A French ship of the line passed through steam reclassification and then conversion to troopship service. In 1870 the engine was removed because internal space mattered more in the vessel's new role, while sail could still provide propulsion. Steam was an auxiliary whose value depended on the mission. The decision balanced machinery, carrying volume, and operational purpose. British and French navies made similar tradeoffs despite later claims that only one service truly embraced steam.
Notable Point · 49:14-51:26
A French steam conversion reversed for troopship space
A French ship of the line later lost its auxiliary engine when troop-carrying capacity became more valuable than steam propulsion.