Okay, so, how about this as a torpedo boat destroyer:
Swordfish - Torpedo Boat Destroyer Pattern 806
A 220-ton torpedo boat destroyer, the Swordfish is propelled by eight high-pressure water-tube boilers and two steam engines which allow it to attain a speed of almost 30 knots. It is armed with one main gun mounted near the bow, two Pattern 793 37mm Revolving cannons (one aft, one mid-ships) and two torpedo tubes mounted 1/3rd and 2/3rd along the boat. It is almost completely unarmoured.
Modelled after the HMS Hornet. Pictures:
Photo,
Model 1,
Model 2.
Imagine it with the two 6-pounders at the bow removed, the middle torpedo tube further forwards a 37mm cannon in its place. This uses lighter and fewer secondary guns, and one less torpedo tube, which should account for the reduction in weight and the corresponding increase in speed.
@Amperzand: How about this as a uniform:
M2 Battleweave
A fairly simple woven wool fabric intended for use in military uniforms, both warp and weft are made with an irregular pattern of dull-colored yarns. Serves well both to keep the soldier comfortable, and to break up his outline in a variety of environments.
A new uniform is designed to take advantage of this innovation. It features a comfortable shirt, three types of trousers (short, normal and winter) and a winter coat. Bags at leather straps form load-bearing equipment, allowing soldiers to store ammunition and equipment. A comfortable backpack is also issued, as are sturdy boots.
In addition, each soldier receives a steel helmet which features a neck protection and a small sun shade, and has a chin strap (imagine basically a Stahlhelm).
Use that opportunity to also standardize things like mess equipment.
We still have to decide what to do. Right now, we have the following votes:
- 75mm Artillery Cannon
- M1 Pump Rifle
- M2 Battleweave/Uniform
- Swordfish Torpedo Boat Destroyer
- Artillery Factory
- Small-Arms factory
I'd like to restrict us to three projects, at most four, and I believe the most important ones are land-based. I'm therefore going to vote for the artillery gun, the uniform, the artillery factory and the Swordfish destroyer.
- 75mm Artillery Cannon - 1
3_14159
- M1 Pump Rifle
- M2 Battleweave/Uniform - 1
3_14159
- Swordfish Torpedo Boat Destroyer - 1
3_14159
- Artillery Factory - 1
3_14159
- Small-Arms factory
@Aseaheru: Before I forget, there's something which might help us: Could you, every few turns, give an overview of the generally available technology (materials, engines, etc)? I realize this adds to your work load, but I believe it'd increase our knowledge of what's available.