When to Buy a Python?

[Jack Crow]

I've followed many threads about costs and thanks to the great E Shipyard tool I can check prices on various configs.

My question is, should I trade in a T7 for a D Modded Python now and let the Python do the work for upgrades..... or keep working the T7 longer so I can set the Python up the way I want it?


Now that I'm there for the basics and Insurance....

Anyone one that has already made the decision have advice?

Thanks

 

[Vidicus]

Once I had 70 million I got the python. It can hold 276 cargo with shields. It maneuvers well, and you can deck it out for combat when you get bored of trading. I like it much more than the T-7. You do need shields though, one ding on the Python's hull and it costs a fortune to fix. I took my hull to 45% or there about and it took 800k to fix.

 

[tristancliffe]

Nearly there... Just a few more trips...

I have decided that about 74 million in total assets, combined with selling my T7's good modules separately should give me enough to buy a Python, upgrade it to a working standard (Ds and A-FSD and a decent fuel scoop), a starting weapon load out, some toys (interdictor, discovery scanner), enough for insurance and enough for a couple of cargo holds full. I'll make money quicker in the Python (assuming I scoop quickly and don't damage it) be cause I can work a shorter trade route by not limiting myself to large pads.


Even if the fuel and running costs actually lower my money making for further outfitting, I'd happily earn 80% of what I do now and have the ability to fight/explore/protect, which is something I can't really do in the T7.


I also intend to upgrade some of my other ships (which are mostly standard right now) so I can have a mini-fleet of ship at a decent level. Not sure I'll bother going for the Anaconda or T9, I'll be happy making these few ships everything I want them to be, and see what the next challenge is.

 

[Jack Crow]

I am looking to get into combat with it, but will want to keep making improvements to it. With the trade in I'm getting close to 70 million. Keeping a Cobra and ASP as well.

 

[Ayerc]

The best option is always to go with the ship that will make you more credits faster.

If your entry-level Python is that ship, upgrade and don't look back.

 

[crushdepth]

Go the python, its a good trader and more fun to fly. But you'll want the A FSD.

 

[Katkon]

The best option is always to go with the ship that will make you more credits faster.

If your entry-level Python is that ship, upgrade and don't look back.

I beg to differ. The "best" ship is the one you most enjoy flying. In-game credits are not redeemable in the real world, so fly what you find... FUN!

 

[tristancliffe]

The best option is always to go with the ship that will make you more credits faster.

I'd go with whatever ship gives you the most pleasure long term. If that's earning money, then yes, so with the best. But I'd happily trade a bit of money making potential for the opportunity to do what I want. Yes, I've done the grind to get near to the Python, but I have no real intention of continuing that grind constantly once I've got there - I will trade, and I will doubtlessly grind at times, but I might go a week without a single trade run at times.


But I think 70-80m is probably the minimum sensible starting budget, regardless.

Sadly not available as far as I know in LHS 3447. That would have been a nice January present

 

[Reacher]

I bought mine with 64 mil via founders. Way way better than a t7 more cargo space and handles like a dream. You won't look back.

I have upgraded a few things. 276 cargo space with shields. All hard points fitted with guns. It's easy to kit it out with less than 70 mil

 

[Ayerc]

I beg to differ. The "best" ship is the one you most enjoy flying. In-game credits are not redeemable in the real world, so fly what you find... FUN!

I'd go with whatever ship gives you the most pleasure long term. If that's earning money, then yes, so with the best. But I'd happily trade a bit of money making potential for the opportunity to do what I want. Yes, I've done the grind to get near to the Python, but I have no real intention of continuing that grind constantly once I've got there - I will trade, and I will doubtlessly grind at times, but I might go a week without a single trade run at times.


But I think 70-80m is probably the minimum sensible starting budget, regardless.

Sadly not available as far as I know in LHS 3447. That would have been a nice January present

Sorry, I'm biased. The Python is the most enjoyable ship to pilot.

 

[Jack Crow]

Thanks to all. Good advice all around. To this point, I really liked to Cobra.... Loved the ASP (hence still have both) I've been in the T7 so I can make it to the Python. With the 7 I have to run when interdicted... would rather fight, but I am surprised to kind of like the quietness of it. It's smooth in open space. Almost too quiet, boy do I miss the sounds of the ASP.

 

[Mephane]

Once I had 70 million I got the python. It can hold 276 cargo with shields. It maneuvers well, and you can deck it out for combat when you get bored of trading. I like it much more than the T-7. You do need shields though, one ding on the Python's hull and it costs a fortune to fix. I took my hull to 45% or there about and it took 800k to fix.

Yepp, 70 million is about the point where you can afford a Python and equip it purely as a trader (i.e. max size cargo racks, fuel scoop, everything upgraded to D grade and B5 or A5 FSD), and use it to earn money for further upgrades.

Edit: In fact, a mere 500k extra gets you sufficient weaponry to fend off at least any lone pirate in a Cobra with ease, a couple of lasers and multi-cannons and you are good to go. I suggest, however, to upgrade the power distributor to A7 as soon as you can realistically afford to; it's about 9m credits and has the single biggest impact on combat performance.

 

[tristancliffe]

Well if we're expanding the topic (and it saves me searching...)

What's the heat management like, hardpoints retracted? Will a D power plant cope with vigorous scooping okay, or does it overheat quickly? Normally I get power distributor, then power plant then thrusters, but some ships demand a different order.


And what are the hardpoint positions like? Hard to gleam from videos and outfitting screenshots.

 

[ChubbyBunneh]

It has the best hard points in the game imo. You can put 3 medium rail guns in the two C2 slots and the underside C3 slot and have all of them hit almost the same spot. The other 2 C3 points are just to the left and right of the triangle pattern of the inner 3.

That ship is really too good. Strongest shields in the game, excellent maneuverability, good hardpoint sizes and locations, good cargo capacity, decent speed, and can land every where.

The only real negative is the ~13.5LY laden jump range, but that's still adequate.

I only had a 7C power plant in mine and even with 3 rail guns firing simultaneously it ran relatively cool.

When I'm done grinding cash in the Anaconda I'm trading it in for another Python.

You need at least 6 million for a 5A FSD, and 3-4 million for insurance plus another couple million for trade goods. 70-75 million is a decent time to buy one.

 

[tristancliffe]

Thank you.

 

[Mephane]

What's the heat management like, hardpoints retracted? Will a D power plant cope with vigorous scooping okay, or does it overheat quickly? Normally I get power distributor, then power plant then thrusters, but some ships demand a different order.

A D powerplant is fine, I used one until I could afford the upgrade to an A5 (which has less weight and gives more power, but costs more than D6), I did not see any noticable difference in the heat management while fuel scooping. Btw I suggest an A4 fuel scoop (which is included in my 70 million estimate), with an A3 scooping is too slow for my taste.

 

[Durden T.]

I make myself the same question.

I'm still very far from getting the Python but it is my next step (I'm already with the Type 7).

I made some numbers and concluded that I'll need at least about 70 million creds to buy the Python and outfit it with a basic layout + insurance+ cargo. But then if I reach 70 mill, I'll be very close to the TYpe 9, and I could make some decent cash with it, faster than in the Python. So I could get the Type 9, far up to 200 or 300 millions and then get the Python and upgrade it to the max.

Honestly I doubt I will be able to not buy the Python once I can afford it safely...

 

[Mephane]

I make myself the same question.

I'm still very far from getting the Python but it is my next step (I'm already with the Type 7).

I made some numbers and concluded that I'll need at least about 70 million creds to buy the Python and outfit it with a basic layout + insurance+ cargo. But then if I reach 70 mill, I'll be very close to the TYpe 9, and I could make some decent cash with it, faster than in the Python. So I could get the Type 9, far up to 200 or 300 millions and then get the Python and upgrade it to the max.

Honestly I doubt I will be able to not buy the Python once I can afford it safely...

The answer is simple, if you are a pure trader at heart you can very well ignore the Python and go straight to a T9.

 

[Shintai]

The answer is simple, if you are a pure trader at heart you can very well ignore the Python and go straight to a T9.

This. The Python is like the Type 6 -> Asp upgrade. better for the versatile person. But the running cost increases dramaticly. And unlike the Asp, the jumprange is very weak on the Python. And a 5.1mio A5 FSD is more or less essential.

 

[blacky75]

I bought it when I had 78M assets... (selling modules before selling LT7!)

It needs slight updates, spare money for filling up cargo, and my assurance cost me 2,5M..... so...... When I sold the LT7 I had 4M left... I admit I've done 2 routes w/o being able to pay assurance if I died