Topic: Tractor tricks

[AlchemistiD]

I figured this was the right forum, if it isn't, then I apoligize in advance.

Just wondering if it's possible to tractor an asteroid, y'know, the big ones.

[Bonk]

Only if it appears as "N-AST"... normal asteroids cannot be tractored.

[Magnum357]

I might be wrong, but I don't think you could even do that in SFB.    Might have to look that up.

[Klingon Fanatic]

Only if it appears as "N-AST"... normal asteroids cannot be tractored.

True BUT what can you do with them once you have them tractored?

I TRIED to tractor a N-AST abd use it as a shield against some Mirak Think SNow Plow but I couldn't finesse it that way or rotate it into incoming missiles fast enough.


KF

[KBF-Kapact]

Only if it appears as "N-AST"... normal asteroids cannot be tractored.

True BUT what can you do with them once you have them tractored?

I TRIED to tractor a N-AST abd use it as a shield against some Mirak Think SNow Plow but I couldn't finesse it that way or rotate it into incoming missiles fast enough.


KF

That is original thinking....

[AlchemistiD]

Actually I was thinking of smashing it into another ship, like a Ram.  Effective against larger vessels, if I can get it to work.

::ALCHEMIC UPDATE::

I have created a test map with FMSE and tried a number of things with asteroids.  Here are my results.

(Results from SFC2: EAW)

Large Asteroids:
Can be Tractored only if they register as "N-Something"
You cannot move while tractoring, not even in a battleship at full power.
Can, however, be turned and swung into enemy craft. 
Remains after impact.

Small Asteroids:
Can be tractored only if they register as "N-Something"
You can move while tractoring, with about normal power consumption.
Ramming a ship or anything else with a small asteroid pointed forward is problematic.  Small asteroids limit forward visual range to near zero, you cannot see any ships or other objects directly in your path.  Not even using deep scan.
Can of course be turned.
Both target and asteroid destroyed on impact.



Anyone care to confirm my results for OP?


Things remaining to be tested, help would be appreciated-------------------------------------------------------

Using Small asteroids to intercept plasma torpedoes.
Using Small asteroids to intercept missiles (Probably only slow missiles, but let's see how fast a ship can react when fast missiles are launched from a reasonable distance.)
Using Small asteroids to destroy mines ahead.
Small asteroids against Starbases.
Small asteroids against planets.

And, the experiment that should prove the most fun.
Small asteroids swung around like a club to destroy fighters.

Who wants to try a few of these?

[Bonk]

Only if it appears as "N-AST"... normal asteroids cannot be tractored.

True BUT what can you do with them once you have them tractored?

I TRIED to tractor a N-AST abd use it as a shield against some Mirak Think SNow Plow but I couldn't finesse it that way or rotate it into incoming missiles fast enough.


KF

Ask WillWeasel.... <snicker>