In many ways story of the Reine Regente-class cruisers reflects the state of the Spanish Navy at the end on the nineteenth century; heavily armed, smart to look at, but basically obsolete. The design was top heavy and had a relatively low freeboard.
The class’s characteristics were:
The lead ship of the class – the Reine Regente – was laid down on 20th June 1886, launched on 24th February 1887, and completed on 1st January 1888. She was built in James & George Thompson's shipyard at Govan, Clydebank, Glasgow, and delivered to the Spanish Navy upon completion. She sank with all hands on 9th March 1895 off the southern coast of Spain.
Alfonso XIII was built at the Naval Dockyard, Ferrol. She was laid down in 1891, launched on 31st August 1891, and used as a training ship from 1896 onwards. She was eventually commissioned on 18th May 1900 and served for seven years before she was discarded and scrapped.
Lepanto was built at the Naval Dockyard, Cartagena. She was laid down on 1st October 1886, launched on 6th November 1893, and completed on 26th January 1899. She was discarded in 1911 and scrapped.
The class’s characteristics were:
- Displacement: 4,725 tons
- Dimensions:
- Length: 319’ 3” (97.3m)
- Beam: 50’ 6” (15.4m)
- Draught: 29’ 3” (8.92m)
- Propulsion: 2 x Triple Expansion engines (11,500shp), each driving a propeller
- Speed: 20.5 knots
- Complement: 420
- Armament: 4 x 7.9” (4 x 1) Hontoria M1883 Guns; 6 x 4.7” (6 x 1) Hontoria M1883 Guns; 6 x 57mm (6 x 1) Nordenfelt Quick Firing Guns; 6 (6 x 1) Machine Guns; 5 x 14” Torpedo Tubes (2 bow, 2 beam, 1 aft)
- Armour:
- Main deck: 4.7” to 3.15” amidships between the main guns and 1” fore and aft
- Gun shields: 2.9”
The lead ship of the class – the Reine Regente – was laid down on 20th June 1886, launched on 24th February 1887, and completed on 1st January 1888. She was built in James & George Thompson's shipyard at Govan, Clydebank, Glasgow, and delivered to the Spanish Navy upon completion. She sank with all hands on 9th March 1895 off the southern coast of Spain.
Alfonso XIII was built at the Naval Dockyard, Ferrol. She was laid down in 1891, launched on 31st August 1891, and used as a training ship from 1896 onwards. She was eventually commissioned on 18th May 1900 and served for seven years before she was discarded and scrapped.
Lepanto was built at the Naval Dockyard, Cartagena. She was laid down on 1st October 1886, launched on 6th November 1893, and completed on 26th January 1899. She was discarded in 1911 and scrapped.
Hi Bob- just thinking...could you be interested in doing the Spanish-American War in 15mm...there are a few companies that make the figures...a few palm trees and your up and running- would be ideal for your grid based Portable Game...I'd do it- except I'm going to concentrate on my Fantasy Dwarfs and Orcs this year...though Spanish-American would be my next choice. Best Wishes. KEV.
ReplyDeleteKev Robertson,
DeleteFunnily enough, I've fought some Spanish-American War naval actions in the he past, and would love to put together a PW army for both sides if the opportunity arose. There are several suitable figures ranges available, and it would not be too expensive a project to undertake ... if I had the time!
All the best,
Bob
Just "donated" an old Spanish American Wars Fleet to Mark AKA http://exiledfog.blogspot.co.uk/ - hopefully he will get that painted soon so we can sink each other - nice post
ReplyDeleteRenko,
DeleteIt sounds as if your gift was both generous and should result in some interesting naval battles in the not too distant future.
All the best,
Bob
Thanks Bob. I'm at an age where I value the opponent and opportunity to play the game more than the collecting, and we both need the games :-)
DeleteRenko,
DeleteI take a somewhat similar attitude, and feel that by doing so, everybody benefits.
All the best,
Bob