Tryon's diplomatic platform was a warship of roughly 7,500 tons powered by ten oval boilers and two three-cylinder inverted-compound engines. A single broadside could bring two 10-inch guns, four 9-inch guns, and three 20-pounders to bear. Her belt varied between roughly six and nine inches, concentrating the thicker protection where it mattered most. Protected gun positions and the disposition of armour reduced vulnerability to fire raking the ship from bow or stern. The flagship's political message was credible because visible fighting power stood behind it.
Notable Point · 26:38-28:16
Fighting power behind Nelson's political mission
Nelson's boilers, heavy broadside, and end-on protection gave visible military weight to the persuasion expected of an Australia Station flagship.