Likewise the steam chamber, which acts as power storage, is no longer capable of handling the pressure it is designed for. Propulsion capability is likewise impaired but the current power generation is not going to fully utilize it anyway. Combined that means a vastly reduced range airborne, in terms of no more than an hour, but the vessel is at least viable on surface. It is dangerous to go underwater without major overhaul.
The weapons are in a similar state of disrepair. One of the twin main steam cannons is warped in a way that it need a complete overhaul, while the other is serviceable. Its tubing is, however, warped by poor maintenance and that means the cannons has limited power and range. Munition supply is actually okay though limited to inert ones (but still capable of delivering great damage as a kinetic weapon). As usual for small vessels they are rigid-mounted. There are also four sets of three light steam cannons, each having different state of disrepair. They are mounted on transverse mounts and at most 2 sets could be brought onto a target at any time. Again, a large collection of inert munitions, no explosives.
But perhaps the most peculiar feature is a set of 4 rocket launchers mounted on the fore, under the main cannons. Instead of having an adjustable elevation like in other craft-based launchers, they aren't, and are also situated at a location far too low to use when on surface. You also have a rocket of a similarly peculiar make which fits into the launcher. You decided not to test the weapon and stow it in the magazine.
You have salvaged parts of an analytic machine and rigged it for use on the vessel. Unfortunately you have only parts enough for 4 digits, barely enough for navigation, probably problematic for firing.
begin sifting through the recakages for higher grade crystals and parts.
In fact you have already sifted through a large part of the yard for crystals. Cornelius, as he refers to himself, claimed to be some kind of steam engineer and was instrumental of bringing the boat together. You suspect that this identity is entirely fake, but he got the job done.
You feel that a storm is approaching by tomorrow. Luckily the boat is operational; but that means only one day before everyone had to get out. While five of you started to stow food - they caught a lot of fish and clams - and fuel on the vessel, another five of you would have one last chance to explore and salvage from one of the following places:
SS John Pearson: A luxury liner.
HMS Victorious: One of the first heavy steam ships of his age, known for its large guns, heavy armor, and refusal to sink.
RF Portsmouth: Once a support ship. Recently left here. You stripped its steam engine to repair your own, but there might be more valuable parts down there.
Brest: A flying boat of the Republic. Never know how it got here, presumably blown off course or deliberately flown here to salvage. Not flyable, though might have valuable scrap.
Oh by the way the protagonist need a name, as well as the ship need one too. Unless you are going to retain its original name HMS R-081.
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Topic: 1912: R-081, the prototype Aerial Submarine (Read 3823 times)