D-List Python?

[thebs]

Okay, finally got my Python, while keeping 5M+ around for at least 1.5 cases of insurance. Here is the current configuration for starters ...

[Config 77M] D-List Python

I actually got it for closer to 68M with with Li Yong-Rui 15% discounts

The main starting differences in configuration was ...

Class A Frame Shift Drive from the get-go, just to get those 14/17ly jump ranges with that Class D Power Plant

Although I quickly changed ...

Class D Power Distributor really limits the boost and fire recharging, so gathered another 4M and upgraded to Class B

If I had to do this again, I would have done the Class B Power Distributor for 4M before the Class A Frame Shift Drive for 5M. A 5B Frame Shift for under 2M would have been good enough.

BTW, as I figured, even Class D Shields on a Python are twice as good as A-spec on a Federal Drop Ship! Recharging in the D-list configuration is the only limitation, but that's what Shield Banks are for.

Otherwise ...

Class 3 Gimballed Beam in the center, with Class 3 Turreted Pulse on the extremes for outside arcs, should protect well enough, plus a Class 2 Gimballed Multi-cannon for adding some armor shredding for safe measure

This actually works extremely well! Especially with only Class D Thrusters. The Pulses keep firing at those off-arcs and keep the shields, or hull, getting pegged until I can bring the C3/G Beam and C2/G Multi to bear.

My next moves are to get another 5M upgrade the Power Plant to 7C for +2.5 more power, as it is quite constrained right now. Then another 5M each for Shields and Thrusters to 6B, although I might do 3M for a Bi-Weave 6C of the former.

[de Carabas]

Have you been in combat with those D shields yet? They might be rated better but it always feels that they go down faster on the Python. Perhaps it's a bigger target....

[thebs]

Have you been in combat with those D shields yet? They might be rated better but it always feels that they go down faster on the Python. Perhaps it's a bigger target....

Yes. Even the 6D lasts 50% longer than the 6A Federal Drop Ship (FDS) ones. It's a world of difference! Going to the 7B Power Distributor also improves recharging. Again, 4M for a 7B Distributor is so worth it compared to the 7D, and a 7C is better than the FDS' 6A Power Distributor.

The Python Class 6 spec shield generators are about the same as a Vulture Class 5 specs. The exact same Class 6 shields on the FDS has almost half the strength as the Python. So I'm now happy again. It's almost as if the Python gets the Vulture's shields, and has three (3) Class 6 components while the Vulture has only one (1) Class 5, along with over 80% of the FDS' hull. I will miss flying that pig of a FDS though ... it was fun!

I captured some videos of the FDS slid'n and glid'n, as well as a classic "belly flop" hard landing and bounce dock that I'll upload when I get time.

[thebs]

Okay, I've upgraded to a 7C Power Plant, and I put in 6C Bi-Weave Shields, which I'm now calling the D-plus (D+) List Python.

[Config 84M] D+ List Python

More power Scotty ...

The 7C Power Plant leaves me enough power to upgrade to 6A Power Distributor for another 5M credits and then 6A Thrusters with another 16M credits. So those are my next two targets, which will break 100M credits -- [Config 105M] C-plus (C+) spec Python

Shields-wise ...

I'm really liking the Bi-Weave. It's the same strength as 6D regular, and not that much less than 6C or even 6B. I'll wait to change that until I go 7B Power Plant, so I can run with 6A Shields in the future.

Over-cargo kill = Interdiction side-missions ...

Also, I'm finding 160 cargo overkill for mining, so I put in an inexpensive, 4D Frame Shift Drive Interdictor, which brings my cargo down to 128. I'm taking on anti-piracy missions with regularity. It started after the local independent faction contacted me (which was cool, didn't know that happens) with a 5 kill anti-pirate mission, which improved my status with them to Friendly. I then picked up, and finished, a 20 kill anti-pirate mission, and now I'm in the middle of a 40 killset now.

Although I always seem to have extra Platinum and/or Painite in the cargo hold to draw in the poor bastards, so I don't always need the Interdictor.

Although on mining ...

I finally found my first complaint with the Python. The sucker is so long, that the cargo scoop is a lesson in frustration if one doesn't use, or runs out of, collector limpets. The FDS wasn't so bad, and I'd find I'd "bounce" the cargo in at times. It wasn't certainly as "fun" as my [Config 20M] A-minus (A-) spec Vulture Miner.

Of course, this matters little with collector limpets. But man if I forget, or run out -- including trying to make room to fill the hold, especially if I'm trying to top off the Refinery bins after my last one expires -- it's a PITA to line up that Python. I.e., if the chunk is even moving off-axis, it's so easy to knock it before it gets way, way back there to the scoop. Finally made me appreciate the FDS, let alone that nimble, small Vulture.

[OLd_Sarg]

"let alone that nimble, small Vulture."

Hell Ya, the Cobra III and this!!! ^^^

[thebs]

"let alone that nimble, small Vulture."
Hell Ya, the Cobra III and this!!! ^^^

My 32/6/1 cargo/bin/collector Vulture Mining configuration, which started with only a 10M cost (20M in a very "potent defender" configuration) will always be my favorite. I was able to start raking in a lot of money in that thing, far more than I earn by trading in a Type-7, much less a Type-6 or more protected Asp.

[OLd_Sarg]

I still think the Vulture is miss-named;

Maybe;

Star-Shark

Head-Hunter

or

Death Star

[thebs]

I still think the Vulture is miss-named;
Maybe;
Star-Shark
Head-Hunter
or
Death Star

Nah, the name is appropriate.

[Falcon_D]

Personally, after flying the Vulture sometime ago, I would name it, "I win".

As for the cargo scoop thing on the Python, never really had a problem with it. Just get the target in the middle of the blue cross hairs and done. But then again I've only ever mined in a Python.

Have you tried the discount shopping thing for your ship's modules? Lady Jayne is mainly fitted with modules I got at a discount.

Have fun, fly safe. o7

[thebs]

Personally, after flying the Vulture sometime ago, I would name it, "I win".
As for the cargo scoop thing on the Python, never really had a problem with it. Just get the target in the middle of the blue cross hairs and done. But then again I've only ever mined in a Python.

Oh man, world of difference in a Vulture. Even the FDS is better. Sometimes I'd get a "bounce in" with the FDS. But that Python? The scoop is way, way back there, nowhere near the nose. I usually have to keep the speed up if that rock is moving in any direction other than towards me. I can never seem to get the lateral thrusters in-sync before it finally bounces off the ship a good 1/3rd of the time. A "bounce in" is now rare.

Have you tried the discount shopping thing for your ship's modules? Lady Jayne is mainly fitted with modules I got at a discount.
Have fun, fly safe. o7

Yes. I'm in Li Yong-Rui space.
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