Belgium: Pre-1900

[The Rock Doctor]

And here we go...

[The Rock Doctor]

The largest ships of the Marine Royale, or Marine de Force Publique, or whoever actually operates them.  Miscellaneous weight of 47 t probably includes both command facilities and an actual weight reserve - some of which will go to wireless at the appropriate time.

The designed range - 7,000 nm - allows for an uninterupted cruise between Belgium and CFS, with a reserve for high-speed activity.  It'll be the standard for ocean-going vessels for a bit.

Protected Cruiser, laid down 1898

Displacement:
   2,562 t light; 2,667 t standard; 3,173 t normal; 3,578 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (390.42 ft / 387.14 ft) x 42.65 ft x (13.45 / 14.74 ft)
   (119.00 m / 118.00 m) x 13.00 m  x (4.10 / 4.49 m)

Armament:
      8 - 4.02" / 102 mm 45.0 cal guns - 32.65lbs / 14.81kg shells, 250 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     2 x Single mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
     6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      4 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.71lbs / 2.59kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      4 - 0.31" / 8.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 0.02lbs / 0.01kg shells, 15,000 per gun
     Machine guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 284 lbs / 129 kg
      Main Torpedoes
      2 - 16.0" / 406 mm, 13.12 ft / 4.00 m torpedoes - 0.363 t each, 0.725 t total
   In 2 sets of deck mounted carriage/fixed tubes

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.97" / 50 mm   0.79" / 20 mm            -
   2nd:   0.79" / 20 mm         -               -

   - Protected deck - single deck:
   For and Aft decks: 1.97" / 50 mm
   Forecastle: 1.18" / 30 mm  Quarter deck: 1.18" / 30 mm

   - Conning towers: Forward 3.94" / 100 mm, Aft 3.94" / 100 mm

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 6,000 ihp / 4,476 Kw = 18.65 kts
   Range 7,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 911 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   210 - 274

Cost:
   £0.239 million / $0.956 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 47 tons, 1.5 %
      - Guns: 46 tons, 1.4 %
      - Weapons: 1 tons, 0.0 %
   Armour: 463 tons, 14.6 %
      - Armament: 52 tons, 1.7 %
      - Armour Deck: 374 tons, 11.8 %
      - Conning Towers: 37 tons, 1.2 %
   Machinery: 968 tons, 30.5 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,038 tons, 32.7 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 611 tons, 19.3 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 47 tons, 1.5 %
      - Hull above water: 47 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     4,223 lbs / 1,916 Kg = 130.4 x 4.0 " / 102 mm shells or 3.3 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.55
   Metacentric height 2.9 ft / 0.9 m
   Roll period: 10.5 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.08
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has rise forward of midbreak,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.500 / 0.515
   Length to Beam Ratio: 9.08 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 19.68 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 39 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): -5.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 3.28 ft / 1.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Forward deck:   20.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Aft deck:   45.00 %,  11.81 ft / 3.60 m,  11.81 ft / 3.60 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  11.81 ft / 3.60 m,  11.81 ft / 3.60 m
      - Average freeboard:      14.96 ft / 4.56 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 106.0 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 141.6 %
   Waterplane Area: 11,001 Square feet or 1,022 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 123 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 59 lbs/sq ft or 290 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.94
      - Longitudinal: 1.59
      - Overall: 1.00
   Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

[The Rock Doctor]

This would be the initial run of sloops.  I think the freeboard is "reasonable" for the type, but it sure makes for huge seakeeping numbers.  The range is just 6,000 nm for this group.  Speed isn't exciting, but more than enough to catch merchants and civilian traffic.

There's a fair bit of miscellaneous weight - it allows for some passengers and a wee bit of deck cargo, as might be employed for a party of troops.  Also a weight reserve for stuff like wireless.

Flight 1 Sloop, laid down 1895

Displacement:
   1,006 t light; 1,046 t standard; 1,308 t normal; 1,517 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (262.47 ft / 262.47 ft) x 39.37 ft x (9.84 / 10.95 ft)
   (80.00 m / 80.00 m) x 12.00 m  x (3.00 / 3.34 m)

Armament:
      2 - 4.02" / 102 mm 45.0 cal guns - 32.65lbs / 14.81kg shells, 250 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1895 Model
     2 x Single mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
      4 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.71lbs / 2.59kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1895 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      4 - 0.31" / 8.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 0.02lbs / 0.01kg shells, 15,000 per gun
     Machine guns in deck mounts, 1895 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 88 lbs / 40 kg
      Main Torpedoes
      1 - 16.0" / 406 mm, 13.12 ft / 4.00 m torpedo - 0.324 t total
   In a deck mounted carriage/fixed tube

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.97" / 50 mm   0.98" / 25 mm            -
   2nd:   0.98" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 2,000 ihp / 1,492 Kw = 15.62 kts
   Range 6,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 471 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   108 - 141

Cost:
   £0.087 million / $0.348 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 15 tons, 1.2 %
      - Guns: 15 tons, 1.2 %
      - Weapons: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Armour: 22 tons, 1.7 %
      - Armament: 22 tons, 1.7 %
   Machinery: 339 tons, 25.9 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 495 tons, 37.9 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 302 tons, 23.1 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 134 tons, 10.2 %
      - Hull above water: 134 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     2,440 lbs / 1,107 Kg = 75.4 x 4.0 " / 102 mm shells or 3.2 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.67
   Metacentric height 2.9 ft / 0.9 m
   Roll period: 9.7 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.04
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.450 / 0.469
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.67 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 16.20 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 41 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: -1.64 ft / -0.50 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Average freeboard:      13.12 ft / 4.00 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 99.6 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 152.2 %
   Waterplane Area: 6,591 Square feet or 612 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 149 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 50 lbs/sq ft or 245 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.90
      - Longitudinal: 2.39
      - Overall: 1.00
   Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

[The Rock Doctor]

...and the follow-up flight with longer range on account of lighter engines.

Flight Two Sloop, laid down 1898

Displacement:
   979 t light; 1,019 t standard; 1,308 t normal; 1,539 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (262.47 ft / 262.47 ft) x 39.37 ft x (9.84 / 11.07 ft)
   (80.00 m / 80.00 m) x 12.00 m  x (3.00 / 3.37 m)

Armament:
      2 - 4.02" / 102 mm 45.0 cal guns - 32.65lbs / 14.81kg shells, 250 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     2 x Single mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
      4 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.71lbs / 2.59kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      4 - 0.31" / 8.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 0.02lbs / 0.01kg shells, 15,000 per gun
     Machine guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 88 lbs / 40 kg
      Main Torpedoes
      1 - 13.8" / 350 mm, 13.12 ft / 4.00 m torpedo - 0.278 t total
   In a deck mounted carriage/fixed tube

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.97" / 50 mm   0.98" / 25 mm            -
   2nd:   0.98" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 2,000 ihp / 1,492 Kw = 15.62 kts
   Range 7,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 520 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   108 - 141

Cost:
   £0.084 million / $0.335 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 15 tons, 1.2 %
      - Guns: 15 tons, 1.2 %
      - Weapons: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Armour: 22 tons, 1.7 %
      - Armament: 22 tons, 1.7 %
   Machinery: 323 tons, 24.7 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 481 tons, 36.8 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 329 tons, 25.1 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 138 tons, 10.6 %
      - Hull above water: 138 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     2,548 lbs / 1,156 Kg = 78.7 x 4.0 " / 102 mm shells or 3.9 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.69
   Metacentric height 2.9 ft / 0.9 m
   Roll period: 9.7 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.04
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.450 / 0.471
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.67 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 16.20 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 41 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: -1.64 ft / -0.50 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m,  13.12 ft / 4.00 m
      - Average freeboard:      13.12 ft / 4.00 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 96.0 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 152.2 %
   Waterplane Area: 6,591 Square feet or 612 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 154 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 49 lbs/sq ft or 238 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.90
      - Longitudinal: 2.39
      - Overall: 1.00
   Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

[The Rock Doctor]

These are the gunboats.  Range is quite limited - but they're probably out for day trips and such.  Boats at Liberia and DRC either made lots of stops or were towed there.

Gunboat, laid down 1897

Displacement:
   124 t light; 128 t standard; 136 t normal; 143 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (98.43 ft / 98.43 ft) x 16.40 ft x (4.92 / 5.12 ft)
   (30.00 m / 30.00 m) x 5.00 m  x (1.50 / 1.56 m)

Armament:
      1 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal gun - 5.71lbs / 2.59kg shells, 150 per gun
     Breech loading gun in deck mount, 1897 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      3 - 0.31" / 8.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 0.02lbs / 0.01kg shells, 15,000 per gun
     Machine guns in deck mounts, 1897 Model
     2 x Single mounts on sides amidships
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck centre
      Weight of broadside 6 lbs / 3 kg

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 600 ihp / 448 Kw = 14.56 kts
   Range 600nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 15 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   19 - 25

Cost:
   £0.014 million / $0.057 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 1 tons, 0.8 %
      - Guns: 1 tons, 0.8 %
   Machinery: 68 tons, 50.0 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 48 tons, 35.4 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 12 tons, 8.7 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 7 tons, 5.1 %
      - Hull above water: 7 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     84 lbs / 38 Kg = 14.9 x 2.2 " / 57 mm shells or 0.1 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.46
   Metacentric height 0.6 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 8.6 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.05
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.50

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.600 / 0.605
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.00 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 9.92 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 68 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 47
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: -1.64 ft / -0.50 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m,  7.87 ft / 2.40 m
      - Average freeboard:      7.87 ft / 2.40 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 169.8 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 93.2 %
   Waterplane Area: 1,181 Square feet or 110 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 66 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 21 lbs/sq ft or 103 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.79
      - Longitudinal: 8.05
      - Overall: 1.00
   Cramped machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Adequate accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

[The Rock Doctor]

The royal yacht.  It isn't armed - Leopold II doesn't envisage the ship ever being used for military purposes.

Miscellaneous weight is state rooms, offices, aide quarters, and such, plus a weight reserve.

Royal Yacht, laid down 1897

Displacement:
   1,530 t light; 1,568 t standard; 1,937 t normal; 2,232 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (266.40 ft / 262.47 ft) x 39.37 ft x (13.12 / 14.62 ft)
   (81.20 m / 80.00 m) x 12.00 m  x (4.00 / 4.46 m)

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 2,000 ihp / 1,492 Kw = 14.62 kts
   Range 7,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 664 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   145 - 189

Cost:
   £0.099 million / $0.398 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Armour: 11 tons, 0.6 %
      - Armament: 11 tons, 0.6 %
   Machinery: 328 tons, 16.9 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 641 tons, 33.1 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 408 tons, 21.0 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 550 tons, 28.4 %
      - Hull above water: 550 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     3,428 lbs / 1,555 Kg = 105.9 x 6 " / 152 mm shells or 1.0 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.32
   Metacentric height 2.0 ft / 0.6 m
   Roll period: 11.6 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.00
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.500 / 0.517
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.67 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 16.20 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 41 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 3.94 ft / 1.20 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m,  16.40 ft / 5.00 m
      - Average freeboard:      16.40 ft / 5.00 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 86.3 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 148.4 %
   Waterplane Area: 6,885 Square feet or 640 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 159 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 50 lbs/sq ft or 244 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.84
      - Longitudinal: 4.46
      - Overall: 1.00
   Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, rides out heavy weather easily

[Tanthalas]

look good IMHO for the most part anyway, fit their missions fairly well.  Question would you like "Forign" proposals for the ships?

[The Rock Doctor]

I wouldn't worry about the pre-1900 stuff, but going forward, I'll probably be putting out tenders for the sexier kinds of warships.

[Tanthalas]

No prob, I only asked cause I have a 2500 ton light PC that I decided not to use from my startup.  has 2X8" and 6X4.5" 20 knots if I remember right.

I wouldn't worry about the pre-1900 stuff, but going forward, I'll probably be putting out tenders for the sexier kinds of warships.

[Jefgte]

Nice fleet.
You could have TBs too.
(Rules limitations are 500t for that period)

Jef  ;)

[The Rock Doctor]

I'll probably add some soon, but I think the Belgians are initially just worried about moving troops, rubber, and copper.

[Tanthalas]

I'll probably add some soon, but I think the Belgians are initially just worried about moving troops, rubber, and copper.

Wouldnt that be france worying about moving Rubbers? oh wait Rummber not rubbers oh ok sorry "move along nothing to see here move along"

[The Rock Doctor]

These are the Belgian packets.  They're basically small multi-function transports running on a schedule from Antwerp to Boma via Monrovia; one unit might be held back as a reserve or for maintenance.  They'd be carrying businessmen, bureaucrats, missionaries and the like, along with limited amounts of cargo.

There's a limited self-defence capability - the kind of thing for use against local bandits rather than actual warships.


Enter ship name, Enter country Enter ship type laid down 1897

Displacement:
   1,996 t light; 2,053 t standard; 2,486 t normal; 2,833 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (267.39 ft / 262.47 ft) x 45.93 ft x (13.12 / 14.57 ft)
   (81.50 m / 80.00 m) x 14.00 m  x (4.00 / 4.44 m)

Armament:
      1 - 4.02" / 102 mm 45.0 cal gun - 32.66lbs / 14.81kg shells, 250 per gun
     Breech loading gun in deck mount, 1897 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      2 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.70lbs / 2.58kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1897 Model
     2 x Single mounts on sides amidships
      Weight of broadside 44 lbs / 20 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.97" / 50 mm   0.98" / 25 mm            -
   2nd:   0.98" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 2,500 ihp / 1,865 Kw = 14.77 kts
   Range 7,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 780 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   175 - 228

Cost:
   £0.129 million / $0.518 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 7 tons, 0.3 %
      - Guns: 7 tons, 0.3 %
   Armour: 11 tons, 0.4 %
      - Armament: 11 tons, 0.4 %
   Machinery: 410 tons, 16.5 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 842 tons, 33.9 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 490 tons, 19.7 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 726 tons, 29.2 %
      - Hull above water: 726 tons
                     -100 t:  Cabin-class accommodation for 20
                     -300 t:  Steerage-class accommodation for 150
                     -300 t:  Cargo     
                     -26 t:  Weight reserve

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     4,880 lbs / 2,214 Kg = 150.7 x 4.0 " / 102 mm shells or 1.1 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.39
   Metacentric height 2.8 ft / 0.8 m
   Roll period: 11.6 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.02
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.550 / 0.565
   Length to Beam Ratio: 5.71 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 16.20 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 45 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Average freeboard:      19.69 ft / 6.00 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 86.8 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 180.3 %
   Waterplane Area: 8,413 Square feet or 782 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 158 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 55 lbs/sq ft or 271 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.82
      - Longitudinal: 6.00
      - Overall: 1.00
   Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

[The Rock Doctor]

First pair of transports.  They were originally built for a civilian steamship company for cross-Atlantic runs, but were requisitioned for military use at the beginning of the Liberian crisis and never returned.

As modified, they can embark a battalion (1,000 men) of men plus cargo and supplies for the unit.

Enter ship name, Enter country Enter ship type laid down 1895

Displacement:
   4,196 t light; 4,300 t standard; 4,884 t normal; 5,350 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (365.81 ft / 360.89 ft) x 52.49 ft x (16.40 / 17.64 ft)
   (111.50 m / 110.00 m) x 16.00 m  x (5.00 / 5.38 m)

Armament:
      1 - 4.02" / 102 mm 45.0 cal gun - 32.66lbs / 14.81kg shells, 250 per gun
     Breech loading gun in deck mount, 1895 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      2 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.70lbs / 2.58kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1895 Model
     2 x Single mounts on sides amidships
      Weight of broadside 44 lbs / 20 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.97" / 50 mm   0.98" / 25 mm            -
   2nd:   0.98" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 1,500 ihp / 1,119 Kw = 11.59 kts
   Range 6,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 1,050 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   291 - 379

Cost:
   £0.185 million / $0.739 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 7 tons, 0.2 %
      - Guns: 7 tons, 0.2 %
   Armour: 11 tons, 0.2 %
      - Armament: 11 tons, 0.2 %
   Machinery: 254 tons, 5.2 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,508 tons, 30.9 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 688 tons, 14.1 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 2,415 tons, 49.5 %
      - Hull above water: 2,415 tons
                     -2,000 t:  Accommodation for 1,000 troops
                     -400 t:  Cargo, munitions, and such
                     -15 t:  Weight reserve

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     9,302 lbs / 4,219 Kg = 287.3 x 4.0 " / 102 mm shells or 1.8 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.19
   Metacentric height 2.6 ft / 0.8 m
   Roll period: 13.6 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.01
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.550 / 0.560
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.88 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 19.00 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 24 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Average freeboard:      19.69 ft / 6.00 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 71.9 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 170.2 %
   Waterplane Area: 13,221 Square feet or 1,228 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 165 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 68 lbs/sq ft or 333 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.89
      - Longitudinal: 2.85
      - Overall: 1.00
   Excellent machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

[The Rock Doctor]

Second pair of transports, purpose-built for the task.  Main difference from the preceding type is marginally higher speed.

Enter ship name, Enter country Enter ship type laid down 1898

Displacement:
   4,225 t light; 4,329 t standard; 4,884 t normal; 5,327 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (365.81 ft / 360.89 ft) x 52.49 ft x (16.40 / 17.58 ft)
   (111.50 m / 110.00 m) x 16.00 m  x (5.00 / 5.36 m)

Armament:
      1 - 4.02" / 102 mm 45.0 cal gun - 32.66lbs / 14.81kg shells, 250 per gun
     Breech loading gun in deck mount, 1898 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      2 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.70lbs / 2.58kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1898 Model
     2 x Single mounts on sides amidships
      Weight of broadside 44 lbs / 20 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.97" / 50 mm   0.98" / 25 mm            -
   2nd:   0.98" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 2,000 ihp / 1,492 Kw = 12.62 kts
   Range 6,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 998 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   291 - 379

Cost:
   £0.195 million / $0.781 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 7 tons, 0.2 %
      - Guns: 7 tons, 0.2 %
   Armour: 11 tons, 0.2 %
      - Armament: 11 tons, 0.2 %
   Machinery: 323 tons, 6.6 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,463 tons, 29.9 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 659 tons, 13.5 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 2,421 tons, 49.6 %
      - Hull above water: 2,421 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     8,760 lbs / 3,973 Kg = 270.5 x 4.0 " / 102 mm shells or 1.7 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.19
   Metacentric height 2.6 ft / 0.8 m
   Roll period: 13.6 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.01
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 2.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.550 / 0.560
   Length to Beam Ratio: 6.88 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 19.00 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 27 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 35
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m,  19.69 ft / 6.00 m
      - Average freeboard:      19.69 ft / 6.00 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 76.5 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 170.4 %
   Waterplane Area: 13,221 Square feet or 1,228 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 158 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 66 lbs/sq ft or 323 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.89
      - Longitudinal: 2.85
      - Overall: 1.00
   Excellent machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather