Could someone give me a population or research lab number for a conventional start that leaves sol in about 15 years with more then base level Trans-Newtonian techs*. Something like Nuclear Pulse engines with one or two weapons above base techs and some economic research with it.
I tried a standard 500 population start and at 13 years in I only have Nuclear Pulse engines, impolsion fusion warheads, the base techs required for sensors and magazines, and duranium armour. So I'm guessing a 1000 population start will be fairly close to what I'm looking for but would like any input anyone is willing to give.
* Base level Trans-Newtonian techs = what a Trans-Newtonian start gives you before you spend the starting research points.
I use 2 billion, then SM-up the HW minerals by 10x. Note that this requires you to use most of your economic capacity for conversion to mines and factories; you'll have to do some math to figure out how much industry you can devote, especially if one of the abundances (e.g. corundium) is low. In my current 5.4 game I'm at year 16, and I'm somewhat behind where you'd like to be (still haven't begun to research jump tech), so you might like to go with 3 billion.
John
