[busdrivinbilly]

I have to say, whether "gamey" or not Retro series can have a significant impact. Most people here have been talking about using it for Stellar Manip ships, but I think it is more (or at least as) useful for colony ships.

With Hardy Industry and 120% Construction and Adv. Storage I can have "good" homeworlds that produce 1 colony ship per turn. An empty colony hull with 1 cargo bay costs 3850, and a "good" homeworld with Adv. Storage can have 3900 rate to start.

Build 1 Base with 3 repair components at the very start and you are on your way with 1 colony ship per turn/ per homeworld.

Even with "average" homeworlds you can do it if you are willing to go Engineer put construction at 125%, go with Hardy Industrial, etc.

Then of course when you produce new shipyards in new sectors you can do the same thing using "emergency" build and produce 1 colony ship per turn at those planets as well. This can lead to an almost exponential expansion given a little room to spread out.

Of course these type of techniques are the most useful on larger galaxy sizes where the ability to expand quickly can equate to a significant advantage before you ever meet another player.