Building a technology bridge to the first dreadnought generation

Construction is delayed while better boilers and engines are researched, bypassing an unstable semi-dreadnought that would tie up yards as a weak intermediate type. The improved machinery is not yet a turbine, but it offers a practical step beyond the available triple-expansion plant. Waiting also gives the hull and funnel technologies time to catch up with the intended fighting qualities. A navy can treat an intermediate design as a technological bridge without building every nominal generation.