This post should help you with engineering.
Thanks heaps. I was planning on replacing my Asp Explorer with a Mandaly, I will have to double check but I’m pretty sure that I have all or most of the recommended modules 
Some shots from my latest CG Grind.
Not sure what’s next but I am curious to see where this current story arc goes
Some screens from hauling cargo for my system I am building up.
Also had Google Gemini write up a back story for my commander
Is it possible to colonize a system - especially the first timed station - just by using a Panther Clipper Mk.2? Or it’s insanity / much better to use a carrier?
Depends on system location, Port location and what your first port is going to be. If I didnt have the insta Dodec it would have cost me 269924 units to make, That’s 219 Panther trips. A regular Coriolis star port would have cost 70553 units or 58 panther trips.
A regular outpost would be 21835 units or 18 panther trips.
Biggest thing is the 4 week time limit on the primary(first) port.
As for an FC, Im not sold on one yet, I just completed my 9th build in system and I see no need for an FC. However I did luck out and get a location that has everything I need within 2 jumps. I didnt plan it that way, but it worked out that way. Most of the materials you will need in bulk are Steel, Titanium, Aluminum, Liquid Oxygen, and Cmm Composites.
FC will add extra docking and undocking to your hauling. Unless you are completely out in the middle of nowhere, I dont see the need for an FC.
I agree with @weaponz248. The fleet carrier was useful right at the beginning when we needed to get materials from the support megaships, but now that all the commodities can be sourced more locally the drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
If you feel that a FC would be useful let me know and you can use mine. It will be sitting idle whilst I am away on the DW3 expedition in any case. The only reason I’m not decommissioning it is because all my shops and modules are stored there.
Much appreciated- in reality I sitll need to find a system to colonize.
Just a update, Defiantly do not need a fleet carrier. Got my refinery/industrial surface port built and now make 95% of all the materials required for builds in system. Building a Coriolis Starport now. Up to about 700 million people in system and growing.
Ok so in the end my question is- when I decide open a system only the first station is time sensitive… What is the best choice of a simple station with low requirements?
Yes first station is the only one that’s time sensitive. After it’s built the time limit is removed for every other build. Also remember that the first station build requirements are higher than normal.
A standard outpost is 19,000 units but as the primary port(1st) its 22,000 units.
So best thing is the outpost then plan the rest of it.
I went with an industrial outpost as the primary station. It doesn’t take too much effort to build and once operational produces quite a few useful commodities right off the bat (including aluminium, steel, and a few others). You can then take all the time you want to build a larger station. The biggest drawback is the lack of a large landing pad, which limits its usefulness later on.
Your 4th build can be a Coriolis Starport which gives you a large pad. After your initial outpost you could build a comms installation and a relay installation at 6721 units a peice. Wich is 6 panther trips at 1234 units a trip. Then you can start the Coriolis Starport which is 57323 units or 44 panther trips.
Let us know if you find a system. Will gladly help haul some commodities.