Armoured Cruiser Manteuffel 1910

With Blucher just starting construction in 1906, the second ship of the class was due to be laid down within 6 months, but was delayed for three months to allow changes to the basic design to allow for the knowledge gained from the Naval Attaches (who said Spies?) reports on the USS South Carolina with its superfiring mounts.

Going to superfiring mounts allowed for the same broadside with two less turrets. The saving in weight being used for both better armour and increased powerplant size. The chance was also taken to replace the triple expansion engines with the new turbine types.

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Class and type: Armoured cruiser
Displacement: 15,500 tons standard, 17,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 572.5 x 80 x 29 feet
Machinery: 4 shaft, turbines, 50,000shp
Speed: 28 knots
Endurance: 6500 nmi at 12 knots
Armour: 7.1" belt, 2" deck, 7.1"/3.4"/2.4" turrets
Armament:
8 x 8.2" (21cm) (4x2)
8 x 5.9" (8x1)
16 x 3.4" (16x1)
Crew: 41 officers, 812 sailors (1050 at Dogger Bank)

I am still thinking about what will happen to the ship during its service life. Being 2-3 knots faster than Blucher means it can keep up with the other cruisers at Dogger Bank and escape Bluchers fate. But what happens to the ship from there remains shrouded in mystery.

He looks much more modern, well done!

Did GarlicDesign draw the Blucher base drawing?

A much more worthwhile design, especially the addition of turbines...

Thanks for your comments guys.

Tempest - the base drawing is WhyMe's but the lower underwater hull and modern colours are from GD's Von Der Tann.

Beside moving the 8.2" to superfiring positions I also raised the 5.9" up one deck which should make them a bit more useful.

Nicely done, I am planning on drawing Blucher soon, i'm working on Moltke atm, I'm drawing him on trials, then the visit to the States, up until Scapa Flow. I resized a drawing of Blucher, which I used to draw the turret a while back, so I have made a start lol.

I will try and scan the designs on Friday, haven't had time today, I need to set up the printer because I never really used it.

Nice cruiser! Almost a «pocket battlecruiser» (what a weird description!), neat (and for me, pleasent) lines, a balanced design (maybe, somewhat weak in her main battery) and very well drawn. I like it for my AU! Cheers.

Shipbucket

Armoured Cruiser Manteuffel 1910

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