[Request]: Make engine model switching use the stock ModulePartVariants as opposed to requiring Interstellar Fuel Switch

[Nico314159]

Description of the new feature / enhancement

Right now, the Kiwi, Moa, and Ratite don't allow you to switch between mounted and bare variants unless you install either Firespitter or Interstellar Fuel Switch. This is a relic from old versions before ModulePartVariants was introduced to the stock game. As such, I think these should be switched over to use ModulePartVariants instead

Proposed technical implementation details

It's 100% possible to completely swap engine models using ModulePartVariants (see: stock Poodle and Mainsail), so I think it would be good to make the Kiwi, Moa, and Ratite (and Penguin/Emu in Expanded) use this method as well. It would both improve consistency and eliminate a dependency. I understand you are busy, but this would be an extremely helpful fix to make when you have the time for it

[zer0Kerbal]

thank you for this suggestion @Nico314159 👍

I am working on updating this as we speak and this repo will see great changes shortly.

Once I have all the previous releases (archival) done I will push an adoption release - followed by several -prereleases which will allow me to update this glorious mod in a more manageable method.

When I get to these parts I shall probably use your suggestion, along with keeping the B9PS as a separate patch.

[Nico314159]

In fact, part of the annoying thing about this is that it doesn't actually seem to even work with B9PS at the moment, it needs specifically either IFS or Firespitter.

[Nico314159]

I also noticed that a number of parts are in incorrect categories that do not match stock parts of the same type (or SpaceY Expanded parts for that matter):

• The docking ports are in Utility, but should be in Coupling.
• The 3.75m/5m stack decouplers/seperators and the two radial decouplers are all in Structural, but should be in Coupling.
• The 5m fairing is in Aerodynamics, but should be in Payload.
• The 5m heatshield is in Aerodynamics, but should be in Thermal.
• The landing legs are in Utility, but should be in Ground.

[Nico314159]

I also noticed that a number of parts are in incorrect categories that do not match stock parts of the same type (or SpaceY Expanded parts for that matter):

* The docking ports are in Utility, but should be in Coupling.

* The 3.75m/5m stack decouplers/seperators and the two radial decouplers are all in Structural, but should be in Coupling.

* The 5m fairing is in Aerodynamics, but should be in Payload.

* The 5m heatshield is in Aerodynamics, but should be in Thermal.

* The landing legs are in Utility, but should be in Ground.

Ignore this, I was using the 1.10 version of the mod instead of the latest 1.17.2.