I have been really busy with work, but I have managed to finish the Lisenian Navy's next class of cruisers. There's a lot more stuff waiting on the virtual dry dock. I'm also working on B-sides for all the ships I've drawn so far, so I will be going back and adding them to the drawings as I finish them up.
In 1908, the first of the scout cruisers ordered from American yards entered service. The
Coronado class, built to Lisenian specifications, were meant to replace the older
Estoque class, relegating them to coastal patrol, gunnery training, and 2nd rate duties. The new scout cruisers delighted the naval staff. They were fitted with modern American equipment, including the 6-inch gun, range finding equipment, wireless set, and were much larger and comfortable than their predecessors. The last two ships were notable for being the first ships in Lisenia to be fitted with the revolutionary new steam turbines for propulsion.
Armed with twin 6-inch guns and a six 4-inch quick firing guns, they equaled the Estoques in firepower but were much better armored and featured increased survivability with more water-proof compartmentalization. Their high-quality machinery made them faster, longer-ranged and more reliable. There were some problems however: the submerged torpedo tubes were never fitted due to weight, and the low bridge and wet bow made them uncomfortable in heavy weather.
Despite these drawbacks, the Coronados were an important addition for the Lisenian Navy, expanding the reach and capability of its scouting force and introducing it to important new technology like steam turbines. The American-built ships would also be studied intensely as the navy began to seriously prepare to design and construct its own vessels.