Ultimate medium-pad mining ship?

[Stealthie]

I bought a T9, out in Colonia, to bankroll the Anaconda I plan to build and earn an extra billion credits before I head back to the bubble.
Trouble is, every mining session with the T9 is a marathon and, as a result, it takes weeks before I build up the motivation to have another go.
Conversely, in an AspX (with a 64t capacity) I feel like I'm just getting started when I reach 64t of stuff and have to wrap it up and go find a market.

So, I'm thinking of flogging the T9 and replacing it with a medium-pad ship in order try and hit the sweet-spot between profit and maintaining interest.

I'm thinking that my two choices are the Krait Mk2 and the Python.

The Python would seem to be the better choice, objectively.
It's extra slot means I can either bung in an extra C5 Collector to make things go a bit faster or I can bung in an extra C6 Cargo rack to increase my payload to 192t.

The Krait's benefits are less tangible.
It's a bit cheaper (which doesn't really matter), I prefer the way it flies, I think it's more agile and it's cockpit is probably better-suited to mining.
Also, based on using my AspX for mining, I don't think I'll really need another 3 Collectors and I'm not sure I'll really want to mine 192t of stuff all at once.
Lastly, I already have a Python in my Colonia fleet and I like a bit of variety.

So, whaddaya think?
Go with my head and buy a Python or go with my gut and buy a Krait?
Or, something else entirely?

 

[GunnerBill]

Python.

Some will say Krait. But they are wrong.

----

The pythons cockpit view suits cruising just below the plane of the belt, the PWS can see all the way through and the great width of the Pythons canopy means you can see far to the left and right with ease ~ especially in VR.

I have the PWS set on a loop using a simple Voice Attack profile and it's really easy.

For close in work I find the nose of the Py useful for corralling chunks away from the face of the rocks.

In reality I'm sure the K is just as good but it's fugly and I just can't stand it!

Here's a link to my build (it's deep core only, 224t): https://s.orbis.zone/2ix4

 

[60mm]

I use a Krait MkII for mining. I would miss a lot of cores using a Python. My search method is to boost in a line, roughly in the middle of the belt, while scanning left to right (head tracking) to spot anything in the PWA's range. This is where the Krait's cockpit really shines, most of the cores I spot are off to the sides and many are below the ship. The Python can hold more, but all the missed cores would totally negate that advantage.

 

[Backelaer]

I've never really been a fan of the Python, however, I do find I kind of like it for mining.
Here's mine https://s.orbis.zone/2ix0
I engineered some things here and there, and it's performing well. Your post got me thinking however: I never fill up on those 192 tons before I feel the need to go and sell it.
Also, even with g5 dirty drives the reverse thrusters are still not really that good.
So you actually kinda talked me into buying a second Krait mkII for a mining rig. Thanks I guess [big grin]

 

[MUSKETEER]

Python imho

 

[Stealthie]

I've never really been a fan of the Python, however, I do find I kind of like it for mining.
Here's mine https://s.orbis.zone/2ix0

Hope you don't mind but I can't help scrutinising other people's builds.

You can directly swap the DSS and the Prospector and then upgrade to a C3 prospector.
You don't need a 6A PP or a 7A PDist on that ship. Swapping them for a 5A and 6D, respectively, would reduce the weight by around 70t and give you up to 4Ly extra jump range.
I find it's useful to stick A-rated sensors on mining ships, although you'd probably want to light-weight them.
Lastly, do you need a C4 refinery? Fitting a C3 refinery would allow you to fit a C4 shield in there.

Here's the Python I was thinking of building: https://s.orbis.zone/2ixc
Alternatively, here's the Krait: https://s.orbis.zone/2ixd

 

[Saool]

I've never really been a fan of the Python, however, I do find I kind of like it for mining.
Here's mine https://s.orbis.zone/2ix0
I engineered some things here and there, and it's performing well. Your post got me thinking however: I never fill up on those 192 tons before I feel the need to go and sell it.
Also, even with g5 dirty drives the reverse thrusters are still not really that good.
So you actually kinda talked me into buying a second Krait mkII for a mining rig. Thanks I guess [big grin]

I'm curious that you only use one laser. I am not a miner. The only real mining I have done is for engineers and CGs. But I was expecting 5 lasers, or 3, a pulse wave thingamabob and rock cracking missile gizmo.

 

[Captain Thea Kreutzer]

I'm curious that you only use one laser. I am not a miner. The only real mining I have done is for engineers and CGs. But I was expecting 5 lasers, or 3, a pulse wave thingamabob and rock cracker missile gizmo.

with the new changes lasers arent that important anymore+you need protection

 

[Stealthie]

I'm curious that you only use one laser. I am not a miner. The only real mining I have done is for engineers and CGs. But I was expecting 5 lasers.

Mining lasers aren't really important for mining these days.
The seizmic launcher and abrasion blaster earn most of your credits and the other tools are just there for collecting the odds and sods.

Even if mining lasers were important, at 3MW per laser a C7 PDist isn't going to power more than 2 continuously, or possibly 3, depending on your engineering.

 

[Lightspeed]

Krait II gives me 64t with a Guardian FSD booster and shield booster, so if you forgo either or both of those, you have plenty of space for cargo in a highly manoueverable ship. Fit beam lasers to the large hardpoints will give you plenty of protection while you use the seismic blast launcher and abrasive blaster on the mediums.

 

[Backelaer]

I'm curious that you only use one laser. I am not a miner. The only real mining I have done is for engineers and CGs. But I was expecting 5 lasers, or 3, a pulse wave thingamabob and rock cracking missile gizmo.

Yeah, this one is built for blowing up rocks. The laser is a mining laser. Doesn't have anything to do with protection: I mine just outside the bubble, and I always wait for the inevitable pirate-npc to leave before I get to blasting rocks.
Sometimes you find LTD's or VO on the surface of 'em, and since I got hardpoints to spare, I figured why not take a mining laser?
The pulsewave thingamabob is also there. It's in the utility slot. And the rock cracking gizmo is also there(seismic charge).
I'm beginning to think the link to my build isn't working?

 

[avow555]

Krait II is my preference, although the AspX really works well.

 

[Vedmo]

Mining lasers aren't really important for mining these days.
The seizmic launcher and abrasion blaster earn most of your credits and the other tools are just there for collecting the odds and sods.

Even if mining lasers were important, at 3MW per laser a C7 PDist isn't going to power more than 2 continuously, or possibly 3, depending on your engineering.

My big classic mining Conda/Cutters use G5 Charge enh, super cond 7 PDs and 4 medium lasers and they will melt many rocks right before a total drain, those that take a bit more I just ease off of them for a second or two at intervals to prevent empty distributor before depletion, not that this info is terribly relevant to what you are building.

I have classic mining builds and deep core builds, never went for something capable of doing it all. If I were to though (and very will might after your thread here), I'd start out with a Python for the extra size 6 optional it has over the Krait. Everything else is a wash or close enough to it for mining purposes in my opinion.

 

[Saool]

Yeah, this one is built for blowing up rocks. The laser is a mining laser. Doesn't have anything to do with protection: I mine just outside the bubble, and I always wait for the inevitable pirate-npc to leave before I get to blasting rocks.
Sometimes you find LTD's or VO on the surface of 'em, and since I got hardpoints to spare, I figured why not take a mining laser?
The pulsewave thingamabob is also there. It's in the utility slot. And the rock cracking gizmo is also there(seismic charge).
I'm beginning to think the link to my build isn't working?

Weird. They are there now. But earlier there was just the laser. I can't proove S%!^ obviously, but hey ho.

 

[Stealthie]

Geez, I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure.

Fired up the game and I'm at my base in Kojeara... where the Krait is for sale.
Okay, so I'll buy a Krait for convenience.
No, wait. The Python IS better so I'll schlepp across to Colonia and buy one of those.
Arrive at Colonia, head toward Jaques, spot a HGE and I'm reminded that I HATE manually scooping in the Python.
Mining, and delivering to market, means a fair amount of travelling so there's frequent opportunities for scavving from USS's and the Krait is better for that.
So, back to Kojeara to buy a Krait.

I still have the nagging feeling that I know it's not the best ship for the job though.
I'll take it mining and if I fill up it's 128t cargo capacity too quickly, at least I know I can chop it in for a Python and all the internal modules will swap straight across.

 

[GunnerBill]

Geez, I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure.

Fired up the game and I'm at my base in Kojeara... where the Krait is for sale.
Okay, so I'll buy a Krait for convenience.
No, wait. The Python IS better so I'll schlepp across to Colonia and buy one of those.
Arrive at Colonia, head toward Jaques, spot a HGE and I'm reminded that I HATE manually scooping in the Python.
Mining, and delivering to market, means a fair amount of travelling so there's frequent opportunities for scavving from USS's and the Krait is better for that.
So, back to Kojeara to buy a Krait.

I still have the nagging feeling that I know it's not the best ship for the job though.
I'll take it mining and if I fill up it's 128t cargo capacity too quickly, at least I know I can chop it in for a Python and all the internal modules will swap straight across.

Aww come on man!! Scooping?? rofl

The Krait II looks like an upside down shellfish, seriously who puts engines on top of a ship and the cockpit underneath?

 

[60mm]

The Krait II looks like an upside down shellfish, seriously who puts engines on top of a ship and the cockpit underneath?

The Krait has the best designed cockpit of any of the ships when it comes to practicality. It offers a lot of visibility while keeping the cockpit protected from fire coming from blindspots. The other bubble canopied ships (T-10, Asp) take canopy damage much easier, and the non-bubble canopied ships have inferior visibility.

I don't see why people think having a cockpit that isn't on top of the ship is a bad idea. We're piloting space ships, not boats. What is below you does matter.

 

[Stealthie]

Aww come on man!! Scooping?? rofl

The Krait II looks like an upside down shellfish, seriously who puts engines on top of a ship and the cockpit underneath?

I have no idea what you're talking about.
It looks fine to me.

Spoiler

 

[60mm]

I have no idea what you're talking about.
It looks fine to me . . .

I have to admit . . . that does look cool. But it would certainly be worse for combat than the vanilla layout.

 

[Backelaer]

Weird. They are there now. But earlier there was just the laser. I can't proove S%!^ obviously, but hey ho.

Nah, I've seen it happen before: sometimes the builds get screwed up with the shortlinks, especially hardpoints. I believe you

Hope you don't mind but I can't help scrutinising other people's builds.

You can directly swap the DSS and the Prospector and then upgrade to a C3 prospector.
You don't need a 6A PP or a 7A PDist on that ship. Swapping them for a 5A and 6D, respectively, would reduce the weight by around 70t and give you up to 4Ly extra jump range.
I find it's useful to stick A-rated sensors on mining ships, although you'd probably want to light-weight them.
Lastly, do you need a C4 refinery? Fitting a C3 refinery would allow you to fit a C4 shield in there.

Here's the Python I was thinking of building: https://s.orbis.zone/2ixc
Alternatively, here's the Krait: https://s.orbis.zone/2ixd

Don't mind it at all, much appreciated actually.
I gotta admit I didn't get down to the nitty-gritty in this build: My mining grounds are pretty close to my home base so jumprange isn't that important to me.
Still, the PP and distributor are overkill, you're right about that. I should scale those back a bit. (Damn I once again completely overlooked the massive weight a distributor can have)
About the higher class prospector: yeah, it's got more range, but I usually only fire them when I'm already up-close and have visually established that they're cores I can blow up. (For some reason the "double-pulse trick whith black lines" doesn't work with my graphics settings)

Anywho, if I was in your situation I'd still go for the Krait. It's more nimble if you wanna get into those blown up rocks.
*edit* and yeah, the view from the cockpit might be a major advantage in the Krait as well.