Explosive rounds from that monster would have an astonishing effect, I think. Much like the standard loads for the GE GAU 8/A 30MM of the A-10 which utilizes a 3-round mixture–explosive, incendiary, and and an API that has a projectile consisting of a light aluminum jacket around a depleted uranium core.

The AP round’s depleted uranium core is of course incredibly dense. When it hits armor it sheds the jacket and plows through the metal, and then the friction of entering the target heats up the uranium so that it ignites upon entrance to the interior of the vechicle.

Nasty but effective stuff, especially as rate of fire on the damned thing is about 4,200 RPM.

I was interested to learn that the rotation of your revolving cannon’s barrels was driven by power provided by the craft’s primary steam engine–I suspected it might, as opposed to early gatlings, which of course were manually turned by means of a crank handle, or the later motorized versions that are electrically driven.

I must confess, that I am still hoping that you, skilled gunsmith that you are, dear Lady, will attempt a water cooled Maxim-type MG (the most complex part I believe would be the T&E mechanism on the mount–everything else is pretty much simple rectangles and tubes). Jeremy Pertwee, whom I believe you know, has expressed interest in doing a Lewis gun, and I think the two different types of authentic period full-auto weapons would very nicely compliment each other.

I’ll keep you posted on the hat and epaulet progress–haven’t heard anything yet.

yours,
Aldo Stern, Madman

Mr Stern: indeed! That was one of the machines that I had in mind when designing it; basically, one is sitting upon a large cannon, which also happens to have a propulsion system. The steam engine provides power for the rotation of the barrels and a difference engine compensates for their recoil with extra thrust. I am considering making the shells themselves explosive, so as to increase the likelihood of damaging targets, but as you say the visual effect is already most intimidating, and they do make such a terrific noise as well.

I am extremely pleased to hear that a talented tailor is thinking on the matter of naval attire, as I have found it most difficult to find myself, and I have no talent with a needle and thread. I have found many modern naval uniforms, but really, they don’t even have feathers, it’s most inadequate.

And yes, Caledon’s desparate lack of fore and aft hats, epaulets, and nice blue tailcoats with lots of cuff lace is rapidly approaching the critical point. I have asked a freind of mine who is very creative in the production of themed clothing, to see if she can come up with anything and suggesting some illustrations of HMS Pinafore costumes as inspiration. We will see what she is able to accomplish, although she said she had tried to make chapeau de bras in the past and found them rather difficult.

I have to say, with this statement, I couldn’t possibly agree more.

I found myself at your shop a couple of days ago with a friend, (I’ll be moving into the Highlands sometime most likely today or tomorrow) and after perusing your many wonderous creations, we went upstairs to find the touring derigible. I saw only the gunboat of which this post speaks and though thinking it odd that a touring derigible would have a large gun affixed to the front end, not to mention but one seat, I hopped on. My friend found a rather precarious perch on one of the balloons. After waiting a moment for it to go, and experimentally touching various parts of the vehicle, I’d realized we had perhaps found something entirely different, though I decided to give the throttle a tap (I frequently lose battles with my curiosity) and it lurched forward. To make a long story short, we took the gunboat around for a spin. I’m quite picky with my vehicles, being an avid collector, but I have to say it was a wonderful flight, you have my compliments. Hopefully you don’t mind too much! (I do trust you found it in the condition, and location that I originally found it?) Would you by chance be considering selling any of them in the future?

I do hope to meet you soon, as a fellow citizen of Caledon, and as a prospective student of the School that I understand you’ve had a hand in founding.

Till then…

Jaseppi Calliope