Cargo Python worthwhile?

[Marklar_]

it can make millions per invy tho

He already has a Cutter, I think he has bulk trading covered

 

[DNYI]

Yes, the title is kinda clickbaity.
We all know the Python is the best ship in the game, but bear with me....

I was pondering what to do with some of my redundant ships and it occurred to me that I might build my Clipper into a combined passenger/cargo money-maker.
I started to pursue this last night but, frankly, it seems like a Python can do anything a Clipper can, but it can also land on a medium pad.
So, back to the drawing board.

My Python is currently set-up as a dedicated cargo ship but I'm not sure that's a good idea.
When you're running cargo missions it's not like you really need to stack them 'cos there's always more available at your destination.
It's also not like it's ever a necessity to deliver the absolute maximum of a commodity to a medium-pad destination. I don't think there are ever medium-pad trade CGs, are there?
Even if there are, I can just bung the extra cargo racks back in especially for it.

So, I figure I can tear out a couple of the cargo racks, replace them with 1st-class passenger compartments and leave the ship with the ability to transport VIPs for ~Cr1m a pop and still retain around 100t of cargo space to take on well-paid cargo missions when they arise.

Anybody see anything wrong with this plan?

Nothing seems to be wrong with the plan. I prefer to leave my python set up to allow for combat, exploration, and trade. For this I fit 6A shields, 3x A-rated shield boosters, 2x Large pulse laser turrets, 1x Large gimbaled pulse laser, 6A thrusters, 7A power distributor, 5A FSD, 4D life suppoort, 6D sensors, a C-rated kill warrant scanner, either a 4C or 4A fuel scoop, detailed surface scanner, advanced discovery scanner, 2G planetary vehicle hanger (1 SRV), 2x class 6 cargo racks (64T each), 2x class 5 cargo racks (32T each), either a 6A or &A power plant, and either 2 medium gimbaled multi-cannons or 2 medium torpedo pylons. This allows me to carry 192T of cargo while still being able to do pretty much anything except long fights in conflict zones. Cargo racks can be swapped for passenger cabins if needed. But basically if you want to do cargo missions from any dockable port the python basically is the best all rounder if you don't like the smaller cargo capacity of an Asp Explorer.

 

[Mangal Oemie]

If you need to trade/smuggle with an outpost, Python is perfect: 256 ton cargo without fuelscoop

 

[Xious]

replace them with 1st-class passenger compartments and leave the ship with the ability to transport VIPs for ~Cr1m a pop and still retain around 100t of cargo space to take on well-paid cargo missions when they arise.

Anybody see anything wrong with this plan?

Seems like Economy is sufficient 90% of the time.

Personally, I just like flying the Clipper over the Python. Whenever I fly a Python, I feel like I'm flying a flat-iron..... with a cockpit.

Spoiler

 

[Sentenza]

I have a dedicated cargo Python AND a dedicated passenger Python. Problem solved.

 

[CMDR Ellegon]

Python has only one role: medium pad mission runner. OK, second role could be as a door wedge, given the shape.

It is probably one of the most dangerous ship to fly:

• too slow to run effectively
• too weak to fight and survive really sticky situations
• gives a false sense of security

Use the Clipper at a fraction of the cost, if you want to haul Cargo and run.
If you can afford it, use the Anaconda or Cutter, if you want to haul Cargo and kill things.

 

[Stealthie]

I run a 200t capacity cargo python regularly, and have no problems filling it for missions, though I generally just do my own trading with it and make just as much, if not more.

That's the thing though; I don't think there's actually any point in stacking cargo missions.
You can usually pick up another one at the drop-off point for your first one.

My Python now has 128t of cargo space and a couple of #4 1st class cabins.
As a result of that, I can now take on passenger transport missions worth around Cr1m and still run cargo missions too.

Dedicating a Python to cargo, alone, is kind of pointless.
It makes sense to dedicate a big ship to cargo because you'll either be trying to maximise your trade profit or you'll be doing a CG.
In either case, you'll want to be able to carry as much cargo as possible.

A medium ship, however, is just flat-out the wrong choice for maximising trading.
That being the case, as long as it can carry 1 or 2 missions-worth of cargo, it's just as efficient as a similar ship with more cargo capacity.
And fitting a couple of passenger cabins means you can also make some coin from that market too.