Wow... I'm actually using that brown boat hull as a boat... Has it really come to this?
About this creation
The Firedrake Patrol Craft was first built for the Royal Navy in 1750. These tiny steamboats saw heavy action during the failed American Revolution, and accounted for the majority of British naval victories. While a typical Ship of the Line had massive firepower on its side, the Firedrake had unsurpassed maneurverability and the ability to cripple an enemy ship with it's flame cannon, allowing the Navy warships to easily dispose of the now vulnerable targets. In addition to naval combat, the Firedrake was useful for patrolling upriver and for strafing waterside emplacements. The greatest asset it possessed, however, was shock value. Many sailors could stand up to the Royal Navy's guns, but would flee in terror from a stream of fire rising up over the decks towards them.
The firedrake functions by propelling steam from a series of nozzles at the rear of the craft, which are supplied by a large boiler beneath the waterline.
Built for Pain Parade's 'Ages of Steam' contest over on Flickr.
As you can clearly see here, the armor plating doesn't protect the crew. It's there to protect the ship, as the ship costs more than the Marines crewing it. Also, if the boiler gets hit, the crew are going to be killed in the ensuing fireball anyways.
As you can see here, there is little space for more than maneuvering the flame thrower. This is because the ship was never inteneded for long voyages, and is meant for short range flame sprees. Or patrolling harbors or something boring like that, but all you people care about is the fire. Fire good.
This shot gives us another view of the cramped interior.
The flame thrower, in all it's grey scale glory.
The Firedrake class had a fascinating propulsion system. In order to move forward, the three main nozzles were opened, releasing steam that had been under great pressures. They propelled the craft through the water at a tremendous speed, and allowed it to outrun its larger enemies. In order to turn, steam release was restricted in one of the two side nozzles, causing the unbalanced propulsion to rotate the craft. For cruising or harbor speeds, the lower nozzle alone was used.
The lower section of the craft houses the massive boiler that powers the propulsion systems. Should it be hit by enemy fire, it would likely explode in a massive (and cinematic) fireball of death that would instantly kill the crew, and send heated metal shards in all directions. These craft are often featured prominently in modern movies, as they have such massive potential for explosive thrills.
Man, these pics really don't seem to work on MOCpages... They looked fine in editing and on Flickr, but here they look awful...
The bow, unlike many period machines, does not have a bronze faceplate. One major theory as to why the bronze plating was not used is that it was impractical for such a fast moving machine. The other is that there wasn't any money left for it in the budget.
Here is an overview, demonstrating once more this is NOT a comfortable ride. It is, however, curved at the front.
And because I know just how much you people love fire, I shall give it to you. This is the part where you're all supposed to jump up and down and yell things like 'Burn' or 'Kill'. And then, of course, I set you loose on wherever it is you live, as I'm certainly not going to have you all wrecking my pages.
Well, thank you all for looking! I'm sorry about the photos, I just don' know why they're all so... Sloppy. And that's about it. See you all later!
Comments
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I like it |
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February 24, 2012 |
Very steampunkish.... |
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I like it |
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June 5, 2011 |
The photos are not bad at all, but that is not important. This is a great moc I like the idea of a revolutionary patrol boat although I probably would have given it to the Americans. The curving armor on the bow is really well done. I also like the idea of propelling the boat using burst of steam. Very well done. |
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I like it |
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Perry McShane September 12, 2010 |
awesome... i think that turning the boat around to make a hull is a great idea. |
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I made it |
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August 13, 2010 |
Quoting Ced The Clever
Did you win this contest? Its a really cool build, love armored effect of the claws, and of course, the flamethrower.
Thank you! Those plates are quickly becoming some of my favorite parts. As for the contest, the results haven't been posted yet. |
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I like it |
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August 13, 2010 |
Did you win this contest? Its a really cool build, love armored effect of the claws, and of course, the flamethrower. |
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I like it |
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Nicks Bricks August 2, 2010 |
This I must say is very original, i love the gun on the back, and it just looks so cool, great work here. |
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I made it |
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August 2, 2010 |
Thanks! I'm glad you like it, this is a build I really enjoyed. |
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I made it |
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June 30, 2010 |
Well, if you're confuzzled then I've done my job properly.
@Matt: Wow, I didn't know I had a vintage yet... |
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I like it |
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June 30, 2010 |
Quoting Matt David Now wait just a minute. At first,it would appear good ribbits here has indeed done something very "un-ribbit-like" and used a traditional boat to make a boat. However, he DID turn it upside down...vintage ribbits. Using the boat part upside down to make a boat that floats right side up is too much for me to handle... Ribbits, you have confuzzled me... |
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I like it |
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June 30, 2010 |
Now wait just a minute. At first,it would appear good ribbits here has indeed done something very "un-ribbit-like" and used a traditional boat to make a boat. However, he DID turn it upside down...vintage ribbits. |
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I like it |
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June 30, 2010 |
Using a boat part... to make a boat... that's just crazy enough to work. |
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I made it |
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June 30, 2010 |
Why, whatever gave you that idea? ;)
And thank you, of course. Even if you are pointing out the secretive cloning process... |
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I like it |
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June 30, 2010 |
Say, I believe I've seen one of those colonial soldiers before ;-) Another great one, you nut. |
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I made it |
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June 23, 2010 |
Oh no! My super-heroic alternate identity has been discovered! ;)
Sorry, I just couldn't resist. Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed it! That really means alot coming from you. |
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I like it |
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June 23, 2010 |
Another nice one, frogman. The metal of the hull looks nice and strong and the studs are convincing rivets. |
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I made it |
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June 22, 2010 |
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Also, the little bit about being a fan really made my night, so thank you for that as well! |
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I like it |
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June 22, 2010 |
Wow-first comment! I like the overall look of it. I've been a huge fan for quite some time and love your work! Awesome. |
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