The main turret sat forward of center, balanced by machinery and supporting weights aft. Two boilers supplied two vertical triple-expansion engines for only 2,310 indicated horsepower. That modest plant moved a ship of more than 6,000 tons at roughly six and a half knots, making escape from a faster surface opponent unrealistic. Its weight distribution invited a supercar comparison, while its performance was closer to an Australian road train. That compromise suited a bombardment platform built for a stable gun position and shallow-water access rather than fleet speed.
Notable Point · 8:58-10:31
Monitor weight distribution traded speed for gun stability
A centered arrangement balances turret and machinery weight, but only 2,310 indicated horsepower moves the broad monitor at low speed.