rebelatsea
Captain
- Joined
- Mar 30, 2013
- Location
- Kent ,England.
Many thanks to Georgew for the research that led to this unknown ( at least to me) proposal.
WHAT LED UP TO CSS MANASSAS
The three iron rams
Captain John A Stephenson proposed to construct 3 ironclad rams converted from existing steamships. These would be used as privateers. Navy Secretary Mallory declined the offer.
Stephenson then selected the tug Enoch Train, and the conversion carried out.
The plan below, by the author is drawn from eyewitness statements.
The hull between light and load waterline was covered in 1” iron plate, as were the sides of the two gunhouses. These were open at each end, and roofed with boiler plate as was part of the deck She did not apparently receive her ordnance.
An 8ft long iron ram was attached to the bow.
The conversion was a failure, as the freeboard amidships was reduced to 30 inches, meaning that only the bulwark and rubbing strake was above water, as the sheer strakes fore and aft had been cut away.
The gunhouses were proof against small arms ,but a hit by heavy shot would probably push the whole thing overboard.
The vessel as converted would probably have been unstable and would not have been able to leave the river.
It was taken into dock and stripped to be converted into the Ram Manassas.
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WHAT LED UP TO CSS MANASSAS
The three iron rams
Captain John A Stephenson proposed to construct 3 ironclad rams converted from existing steamships. These would be used as privateers. Navy Secretary Mallory declined the offer.
Stephenson then selected the tug Enoch Train, and the conversion carried out.
The plan below, by the author is drawn from eyewitness statements.
The hull between light and load waterline was covered in 1” iron plate, as were the sides of the two gunhouses. These were open at each end, and roofed with boiler plate as was part of the deck She did not apparently receive her ordnance.
An 8ft long iron ram was attached to the bow.
The conversion was a failure, as the freeboard amidships was reduced to 30 inches, meaning that only the bulwark and rubbing strake was above water, as the sheer strakes fore and aft had been cut away.
The gunhouses were proof against small arms ,but a hit by heavy shot would probably push the whole thing overboard.
The vessel as converted would probably have been unstable and would not have been able to leave the river.
It was taken into dock and stripped to be converted into the Ram Manassas.
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