VAB construction woes

[MacroNova]

Having the hardest time attaching certain parts to each other radially, particularly the Hitchhiker Storage Container. I can attach the Radial Attachment point to the side, and I can attach radial attachment points to each other, so clearly it should work. Is it just not possible or what?

Edited January 16, 2015 by MacroNova

[DeMatt]

A large number of parts, including the Hitchhiker, are not designed to be attached radially, and thus CANnot.

Design your ship accordingly.

[Pecan]

Almost impossible prior to 0.90 but the new editor gizmos make it not too bad:

1. Put a cubic octagonal strut on the part you're attaching the hitch-hiker to
   
2. Add the hitch-hiker by rotating it to attach at its top or bottom node
   
3. Switch to the 'rotate' gizmo and orientate the hitch-hiker the way you really wanted it
   
4. Switch to the 'offset' gizmo and position the hitch-hiker where you really wanted it
   
5. Profit
   

[eddiew]

If you don't mind mods, Editor Extensions will let you force parts to be surface/radially attached, even if they theoretically can't be. Definitely a friend of aesthetic designs everywhere

[RainDreamer]

I think the OP is saying why the hitch hiker can't be attached to a radial attachment point.

[MacroNova]

Thanks for the responses guys. I was trying to design a Mun/Minmus base that wouldn't be a total bear to land. You know, something a little wider so it wouldn't tip over on me instantly. Still playing stock right now, so ridiculous looking craft launch just fine.

I know I can re-orient things in orbit with docking ports, but the weak joints and slightly-offset modules that would result from that make me hesitant. I guess that will have to be the answer if put FAR back in.

[Red Iron Crown]

Another workaround for the issue is to take a hitchhiker, attach the radial attachment point, then attach some throwaway part to the attachment point. Reroot from the throwaway part, then detach the hitchhikker and radial attachment point and save it as a subassembly; that subassembly will be attachable by the radial attachment point.

[MacroNova]

Oooh, good tip!