Menu
$194.35
The HM Mortar Vessel Convulsion was a unique and innovative vessel designed and built by the British Royal Navy in the mid-19th century. It was specifically designed for one purpose: to bombard enemy fortifications and coastal defenses with explosive shells. The Convulsion was a steam-powered vessel with a distinctive appearance, featuring a large flat deck with a raised platform at the stern that housed the mortar. This platform could be raised and lowered to adjust the angle of fire, allowing for precise targeting of enemy positions. The vessel was also equipped with a steam-powered crane to lift and load the 13-inch mortar shells, which weighed over 200 pounds each.
The Convulsion was first commissioned in 1855 and was immediately put to use in the Crimean War, where it proved to be a highly effective weapon against Russian fortifications. It was used to great effect in the Siege of Sevastopol, where its accurate and powerful bombardment played a crucial role in the eventual fall of the city. The vessel’s ability to fire shells over long distances made it an ideal weapon for attacking fortifications that were otherwise out of reach for traditional artillery.
The Convulsion’s success in the Crimean War also inspired other navies to develop their own versions of the mortar vessel. The French and American navies both built similar vessels, and the concept of a steam-powered, mortar-firing vessel became widely adopted in naval warfare.
Kit includes: 10 Mortar; Four 18pdr carronades; Walnut CNC cut parts; Double plank on bulkhead construction; Black & natural hemp for rigging. Full size plans along with a comprehensive instruction booklet make this attractive and unusual vessel ideal as an introduction to plank on bulkhead modeling. Convulsion is a ketch rigged mortar boat. She was built in 1804 at Rotherhithe and commissioned for shore bombardment duties. She was over 60ft long and had a displacement of 76 tonnes. She was armed with one 10 inch mortar and four 18 pounder carronades.
Scale: 1:64 Length: 600mm
The Convulsion’s unique design and capabilities caught the attention of military strategists and engineers, leading to its continued use and development. In the following years, several more Convulsion-class vessels were built, each with improvements and modifications to enhance their performance. One notable upgrade was the addition of a recoil system for the mortar, which reduced the impact on the vessel and allowed for more rapid and sustained firing.
Despite its effectiveness, the Convulsion faced some challenges. Its large size and weight made it difficult to maneuver, especially in rough seas. It also required a significant amount of crew members to operate and maintain, which added to its already high cost. However, these obstacles did not diminish the vessel’s importance and impact in naval warfare.
The Convulsion continued to serve in various conflicts, including the Second Opium War and the American Civil War. It was eventually decommissioned in the late 19th century, as advancements in artillery and naval technology rendered it obsolete. However, the legacy of the HM Mortar Vessel Convulsion lives on, as it paved the way for the development of modern naval weapons and tactics. It remains a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the British Royal Navy and its role in shaping naval warfare.
Join over 5,000 readers of our monthly newsletter!
$194.35
Join over 5,000 readers of our monthly newsletter!
© 2024 Bluejacket Shipcrafters, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy and Terms of Use Policy.
