Newcomer / Intro Medium pad size trade ships

[Mo Ronik]

As much as I'd like a Python or one of the Kraits I can't justify the cost involved compared to my T6. Yes, they are far superior ships but the price comparison is out of the ball park. My lovely little T6 with a small shield can move 104 tonnes of goods. Fully A rated with the utility slots full of goodies to ward off evil doers and two mine launchers. Yeah those mine launchers but she's fast and if I can slow someone down enough high waking is a snap. Very maneuverable too. My ship cost is right at 6.8 mil credits.

Now I've futzed with the Python on Coriolis, A rated it and added a small shield then put the exact same mine launchers (for cost comparison) and the same stuff in the utility slots. It says I can carry 260 tonnes of goods but the price is an eye watering 179.9 mil credits. The Python is slower and has less of a jump range but that's not a deal killer since I rarely run more than 60lys from home port. No idea about maneuverability but it's probably close.

When do I catch up in investment vs. return? I can do a trade run fully loaded in my T6 for about 1mil credits. That same run in a Python would be about 2.5 mil credits. 7 trips pays for my T6 with change. It takes almost 72 trips to pay for that Python. Don't get me wrong here, I absolutely love the looks of the Python, not so crazy about the Kraits. And of course the Python can be far better equipped to protect itself vs. the T6 but I've never lost any cargo or been destroyed while flying it.

I'm a trader by profession so I run when I can as I don't have time to stop and fight. Time is money. I run in solo mode or a private group so I'm not concerned with a psycho killer in a battle tank. And, I don't do engineering so the ships I fly are configured to what ever is available at what ever port I'm at. Just trying to get it figured out here. Am I missing something?

 

[Speedcuffs]

As much as I'd like a Python or one of the Kraits I can't justify the cost involved compared to my T6. Yes, they are far superior ships but the price comparison is out of the ball park. My lovely little T6 with a small shield can move 104 tonnes of goods. Fully A rated with the utility slots full of goodies to ward off evil doers and two mine launchers. Yeah those mine launchers but she's fast and if I can slow someone down enough high waking is a snap. Very maneuverable too. My ship cost is right at 6.8 mil credits.

Now I've futzed with the Python on Coriolis, A rated it and added a small shield then put the exact same mine launchers (for cost comparison) and the same stuff in the utility slots. It says I can carry 260 tonnes of goods but the price is an eye watering 179.9 mil credits. The Python is slower and has less of a jump range but that's not a deal killer since I rarely run more than 60lys from home port. No idea about maneuverability but it's probably close.

When do I catch up in investment vs. return? I can do a trade run fully loaded in my T6 for about 1mil credits. That same run in a Python would be about 2.5 mil credits. 7 trips pays for my T6 with change. It takes almost 72 trips to pay for that Python. Don't get me wrong here, I absolutely love the looks of the Python, not so crazy about the Kraits. And of course the Python can be far better equipped to protect itself vs. the T6 but I've never lost any cargo or been destroyed while flying it.

I'm a trader by profession so I run when I can as I don't have time to stop and fight. Time is money. I run in solo mode or a private group so I'm not concerned with a psycho killer in a battle tank. And, I don't do engineering so the ships I fly are configured to what ever is available at what ever port I'm at. Just trying to get it figured out here. Am I missing something?

2.5 mill per run in a Python.
Seems way off.:S

But, with no engineering, I think I'd prefer flying the T6.

 

[Mo Ronik]

Just using the same cargo as what I'd carry in my T6. Polymers mostly. There are better paying goods of course.

 

[dm06]

Following your words sidewinder is a best ships in terms of "investment vs. returns": what ever profit you'll get its absolutely for free!!!
You've said that you can do 2.5mil in a Python vs 1mil in a T6, this is the price for it : 72 trips vs 7 trips to get the ship.

 

[Chris Simon]

Unfortunately as you go higher in ships, the way you justify costs doesn't really work, anymore with a couple of exceptions.

Personally I don't use Python because I don't like the handling one bit. Going up from T6 you have several options but also sacrifices to make. T6 is a unique ship and very few can beat her "bang for the buck". You could buy an Asp Explorer. She can haul about 20t more than T6 and jumps a little better so the turnaround is usually faster. You can have one equipped for trading for about 15 million.
If you have Federation rank for her, the Dropship is actually really nice trader, too.

Other than that, if you don't want a Python and don't like the Krait, you will have to start thinking big. I love T7. Hauls more than a Python and is REALLY cheap. Easily between 20-25 million. Her only downside is that she uses the large pad so you have to adjust your trade routes to that fact. But other than that, she's a joy to fly. Relatively quick and nimble (especially in supercruise), jumps well, has decent armour (better than Python, though she is a bigger target). Many things to like about that ship.
After that there's the Clipper. Beautiful and very useful ship for trading, if, again, you have the rank for her.

After that, there are the big ships of course, but those are all above 100 million.

 

[aRJay]

As much as I'd like a Python or one of the Kraits I can't justify the cost involved compared to my T6. Yes, they are far superior ships but the price comparison is out of the ball park. My lovely little T6 with a small shield can move 104 tonnes of goods. Fully A rated with the utility slots full of goodies to ward off evil doers and two mine launchers. Yeah those mine launchers but she's fast and if I can slow someone down enough high waking is a snap. Very maneuverable too. My ship cost is right at 6.8 mil credits.

Now I've futzed with the Python on Coriolis, A rated it and added a small shield then put the exact same mine launchers (for cost comparison) and the same stuff in the utility slots. It says I can carry 260 tonnes of goods but the price is an eye watering 179.9 mil credits. The Python is slower and has less of a jump range but that's not a deal killer since I rarely run more than 60lys from home port. No idea about maneuverability but it's probably close.

When do I catch up in investment vs. return? I can do a trade run fully loaded in my T6 for about 1mil credits. That same run in a Python would be about 2.5 mil credits. 7 trips pays for my T6 with change. It takes almost 72 trips to pay for that Python. Don't get me wrong here, I absolutely love the looks of the Python, not so crazy about the Kraits. And of course the Python can be far better equipped to protect itself vs. the T6 but I've never lost any cargo or been destroyed while flying it.

I'm a trader by profession so I run when I can as I don't have time to stop and fight. Time is money. I run in solo mode or a private group so I'm not concerned with a psycho killer in a battle tank. And, I don't do engineering so the ships I fly are configured to what ever is available at what ever port I'm at. Just trying to get it figured out here. Am I missing something?

No!

Now before you could take mission cargo in small batches the larger capacity ships let you take the higher paying high volume missions, but that isn't the case now.

If you are happy with the T6 stick with it.

In any case the time to be a high price ship is when you have enough money in the bank that the calculation of how many trips it will take to earn the money back isn't worth the trouble.

 

[Dommarraa]

Return on investment is a valid concern when resources are limited. If you have the cash for a python, get it. What else are you going to spend the money on?

 

[Mo Ronik]

Following your words sidewinder is a best ships in terms of "investment vs. returns": what ever profit you'll get its absolutely for free!!!
You've said that you can do 2.5mil in a Python vs 1mil in a T6, this is the price for it : 72 trips vs 7 trips to get the ship.

That's the rub. Do I work hard to buy a Python or just relax and fly my T6 and work at my steady comfortable pace? I do have two Sidewinders and they are dedicated role ships like all my ships are. A decision I'll need to work on more I guess.

 

[Mo Ronik]

Unfortunately as you go higher in ships, the way you justify costs doesn't really work, anymore with a couple of exceptions.

Personally I don't use Python because I don't like the handling one bit. Going up from T6 you have several options but also sacrifices to make. T6 is a unique ship and very few can beat her "bang for the buck". You could buy an Asp Explorer. She can haul about 20t more than T6 and jumps a little better so the turnaround is usually faster. You can have one equipped for trading for about 15 million.
If you have Federation rank for her, the Dropship is actually really nice trader, too.

Other than that, if you don't want a Python and don't like the Krait, you will have to start thinking big. I love T7. Hauls more than a Python and is REALLY cheap. Easily between 20-25 million. Her only downside is that she uses the large pad so you have to adjust your trade routes to that fact. But other than that, she's a joy to fly. Relatively quick and nimble (especially in supercruise), jumps well, has decent armour (better than Python, though she is a bigger target). Many things to like about that ship.
After that there's the Clipper. Beautiful and very useful ship for trading, if, again, you have the rank for her.

After that, there are the big ships of course, but those are all above 100 million.

The medium pad size ships are my target ships. Large pad size just limits my runs too much. I do have an AspX now but she's being fitted as a mining ship. I just got Chief Petty Officer last night so I can get the two smaller Federal ships now and I'm kinda liking that Dropship. One rank to go before I can get a Clipper. T6 for now and I guess we'll see what the future brings. I've been toying around with making a people rescue ship to take folks from attacked and burning stations but still working that one out. That T6 could be refit nicely for that role.

 

[Mo Ronik]

No!

Now before you could take mission cargo in small batches the larger capacity ships let you take the higher paying high volume missions, but that isn't the case now.

If you are happy with the T6 stick with it.

In any case the time to be a high price ship is when you have enough money in the bank that the calculation of how many trips it will take to earn the money back isn't worth the trouble.

I am very happy with the performance and return on investment with the T6. Even bought a ship kit for her but NO spoiler. I can't figure out spoilers for space ships.

 

[Mo Ronik]

Return on investment is a valid concern when resources are limited. If you have the cash for a python, get it. What else are you going to spend the money on?

I rarely have enough cash for anything.. hahaha.. I role play as a poor commander and I seem to do it well, almost too well. I should probably stop the donations long enough to actually accumulate credits in the account.

 

[Speedcuffs]

I like the Dropship. This one is set up for Rescue and Scout suppression.

 

[dm06]

That's the rub. Do I work hard to buy a Python or just relax and fly my T6 and work at my steady comfortable pace? I do have two Sidewinders and they are dedicated role ships like all my ships are. A decision I'll need to work on more I guess.

Well... in terms of future it is better to have more credits in hour. It is priceless. The more into the future the more credits you will have in a comparison with the T6.

 

[EISENHORN01]

Il tell you what your doing.

Your playing the game how you want to play and having fun whilst doing it, just keep on doing this and one day (in the not to distant future) you will look at your bank balance and wonder why you ever worried about credits.

only thing I would do different is a bit of engineering, I’d up grade the drives and the FSD, more speed and better jump range mean more trading runs.

 

[Mo Ronik]

Il tell you what your doing.

Your playing the game how you want to play and having fun whilst doing it, just keep on doing this and one day (in the not to distant future) you will look at your bank balance and wonder why you ever worried about credits.

only thing I would do different is a bit of engineering, I’d up grade the drives and the FSD, more speed and better jump range mean more trading runs.

Aunty Felicity has invited me for tea. I've been meaning to get out there for some enhanced performance thrusters for my Sidewinders and Hauler. Got about half the materials needed for thruster and fsd engineering already just from buggy hopping and rock blasting. I'll probably go one of these days in between deciding on what to do next.

 

[Bortas]

It takes almost 72 trips to pay for that Python.

So? Do you think you won't be doing another 72 trade runs in the rest of your (ED-)life? Even if you did just one trade-run per day from now on, it would take only 10 weeks for your Python to amortize.

Or you go mine void opals with it... in that case it will take only one trip

 

[Mo Ronik]

So? Do you think you won't be doing another 72 trade runs in the rest of your (ED-)life? Even if you did just one trade-run per day from now on, it would take only 10 weeks for your Python to amortize.

Or you go mine void opals with it... in that case it will take only one trip

It would take me 180 trips at 1mil credits per trip in my T6 just to afford the purchase and upgrade price of the Python. Then I could rake in 2.5 mil credits per trip (assuming the same price per tonne of the same cargo). I'll see where I'm at after I get this AspX ready for mining. About half way there with the outfitting and should be done in a few more days. A couple of nice hauls with her might net me the purchase price of a Python. Always planning the next ship and what to do with it...

 

[Para Handy]

Just thought I'd stick my oar in here...

Of course I am going to suggest the Python but you do have to remember the jump range restriction that comes with it. If you have G5 FSD range mod with mass manager then it is not so bad but it is still a limitation you have to bear in mind. It isn't a big pain, occasionally you find yourself doing two legs when you could have done it in one with a T6 or ApsX but you are carrying an awful lot more cargo. I always find after a clear-save that I can equip a Python after a few hours running missions and ramping up rep - A-grading the Python is soon paid for from the resulting high-value missions. (On purchasing a Python you can get away with C rated stuff apart from the FSD and the power plant need not be class 7.)

The main thing, as people have said, is to not worry too much about what other people do, just do what makes your game-time pleasurable.

 

[Mo Ronik]

Just thought I'd stick my oar in here...

Of course I am going to suggest the Python but you do have to remember the jump range restriction that comes with it. If you have G5 FSD range mod with mass manager then it is not so bad but it is still a limitation you have to bear in mind. It isn't a big pain, occasionally you find yourself doing two legs when you could have done it in one with a T6 or ApsX but you are carrying an awful lot more cargo. I always find after a clear-save that I can equip a Python after a few hours running missions and ramping up rep - A-grading the Python is soon paid for from the resulting high-value missions. (On purchasing a Python you can get away with C rated stuff apart from the FSD and the power plant need not be class 7.)

The main thing, as people have said, is to not worry too much about what other people do, just do what makes your game-time pleasurable.

The jump range isn't that big of a deal for me since most of the time I'm only running maybe 60lys from home port. 2 jumps instead of 1 is but a blink of the eye. A lot of these outbreak systems where I'm hauling medicine and performance enhancers are in the 1 jump range anyway. If I'm doing a long haul in the T6 I sometimes set the route to economy so I have more jumps along the way which gives me more opportunity to honk systems and sometimes more credits. And yeah, I finally got the honk to work after taking my brain out and turning it around.

I've given up on only having 8 ship because there is so much to do in ED, obviously, and the Python has always been my favorite ship. I'm trying hard to justify adding it to my fleet and trying hard to estimate when it might arrive. 2020 seems like a nice round number.. hahaha

 

[Iskariot]

As much as I'd like a Python or one of the Kraits I can't justify the cost involved compared to my T6. Yes, they are far superior ships but the price comparison is out of the ball park. My lovely little T6 with a small shield can move 104 tonnes of goods. Fully A rated with the utility slots full of goodies to ward off evil doers and two mine launchers. Yeah those mine launchers but she's fast and if I can slow someone down enough high waking is a snap. Very maneuverable too. My ship cost is right at 6.8 mil credits.

Now I've futzed with the Python on Coriolis, A rated it and added a small shield then put the exact same mine launchers (for cost comparison) and the same stuff in the utility slots. It says I can carry 260 tonnes of goods but the price is an eye watering 179.9 mil credits. The Python is slower and has less of a jump range but that's not a deal killer since I rarely run more than 60lys from home port. No idea about maneuverability but it's probably close.

When do I catch up in investment vs. return? I can do a trade run fully loaded in my T6 for about 1mil credits. That same run in a Python would be about 2.5 mil credits. 7 trips pays for my T6 with change. It takes almost 72 trips to pay for that Python. Don't get me wrong here, I absolutely love the looks of the Python, not so crazy about the Kraits. And of course the Python can be far better equipped to protect itself vs. the T6 but I've never lost any cargo or been destroyed while flying it.

I'm a trader by profession so I run when I can as I don't have time to stop and fight. Time is money. I run in solo mode or a private group so I'm not concerned with a psycho killer in a battle tank. And, I don't do engineering so the ships I fly are configured to what ever is available at what ever port I'm at. Just trying to get it figured out here. Am I missing something?

You've gotta use what you wanna use . You are your own man in the Elite galaxy.
But as far as I am concerned the Python is the ultimate medium trader.

Eventually (and these days that is rather sooner than later) you will have earned enough money to want that Python.
The fact that it is a relatively expensive vessel will not matter to you anymore, because you will be able to afford it.

All traders will want a Python in their fleet eventually.
Some day you will simply not be able to justify its absence anymore.

From the moment I could afford a Python I never looked back.
I fly other ships too, but when I need a medium trader, then there is only one smart choice once this ship is in your fleet.

I think working towards Python ownership is a lovely way to enjoy the game.
After I bought the Python hull I could only afford to build a sub-rated cargo hauler at first.
I used my profits to slowly upgrade every component and I took care to NEVER EVER fly without more than enough insurance money in my account.

You should realize that in the end the Python pays for itself.

If I had to choose only one ship to keep it would definitely be the Python.
Luckily I don't have to make that choice though.

The Python is no longer the ship that earned me the most trading credits. That is the Cutter. For obvious reasons.