I made a good lot of credits from my recent long exploration trip, but, when I did the sums, I didn't quite have enough to move up to a Python and have enough left for cargo and insurance.
I'd previously had a T6, which I'd quite liked, even though it looks like a flying brick.
So I got a T7, which is a BIG flying brick, although quite easy to fly.
Did a few days trading and decided that I now had enough to go for the Python. Stripped and sold the T7, and outfitted a Python as an armed merchantman. Got 228 ton cargo capacity and enough shields and armament to give any pirate a tough battle, with 20 million left in the bank for insurance and cargo.
Just into my second day with this ship I'm loving it! Very manoeuvrable for it's size, not had any problems with docking.
I've decided to go on a rares run, these used to be quite lucrative, and with the extra capacity I can carry ordinary cargo at the same time to make the trip more profitable.
Saw another CMDR for the first time in ages yesterday. I gave them a shout on text but I suspect they were AFK docked in the station as I got no response.