make use of empty space in the adapters, and reduce part count, even if some of the parts I listed are "massless."Oh, and the right-click menu on the EB would bring up all the details, stats and buttons of the individual parts. I suppose the EB could be 'loaded and locked' in the VAB/SPH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Phil Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 If you remember each part was once separate, you could separate those parts and let them explode. Same thing could help with staging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BudgetHedgehog Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Hate to say it, but combining parts is on the WNTS list.. :/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StrandedonEarth Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Whoops, sorry, I guess a mod can delete this then Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sal_vager Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I'll close it I guess Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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