by Gene Andes
Member since 10-Jan-2003
Build Type: Scratch
Country: United States
Era: 1815-1914
Length Range: 200-400 feet (61-122m)
Model Material: Wood
Model Type: Radio Controlled
Propulsion Type:
- Impeller→ Propeller
- Engine→ Reciprocating Steam
Scale: 1:64 (3/16″ = 1′)
Subject Type: Vessel→ Naval and Privateer→ Steel Navy→ Cruiser
About the Vessel
Vesuvius was essentially an operational testbed for large dynamite guns.
Dynamite guns used compressed air, rather than an combustible charge, to propel an explosive projectile. Compressed air was able to accelerate the projectile more gradually through the length of the barrel, reducing the possibility of the explosive in the projectile from detonating while still in the barrel. As the stability of explosives improved, this style of gun became obsolete.
