by Gene Andes
Categories:
- Build type: [Scratch]
- Material: [Wood]
- Scale: [1:64 (3/16" = 1')]
- Subject Type: [Cruiser]
- Era: [1815-1914]
- Nationality: [United States]
- Propulsion: [Propeller] [Reciprocating Steam]
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.
