Another Roman Steam Galley - Fini ! Ave Imperator Romana

[Old Wombat]

As said elsewhere: Protection Racket Privateer, late Republican period; when the entire state was, basically, run by Mafia-style Famiglia (amongst which the Julian clan were a minor, but growing, power).

[jcf]

American inventor and early steamboat constructor John Fitch originally used oar systems.



Model of his first boat Perseverance.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Fitch_(inventor)

The biggest technological issue is not the power transmission parts,
beams, axles etc. could all be made of wood with bronze or iron fittings.

The issue is not having the technology to first of all make the boiler, the
Romans did not have the ability to make the necessary tubes and piping
or the iron sheet or 'staves' to build the boiler casing, staves being used
to build a "barrel" type casing with shrunk on hoops in a fashion similar
to the early built-up cannon. 

The next issue is being able to build a piston steam engine, again the
materials technology is completely lacking to make the cylinder, piston,
valve gear etc. A Hero type 'turbine' is pretty much a non-starter.

Roman metallurgy simply wouldn't be up to the task, however Chinese
metallurgy and technology of the period is potentially up to the challenge.
Perhaps a technology transfer?

[zenrat]

Doctor, can I have an opinion about the ballista on the tip of my trireme?

Also, shields should be mounted on an up/down mechanism to the captain can give the order "Raise shields"...

[NARSES2]

Looking good, particularly like the ballista 

The figure gives us a nice indicator of its size (I remember that set and useless chariot *) so maybe it would be used for harbour protection, boom patrol type of thing ?

Could also be used as a tug for towing cargo ships into smaller ports ?

* I think I converted it into a Achaemenid Persian one

[buzzbomb]

Also, shields should be mounted on an up/down mechanism to the captain can give the order "Raise shields"...

That is so good. Well done Fred.

.....Perhaps a technology transfer?

Probably exactly why they sent a Legion or two that far east, if myths and legends of blonde, blue eyed western Chinese people are to believed ?

[zenrat]

As said elsewhere: Protection Racket Privateer, late Republican period; when the entire state was, basically, run by Mafia-style Famiglia (amongst which the Julian clan were a minor, but growing, power).

Something else the Romans gave us then.

[NARSES2]

Probably exactly why they sent a Legion or two that far east, if myths and legends of blonde, blue eyed western Chinese people are to believed ?

Ah the reported Legionaries from Crassus's army captured by the Parthians and then transferred to the very far East of their Empire. Allegedly then captured by the Han Chinese and then used for garrison duty by them. There are reports somewhere (can't actually remember where) of soldiers in camp practicing a "strange" formation which by it's description is regarded by scholars as being a Testudo. I've an idea they were allegedly based at the Merv Oasis ?

[stevehed]

Lovely job. I think you might need some Greek fire otherwise you may squash your paddle wheels when boarding.

[buzzbomb]

Ok Team, this is pretty much it.

Interior painting, which is never seen anyway.


How she looks now.




More, with a few closer shots





Whilst doing the rigging, which is a bit abbreviated to the kit instructions, was a swear fest with my sausage fingers, it really was worth the effort.
Not sure I would do a full rig 17th Century Man O War but who knows.

Thanks for the interest gang.
Clearly the tech is way beyond anything the Romans could achieve, but these tech jumps just need the appropriate moment of inspiration to drive them forward.

[zenrat]

Very good BB.

[Rheged]

Superb!!  I am mightily impressed.

[Old Wombat]

Seriously brilliant job, BT! Looks "Right!"

[PR19_Kit]

Too true, that pretty much IS it! 

A superb job, and very 'inspiration driven' too.

[Weaver]

Nice one!

Mind if I post this on Twitter? There's someone on there who'll be particularly interested...

[NARSES2]

Fantastic build, particularly impressed with your woodwork