Robert E Lee 1
Private
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2019
CSS Virginia for me because of its size and firepower
On the flip side the Monitor might be more vulnerable to high seas as that inevitably proved off of Cape Hatteras.
Apples and oranges
As I recall, there were also some problems with Virginia's old engines: perhaps some other member can confirm this.
In summary, given the choice, I would much rather serve in Monitor.
Monitor survived day two because Virginia did not expect her to be present. Had Virginia had sold shot, as well as shells, Monitor would have found out how poor her armor was. British and Confederate tests showed that thicker plates, backed by wood, resisted shot best. Monitor had 1" plates with not backing. Confederate bolts, present in Richmond for sure and maybe in Norfolk, would have made swiss cheese of the Monitor.
Considering that Monitor was also not using her full firepower (wrought iron shots and full charges), I tend to disagree with you. While Virginia with bolts have CHANCES to penetrate Monitor armor, the penetration of Virginia armor by Monitor guns at full power are basically a certainity.
While monitors continued to be used up until 1950s
To me the interesting thing about the Virginia is that she had a lot more range of capability.
The Monitor is deeply vulnerable to almost any situation except a single enemy vessel with not many guns,
, while the Virginia can clearly take on an entire squadron of wooden vessels and win
and was also able to fight the Monitor on even terms (and that largely with shell).
A later Ericsson turret design (the Miantonomoh) was considered by one observer to be so vulnerable to boarding that a two-man party equipped with a hammer, wooden wedges and a bucket could disable her...
Exactly what capabilities? She was barely able to move under her own power.
Exactly why she is vulnerable?
Again: how? She was extremely slow, have poor maneuverability, and her guns were hard to aim because of large casemate slopes (why do you think this idea was abandoned by everyone who could made a good armor plates)?
Sorry, but it was never even therms. Monitor basically controlled the course of action, while Virginia mostly "just moved & fired".
P.S. I would like to see any boarding party trying to attack a monitor... which basically have flat open deck with zero places to cover.