The conversion begins below the guns: oil-fired destroyer boilers and turbines would replace the old coal plant while expanding British machinery production before the war. Modest growth in displacement, a longer flared bow, and a wider beam would improve rough-water performance and escort maneuverability. Four Admiralty three-drum boilers and four turbines are estimated at a conservative 64,000 shaft horsepower, enough for about 30 knots and a 6,000-nautical-mile range at 15 knots. The original belt remains useful because the Towns were strongly built, while the deck receives more protection against air attack.
Chapter · 24:58-29:14
Oil firing, an Atlantic bow, and 30-knot machinery
The proposed rebuild replaces coal machinery, reshapes the hull for Atlantic escort work, and uses modern destroyer power without discarding the original armor belt.