Let say, for argument's sake, that I decided I needed a freighter.

Yesterday I ran the rule over all potentially suitable options. I mocked up quite a few to put my spin on them, and still have a viable cargo hauler that was also a massive upgrade over the 200+ tons my rumble bus/merchant cruiser Krait II can pack on board.

The T-9 is right out. This alpha-numeric combination abomination shall not be uttered again.

Anaconda was considered, mocked and discarded. It's just too silly, and would jeopardize my righteous indignation if I were to also own one. And anyway, I had one, didn't really like it all that much, despite it's obvious strengths, then sold it. Conda's out.

The T-6 is a surprisingly capable ship, very fast. My mock had a boost near 600. Me likes. But it carries half what the Krait does. T-6 is out.

T-7 is better. Not quite as fast as the T-6, but still surprisingly peppy. Mocked up a very viable version, but the capacity just doesn't hit the right heights, in the 280 range with my spin. Not enough. T-7 is out.

T-10. What a beast. A very intriguing build, a really nice blend of capacity and fighting ability. But it is way too slow for me. Boost doesn't even crack 350. T-10 is out.

Clipper. With my affinity for Imperial ships, I've always secretly wanted a Clipper. But it's a ship that seems to occupy the half-spaces. It's a cool ride, but designed in such a way it's really not great for anything. The mock was fast with a boost near 650. The optional slots though mean I cannot have good shields and pack enough cargo on board to make this a worthwhile choice. Shame, that. Clipper's out.

Python. Might as well include it. An extra class 6 slot over my Kraits. Fast enough, and with the SuperDrives™ FSD + GFSDB the jump range is sorted. I sold my Python though for reasons, and anyway the extra C6 slot doesn't do enough to truly set it apart from the Krait. If I am going to own a freighter, it is going to haul da freight, and no mistake. Python is out.

Beluga. Sure, why not? For such a massive boat it doesn't have optionals to match. Nothing bigger than C6, and anyway it's a freaking Beluga. Big fan of Saud Kruger, but the Beluga is far too ostentatious. Orca and Dolphin are excellent ships. The Beluga? Beluga is out.

So that leaves but one choice. Cutter.

Now, let's say theoretically I spent last night in some god-forsaken corner of the galaxy, stacking courier missions for Empire rep, and took my 59% Count to 14% Marquis in a few hours. At that rate I would hit Duke tonight. And if that were to happen, I could buy a Cutter. For trade CGs and maybe to get the Trader badge, I'd need a freighter. 200t a pop doesn't cut it when you're looking at 100,000. Fast shield tanks with good jump are my jam, and in the freighter class, nothing can touch the Cutter. It is the only choice. Cutter is in.

Cutter, Theoretically

You guys know I'm not a big ship commander. But I think the time has come. I remember a thread here four years ago, and we were talking about long term goals, and I said, maybe a Cutter some day. That day has arrived

Can’t beat a Cutter for cargo hauling. Plus, it’s pure awesomeness for straight up laser mining. Handles way better’n a T9 and can lay down some hate and discontent when needed.


Welcome to the dark side of big boating. Before long, you’ll be in a Vette giggling as 7 beams lance thru the black melting your target.

Thanks, but not there yet!

I haven't decided if I will arm the Cutter, and maybe not right away. I know plenty use it for mining, but I don't think I will. But who knows? This is uncharted territory for me.

DBond, it does handle better that a Vette. Here's mine https://s.orbis.zone/d01s , I named it "BO MADE ME BUY IT". Have done single jump cargo runs making 10m plus. I've been interdicted and fought my way to victory too. When you want to haul nothing better.

Thanks Wingnuts, nice name haha. Nice Cutter too, thanks for the build.

I believe mine will be named Preacher's Daughter

Ooh I like that name! Does she do shots after service?

Haha, don't they all?

Theory has become certainty

It took a lot longer than predicted, as the mission boards were less kind to me on average. Since I had my combat Krait I began mixing in Terrorist and Pirate Lord missions to speed things up. But cross the Duke line I did, and after paying my bar tab I flew Poison Whiskey to Jameson and bought a Cutter. Wow, what a ship. I bought all the modules I wanted and got a fair degree of engineering done, but there is still a long way to go. I put Tactical Ice on it and I flew out of Jameson and in to Barnwell without a scratch, didn't scrape the slot and landed this massive beast like a butterfly with sore feet. Very impressed with it, I am. But most of you guys already have one so nothing new.

Here is the newly christened and commissioned Preacher's Daughter, in all her half-assed glory

Preacher's Daughter

The shields came off the combat Krait when I switched to bi-weaves.

An update on my Cutter, having sharpened her up a bit over the past couple of days.

Preacher's Daughter

Good speed, I like the balance between shields and integrity, and good jump. I'm willing to sacrifice some of the cargo capacity to get there, but 640t is way more than I've ever had (I have blacked out my brief T-9 ownership).

Finished the HRPs and bulkheads at Prospector's Rest yesterday. I hit Felicity the day before and applied thermal spread, mass manager, drags, G3 probe radius, got the boosters to G3 (still need to visit Didi). Stopped by Marco's yesterday as he is in Sirius and put super conduits on the PD.

Still need to finish the boosters, and maybe put hi-cap on the shields in place of fast charge. When the boosters are done the resists will be very nicely balanced across the board. This thing really gulps fuel when jumping. Class 5 scoop is too small, but no other choice really unless I swapped positions with the shields, and if the choice comes down to better shields versus faster scooping, the shields win every time.