I didn't even realise the paint weathered! Looking forward to some of the new shine coming off once i make the purchase...i think i saw somewhere an upgraded Phantom has about 80million cost all in... so a bit more trading to do first!
Noob question here...how do i get to Boepp UE-Q e5-2104 system
- Thread starter Cpt N Algren
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In theory you will be in the cockpit of your explorer ship for a long time so I would suggest trying them out to be sure you are happy with the view and the engine noise and the handling before committing to one.Thanks everyone, still lots to think about then...the ideal explorer ship for me would be:
I know everyone has their preferences, but any that kind of fit into those criteria would be great!
- decent range so I can cover good distances without it taking forever to get places
- agile, so it's not too hard to fly about, land, generally 'explore'
- enough component options to make any recommended upgrades for exploring
- good cockpit view without too much obstruction from the views
O7
My Phantom is about 90 million not counting rebuy allowances.
Distance travelled in supercruise (not jumps) degrades the paint and causes hull integrity issues both of which you can repair in Advanced Repairs. A trip to Hutton can run up a surprisingly large repair bill.
The paint definitely weathers, though it takes a while (some ships indeed seem to weather faster than others, but I'm not at all sure about that), and as pointless a feature it might seem, it makes any long trip feel 10x more worth. (immersion is never pointless) 
My Orca, just departed and a few light years from Colonia (tiiiiny smudges on the front)
A few dozens systems later, around halfway back to the bubble
Finally landed in Tewanta, back to the "old worlds"
Mind though, paint will get slowly eroded while traveling in SC, it's not the amount of jumps that matter, only how much time you spend flying in SC.
Edit - just noticed aRJay explained the same, but better.
(and yes, the Orca has been my main exploration ship so far. Fly whatever, until you enjoy it. )
My Orca, just departed and a few light years from Colonia (tiiiiny smudges on the front)
A few dozens systems later, around halfway back to the bubble
Finally landed in Tewanta, back to the "old worlds"
Edit - just noticed aRJay explained the same, but better.
(and yes, the Orca has been my main exploration ship so far. Fly whatever, until you enjoy it.
)
And thats why..... the Orca wins! Although it looks like a futuristic mini van on the outside, it ticks all the boxes for range, view, engine sound, internal slots and general comfort.
Fuelscoops are expensive, so you could save quite a lot of cash by fitting a 6B rather than a 6A: almost as good, but a lot cheaper (and you can always upgrade later, modules can be sold at 100% of their purchase price).
Two things I never skimp on, thrusters and fuel scoop, shields yes get a lower class, if not using weapons get a lower class PP and PD because you will have power to spare, D rate some items like sensors, saves a lot of mass and increases jump range.
... and if you're looking for an FSD then I'd find a Guardian Tech Broker as they do pre-engineered ones that fit the Phantom. You will need to do a bit of material gathering, but less than if you engineer it yourself (plus it is better than any you can make yourself).
Quite so. OP may even find that they come back to ... the T6! Terrific cockpit view, and once proper engineering is applied it makes an extremely competent explorer.
I like the sound of that, will be good to source what's needed and build it out that way.
I think i almost have enough credits now for the Phantom and kitting it out, I could do Guardian Tech Broker with my new ship and upgrade the FSD once I have it, and out to the galaxy from there?
If you gather the right Guardian materials you can unlock the FSD booster at Guardian tech brokers, it's a component you can install in your optionals once unlocked and will give a relevant bump to your range, depending on the size of the booster you add. Once unlocked, you'll always find them available at stations that stock those boosters.
Sounds great, that sounds like a green light to start my adventure in my new ship
I mean, you don't need all of this, but that's the Phantom I'm more or less trying to kit out currently (whenever I find the time or the urge to lock into my explorer account, that is):
s.orbis.zone
The FSD is going to be the tech broker version, so I expect another couple of ly on top of that range.
Coriolis EDCD Edition
A ship builder, outfitting and comparison tool for Elite Dangerous
s.orbis.zone
The FSD is going to be the tech broker version, so I expect another couple of ly on top of that range.
Thanks, that's super helpful. Will enjoy kitting it all out, hopefully have enough credits...I mean, you don't need all of this, but that's the Phantom I'm more or less trying to kit out currently (whenever I find the time or the urge to lock into my explorer account, that is):
Coriolis EDCD Edition
A ship builder, outfitting and comparison tool for Elite Dangerous
The FSD is going to be the tech broker version, so I expect another couple of ly on top of that range.
Also, thanks to everyone for being so welcoming on here, really appreciate it and all your help. Very much enjoying this game right now.
O7
O7
This is also a very good read for a new commander: https://thefatherhoodwing.space/codex/
![BigBANGtheory [VR]](https://forums-cdn.zaonce.net/data/avatars/m/71/71385.jpg?1644873788){kind=avatar}
You plot a route, check you've enough jump range and make sure you can fuel up along the way either at a station or fuel scoop the star.
the acronym KGB-FOAM is useful for star types you can fuel against.
the acronym KGB-FOAM is useful for star types you can fuel against.
The old rule of thumb was to have at least 3 (5 would be better) times the undiscounted purchase price of the ship before you buy.
For a Phantom that would be around 106 million which would get you a decent set of modules and a few rebuys.
Of course you don't actually pay full price for the ship and modules which leaves you more change.
I mean, you don't need all of this, but that's the Phantom I'm more or less trying to kit out currently (whenever I find the time or the urge to lock into my explorer account, that is):
Coriolis EDCD Edition
A ship builder, outfitting and comparison tool for Elite Dangerous
The FSD is going to be the tech broker version, so I expect another couple of ly on top of that range.
Get 70ly from mine but don't carry any weaponry, it could do a bit more, I haven't engineered everything to the max possible but 70ly is achievable without going silly with engineering.
I love to see new Cmdrs starting out, brings back some fond memories.
I had a DBX for my first 10k ly round trip, an AspX for the 20k to a Phantom for my first trip to Colonia. I then built an exploraconda for the second trip out here and haven't piloted it since.
I mainly explore with a phantom now
I had a DBX for my first 10k ly round trip, an AspX for the 20k to a Phantom for my first trip to Colonia. I then built an exploraconda for the second trip out here and haven't piloted it since.
I mainly explore with a phantom now
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This is a picture of my Dolphin en route to Beagle Point, along time ago! I met up with a CMDR coming the other way at a Beacon.
Lot's of lovely pealing paint!
Lot's of lovely pealing paint!