Thought I might get back to my favorite class of ships for a change of pace... cruisers. What we have here are the "War Emergency Cruisers" of 1914-17, a group of 6 very similar classes all built to a common hull design, the main differences being armament and machinery. Authorized in early 1913, designs were quickly put together, with the first hull being laid down in Feb 1914. Those which survived the war underwent significant upgrades and rebuilds in the 1930's.
ILLUSTRIOUS CLASS
Displacement: 3,159 t standard; 3,435 t normal; 3,657 t full load
Length: 450 ft
Beam: 42 ft
Draught: 16 ft
Machinery: 8 Boilers, Triple expansion engines, 2 shafts
Speed: 29 knots
Range: 6200 NM @ 10 knots
Complement: 272
Armament:
2 x 6" (2 x 1)
8 x 4" (8 x 1)
RESOLUTE CLASS
Virtually identical to the Illustrious Class except for 2 funnels, 2 x 3" HA added, and geared turbines instead of triple expansion engines.
Displacement: 3,190 t standard; 3,435 t normal; 3,632 t full load
Length: 450 ft
Beam: 42 ft
Draught: 16 ft
Machinery: 8 Boilers, Geared steam turbines, 2 shafts
Speed: 29 knots
Range: 6200 NM @ 10 knots
Complement: 272
Armament:
2 x 6" (2 x 1)
8 x 4" (8 x 1)
2 x 3" HA (2 x 1)
TEMPEST CLASS
Additional 6" gun mounts added in place of most of the 4" mounts.
Displacement: 3,160 t standard; 3,435 t normal; 3,656 t full load
Length: 450 ft
Beam: 42 ft
Draught: 16 ft
Machinery: 8 Boilers, Geared steam turbines, 2 shafts
Speed: 28.5 knots
Range: 7000 NM @ 10 knots
Complement: 290
Armament:
7 x 6" (7 x 1)
4 x 4" (4 x 1)
2 x 3" HA (2 x 1)
BONAVENTURE CLASS
The two Bonaventures were given an all 4" armament, utilizing the new triple gun mount for fore and aft, and the semi-enclosed single mounts for midships. The triple mount did not prove as successful as hoped, and the Bonaventures were the first to be rebuilt and rearmed in the early 30's.
Displacement: 3,207 t standard; 3,435 t normal; 3,618 t full load
Length: 450 ft
Beam: 42 ft
Draught: 16 ft
Machinery: 8 Boilers, Geared steam turbines, 2 shafts
Speed: 29 knots
Range: 6200 NM @ 10 knots
Complement: 290
Armament:
18 x 4" (4 x 3; 6 x 1)
2 x 3" HA (2 x 1)
ENTERPRISE CLASS
The Enterprises were identical to the earlier Tempest class, the major difference being #1 and #7 guns used the new fully enclosed "weatherproof" mount.
Displacement: 3,160 t standard; 3,435 t normal; 3,656 t full load
Length: 450 ft
Beam: 42 ft
Draught: 16 ft
Machinery: 8 Boilers, Geared steam turbines, 2 shafts
Speed: 29 knots
Range: 7000 NM @ 10 knots
Complement: 290
Armament:
7 x 6" (7 x 1)
4 x 4" (4 x 1)
2 x 3" HA (2 x 1)
A sixth class, the two ships of the Serpent Class, were completed after the war with an extended hull and the 6" main armament being in new twin turrets.
(not finished drawing that one yet.)