Dreadnought

My personal choice would be the modern concrete railing -- for what it's worth.

The developmental approach is more reliable and produces a smoother, dependable result -- As always -- very sound advice --

Yo -- !! I am most gratified to see that the Phoenix has risen from the ashes -- MANY, MANY thanks to Corina, C-B, and Dirk for this Herculean effort......

Yo, Guys -- I managed to find a little time to work on the Bremerhaven map -- Here you see the four ships of the Brandenburg Class putting to sea, headed for the Baltic gunnery ranges.

Yo -- NO -- I am not familiar with a "prop painter". I suspect it is one of those "new-fangled" programs that are quite beyond my MOD's/APPs/current software. AND -- I have managed to find ways to make a wide variety of lots without having to make serious upgrades to my operating systems -- so far.

Looks damned good to me, my friend - !!

THANK YOU so much -- the kind words are much appreciated.

IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN By: Dreadnought & AP Chapter 65: THE PHOTO TOUR 21 EAST BREAKWATER Picking up where we left off, this is an overview of the eastern half of the breakwater. You will note a visiting British squadron anchored along the outer breakwater wall. Unable to find a space where the three British warships could be berthed together, it was thought best to anchor the “guests” just offshore. Anchored just astern of SMS Hindenburg are two of the four Mackensen Class battlecruisers. (See Chapter 42 for complete design and construction details.) Design work on these ships was started in 1912 and the first two were laid down in 1915. Though intended to be nearly identical to the Derfflinger’s, they were actually an improvement, with an increase in tonnage, more powerful engines, and a main battery up-gunned to 14-inch rifles. It is fair to say they would have given the British Queen Elizabeth Class fast-battleships a “run for their money”. Had they been completed, they would have joined the fleet in 1919. As in previous mooring scenes along the breakwater, this one is composed of seven modular lots plopped to create a vignette. Two of the @mattb325 mooring points were plopped against the breakwater, and then the two battlecruisers (courtesy of @Barroco Hispano) were plopped adjacent to them. The two lighters and the harbor tug standing by to come alongside are a fifth lot – and the two small boat lots were then added. The white harbor tug was “gifted” by “WolfZe“, while the two lighters and the small boats were the detailed work of @AP. Next astern we have two of the four planned Ersatz Yorck Class battlecruisers. These were not the last battlecruisers designed by the Kaiserliche Marine – but they were the last to actually start construction. (See Chapter 43 for complete design and construction details.) Unfortunately, the Ersatz Yorck Class were the only ships ever designed to mount 15-inch rifles. In this scene, the collier SS Erlangen has come alongside and is preparing cargo nets to hoist sacks of coal across to the battlecruiser. This view gives you a good idea of the long, fine, hull lines of the battlecruiser design. This vignette was composed of five modular lots. Two mooring points, two battlecruisers, and a single lot with the collier and three tugs. The wonderful model of SMS Yorck is courtesy of @AP, while the collier and tugs are his superbly detailed work as well. The breakwaters are, of course, by “Yuki”. Though not actually part of the Kaiserliche Marine of the great War era, the very last battlecruisers designed and built by Germany were the KM Scharnhorst (1939) and Gneisenau (1938). They were directly descended from the Ersatz Yorck Class but, oddly enough, the two ships did not mount 15-inch guns. Designed in 1933-1934, it was feared mounting the larger main guns would unsettle the somewhat precarious political climate in Europe – so only three triple turrets with 11-inch guns were mounted. However, the designers kept their options open for the future, and the barbettes were designed to be big enough to accommodate 15-inch guns and turrets at some later date. In the event, war broke out in Europe sooner than expected and no convenient time was ever found to make the change. This is a view of KM Gneisenau as she would have looked with her intended armament of three twin turrets mounting 15-inch rifles. This scene was created using six modular lots. Two “Mattb325” mooring points and the battlecruiser (by Barroco Hispano). The boat boom deployed on the port side is a stand-alone-lot” plopped alongside the ship. The Esmeralda Class tug and lighter alongside are a fifth lot, and the small boat off the starboard quarter is number six. The paddle tug, lighter, boat boom, and small boat are all the work of “AP”. This is the last chapter of Imperial Dockyards: Cuxhaven, and though there will be an ”Imperial Dockyards: Bremerhaven” in future – I do not have the slightest idea when that one will begin. The forthcoming third entry in the “Kaiserliche Marine Trilogy” will deal with the birth of the Imperial German Navy and its growth and evolution up until about 1910 – basically – the Pre-Dreadnought Era. But before I close this second installment in the series, I would like to say a few words…… In the first two series we have, considering the technology of the early 20th Century, thoroughly analyzed and dissected the most complex and destructive weapons ever conceived by the mind of man – battleships and their rivals, the battlecruisers. I have recounted the courage, honor, and devotion to duty of the men who sailed and fought them. And I have touched, briefly, upon the horror and death of the Great War at sea. It has long been the warrior’s creed that “glory” can only be won in battle. But that is true -- only if you believe it to be true. William Tecumseh Sherman said...”War is Hell. War is cruelty and you cannot refine it.” On a later occasion, he added...”There is no glory in war.” Say what you will about W.T. Sherman -- he was an immanently practical man with a firm grasp of reality. I am an Old Soldier – I did my warrior’s duty some fifty years ago – and sleep peacefully knowing that I did not disgrace myself, my men, or my Country. And I tell you -- there is no glory in war. But my proudest moments were when I was privileged to salute, and shake the hand, of men holding the Congressional Medal Of Honor. I honor the grit and determination of all men -- of every nation -- that have, throughout history, done their duty. But make no mistake – I do not glorify war. Having said all that – we can now shift to a lighter note…… In the years leading up to the Great War, while the diplomats schemed for political advantage, the Royal Navy and the Kaiserliche Marine shared, for the most part, a friendly rivalry. The British had, in the past, viewed the nations of Europe as weights on a balance scale – and her diplomats spent all their time trying to keep the scales evenly balanced. Goodwill visits by the Royal Navy to German ports was an important part of this balancing act. These visits were swapped back and forth, from nation to nation, and generated friendly feelings between the two navies as well as providing festive occasions for the civilian populations. A port call at Kiel by the Royal Navy was always an occasion of great ostentation and merry-making. A Royal Navy squadron usually appeared around 6am, emerging from the mists about ten miles offshore. Word of the sighting passed quickly around the busy port and crowds began to gather within minutes. By 8am, the British Battle Squadron would arrive at the mouth of the fjord, secure the services of a harbor pilot, and begin steaming up the Kielerhaffen. The visit would have been announced in the newspapers several days before, and it was an event that could not be missed – even the Kaiser, himself, would be in attendance. Shopkeepers closed-up, offices were shut down, and restaurants (especially those without a view of the harbor) closed during mid-day. Even the school children were dismissed at noon. Special “tourist” trains were laid-on to bring in sightseers from far out in the countryside, and as far away as Hamburg and Berlin. The shore, promenades, and overlooking hillsides, were literally black with spectators. The Kielerhaffen, itself, was crowded with small craft, yachts, and packet steamers jammed to the railings with sightseers. Once the British battleships anchored, many of these tourist boats would crowd around the ships and anchor as near as possible, while others continually circled around the big ships. It was a great public spectacle replete with gold-braided admirals, Royal princes and princesses, and Kaiser Wilhelm wearing the uniform of a British Admiral Of The Fleet (an honor bestowed on him by Queen Victoria). The pictures below are my own homage to the happier days before the Great War…... The 1st Cruiser Squadron of the Home Fleet lies moored at buoys just outside the Cuxhaven roadsted breakwater. They are returning a courtesy port call circa 1911. (Left to right – HMS Invincible, Inflexible, Indomitable.) These port calls by foreign navies were always festive occasions, with much “show and ceremony”. A large number of civilian small craft have gathered to see the big British cruisers up close. The tourists are immensely entertained by such simple things as “morning and evening color” ceremonies – when the ship’s bands play the national anthem while the flag is raised in the morning and lowered in the evening, with a detachment of sailors assembled to “salute the colors”. The steamer SS Lorena (foreground) has come out from the city docks with a boatload of sightseers on a “day trip”. In the evenings, the British captains might even have the ship’s band serenade the small craft anchored nearby. These ostentatious shows of courtesy were quite common in the Edwardian Age. Here we have two views of the SS Lorena. She was, in reality, a British packet steamer out of the Humber, sometime in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. When I came across the photo of Invincible and the tourist small craft (See the “banner” photo at top.) Lorena seemed too good an opportunity to pass up. The model is provided by @Barroco Hispano, and is a prefect little gem of detail. The sailing ketch in the upper right is by @Mattb325, while the remaining small craft are from NBVC’s marina sets. (Please excuse the “modern” motorboats.) Here you have an excellent view of the squadron flagship –HMS Invincible. The ship’s boat boom has been extended, with a motor launch tied on. The Port Admiral has placed the motor launch and crew at the disposal of the squadron commander (Rear Admiral Sir Horace Hood) for the duration of the visit. During these “courtesy visits” the ships were often festooned with strings of electric lights in the rigging and along the decks to provide the tourists with a “night show”. Awnings were usually spread on both sides of the aft turret reaching back to the stern. Guests were often invited aboard for afternoon teas, complete with a string quartet providing music. In the evening, a cold buffet supper was provided, with a dance band to entertain the guests. These were, indeed, social occasions that would be fondly remembered for many years. The very fine armored cruiser models are courtesy of @Barroco Hispano. (It should be noted the British did not officially adopt the term “battlecruiser” until late in 1911.) The boat boom, motor launch, and small cutter are the finely detailed work of @AP. As a point of interest -- amidships you see a problem common to many capital ships prior to WW I. In their desperation to maximize the number of guns on a warship (before superimposed turrets came into fashion), designers often used “wing turrets” placed amidships. In this instance, the two center turrets have been placed in such a manner that they might, possibly, be able to fire cross-deck on either beam. Theoretically, this would allow an eight gun broadside. In reality, the port side turret, firing cross-deck to starboard, would have a very narrow arc of fire (unless you were willing to fire over the top of the starboard wing turret – not recommended.) And – the blast over-pressure of a 12-inch gun would rip the planking right off the deck, buckle the steel deck plates beneath it, buckle any superstructure plates within 40 feet, and make toothpicks out of nearby ship’s boats. The fact was, though Invincible carried eight main battery guns, she only had a fully effective broadside of six guns. This is the chief reason broadside fire was so important and why battle formations were “single-line-ahead” – to maximize broadside firing arcs. (Note: If you examine the cutter hooking onto the boat boom, you will see the boat crew has their oars raised to the “oars up” position for docking. “AP” likes everything done “ship-shape” and proper.) FINALLY…… IN MEMORY OF "ODAINSAKER” I was greatly saddened when I learned of “Odainsaker’s” passing. He had always been a great help to me when searching for pictures and anecdotes on the German Imperial period. He, too, was fascinated with the Edwardian Era, and we exchanged e-mails so that we might have many long conversations about an enormously wide range of topics…... ”The time has come, the Walrus said, To talk of many things: Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax — Of cabbages — and kings — And why the sea is boiling hot — And whether pigs have wings.” I found him to be a man of jovial nature, who’s comments were witty, urban, and occasionally a tad pithy -- backed by a vast lexicon of knowledge – which he freely shared. A sharing of fact-based-knowledge is a rare thing these days, and I honor his memory. “Odainsaker” was especially interested in the Imperial Austrian Navy and the battleships of the Tegetthoff Class. I present a few photos of them and hope that wherever he is – they will please him. He is sorely missed…… “Hail and farewell” -- May God hold you in the palm of his hand, Old Friend…... The 1st Division of the Austrian battle fleet as they might have looked moored along the breakwater at Pola – circa 1914. Left to right – SMS Prinz Eugen, Viribus Unitis, and Tegetthoff. SMS Prinz Eugen with a machinist’s barge alongside. SMS Viribus Unitis is seen preparing to coal ship. SMS Tegetthoff taking on fresh provisions for the flagship. The two steam launches tied-up at the boat boom would indicate an admiral aboard. Battleships courtesy of Barroco Hispano. Another overview of the division at their moorings. NEXT TIME…… ???? I’ll keep you posted as to when you can expect the third installment of the trilogy. MANY THANKS to @Barroco Hispano for his beautiful warship models. SPECIAL THANKS to my friend and partner, @AP, for his talents, meticulous models, colorful imagination, and extreme dedication. This installment would not have been possible without his kindness and generosity. If you enjoyed anything – please punch the “like” button so WE will know. A comment would be even more informative. Comments and critiques requested and gratefully accepted. All questions answered promptly to the best of our ability. THANK YOU for your visit! You may wish to visit these CJ’s as well…… SERIES I: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: WILHELMSHAVEN SERIES II: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN Appearing – Work In Publication SERIES III: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: BREMERHAVEN Appearing -- ??? And please feel free to drop in at… THE SIMTROPOLIS SHIPYARD https://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/761469-simtropolis-shipyard/?tab=comments#comment-1766496

Sooooooo -- this means we do have some sort of counter -- ?? Smashing lights WITHOUT a counter would be like playing poker with match sticks......

As always -- I'm very glad you enjoyed your visit.

THANK YOU very much, Sir.

YO, GUYS --- This is the final Chapter of “IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN” – the second installment of the “Dockyards Trilogy”. To honor the memory of “ODAINSAKER”, I dedicate this installment to him, and have included a brief “memorial”. (Any memories or anecdotes about Odainsaker will be appreciated and warmly received.) Chapter 65: THE PHOTO TOUR 21 Visit us at……

THANK YOU for the affirmation -- !! It is a rather long breakwater, and I thought it prudent to mark the center to avoid accidents.

IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN By: Dreadnought & AP Chapter 64: THE PHOTO TOUR 20 BREAKWATER ANCHORAGE Since the Neu Hafen was, more or less, built from scratch – it was better arranged than many of the old, established harbors. Wilhelmshaven, for example, was an “old” harbor, and was more than adequate to handle the early beginnings of the Imperial Navy. But by the end of the 19th Century the docks and basins were becoming crowded with an ever expanding fleet of steel battleships. Later, as the larger dreadnoughts began to join the fleet, it was often necessary to anchor entire battleship divisions offshore in the scarce deep water areas like the Vareler Deep. In Cuxhaven, the Panzerkreuzer (battlecruisers) were assigned permanent berths along the outer breakwater on the opposite side of the roadsted. This suited Hipper perfectly. It kept the big ships separated from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the harbor, thereby avoiding distractions and allowing the sailors to concentrate on their work. This is an overview of the western half of the breakwater. It was originally intended that each battlecruiser should have its’ own berth, but as the number of cruisers grew, it became necessary to moor some of them inboard and outboard of each other. This shot also gives you a partial view of the rest of the activity in the harbor – tugs, lighters, barges, and cranes – all busily going about their assigned tasks. This is a view of the first two battlecruisers in the breakwater mooring line. SMS Moltke is on the left, and the immortal Seydlitz on the right. The “Uki” breakwater is plopped at the very edge of the 30 meter harbor floor. Beyond the breakwater, the seabed drops off rather precipitately. Looking back on it, I probably should have dropped the seabed to 40 meters and been done with it. (Unfortunately, if you want to get the “whale automata” you have to go considerably deeper than that – and I’m a “sucker” for the whales.) This scene was created with five separate lots – two for the mooring points, one for the battlecruiser, one for the motor launch, and one for the boat boom and small boats. Again, this is the “modular” concept at work. By utilizing four different models which can be used in a variety of different scenarios, I avoided making a single large lot that would only be good for a single use. The mooring points built adjacent to the breakwater were made by “Mattb325” as a request and then uploaded to the STEX. I took his basic model and modified it with sailors, lighting, and rope coils. The idea was for the sailors to act as a “mooring party” securing the ship. Each mooring point is an individual lot plopped, roughly, one square apart. They were patterned after those found along “Battleship Row” in Pearl Harbor. In retrospect, the mooring points should have been made about half their size. The beautifully detailed battlecruiser is courtesy of @AP. (Full details on SMS Moltke can be found in Chapters 17 and 18.) This is SMS Seydlitz at her berth. This scene was also constructed with five modular lots. There are two lots for the mooring points, one for the battlecruiser, one for the boat boom and small boats, and one large one for the replenishment operation off the port quarter. Just for the record; with the exception of the mooring points (Mattb325), the breakwater (Uki), the steam tug (WolfZe), and the crane on the barge (PEG Trash Lot) – EVERYTHING in the picture was modeled by @AP. This view gives you a better look at the details of the mooring point. Unfortunately, they are both exactly the same. I should have made at least two different arrangements so the pieces would not be duplicated, but in my stupidity, I was trying to cut down on the number of custom lots I was putting into my Plugins folder. (When I first started out, I foolishly thought I could get away with a couple of hundred new lots – go figure.) And, again, the beautifully detailed model of Seydlitz is by the talented “AP”. (Details on the battlecruiser can be found in Chapters 21 and 22.) This gives you a little better view of the replenishment operation. I wanted something a little bit more complicated than just a couple of lighters, so I decided to go with a larger and more intricate lot. This lot is 5x2, and includes the barge crane, lighters, tugs, and small boat you see in the picture. All of these props have been placed on the lot in such a manner as to be “flush” against the battlecruiser, while overhanging the other three sides of the lot. “Overhanging props” takes advantage of the smallest possible lot space to accommodate the largest possible number of visual props. This is a better view of the “replenishment lot”. Due to the unique nature of the lot, I would probably not use it twice on the same map tile, but as a “modular lot” it can be placed against docks or any of the large ships in the game. This close-up, yet again, allows you to see the amazing level of detail “AP” has built into his models. These models are so good, so realistic – they actually “inspire” and motivate the creation of life-like scenes. This is an overview of the next two battlecruisers moored along the breakwater – SMS Derfflinger on the left, and Hindenburg on the right. Almost everything in the picture has already been discussed on several different occasions, and should be familiar to you. But down in the lower right of the picture, you can just make out the steam tug Goliath towing what was at the time, the world’s largest floating crane – “Langer Heinrich”. (See Chapter 14 for details on “Langer Heinrich”.) SMS Derfflinger is moored along the breakwater in the same basic fashion as the other battlecruisers. Like the other ships, she has her boat boom extended and is also preparing to take aboard stores and fresh provisions. Derfflinger model kindly provided by @Barroco Hispano. In this close-up, you can examine the fine detailing of the warship as well as those of the accompanying ships. In the upper left, a cutter is standing by the mooring point while the sailors prepare to tighten the slack in the mooring hawsers. At the port side boat boom, sailors are unloading some small boxes from another cutter, with a dinghy trailing astern. Lastly, the paddle tug Sophia is standing by with two lighters loaded with ship’s stores and assorted fresh provisions. The cutter at the mooring point is a stand-alone 1x1 plopped next to the platform. The boat boom and small boat is also a 1x1 designed so that it can be plopped alongside any larger ship. The paddle tug and lighters are a 2x1 lot with the props positioned to overhang the lot. Many people can create new lots or re-lot and improve an old game lot. But learning how to use overhanging props can add an entirely new dimension of reality to the game. Once again, let me call attention to the brilliant level of detail in the small boats, boat boom, paddle tug, and lighters by “AP”. Moored along the breakwater, just astern of Derfflinger, is SMS Hindenburg – the last active duty battlecruiser designed and built by the Kaiserliche Marine. As the last flagship of Scouting Forces Hochseeflotte, the flag of Vizeadmiral Hipper flies at her forepeak. Being an “improved” version of the Derfflinger Class, she was “the best of the best”. Appropriately enough, the model is scratch-built by @AP -- and may well be his finest work yet. This shot shows all the magnificent detail built into “AP’s” battlecruiser, and it is well worth a few minutes of close examination. The two steam launches tied-up at the boat boom are courtesy of Barroco Hispano, while the small boats and boat boom are by “AP”. The beautiful little harbor tug Thor – pulling alongside with a lighter of fresh provisions – is also the work of “AP”. NEXT TIME…… CUXHAVEN: THE PHOTO TOUR 21 MANY THANKS to @Barroco Hispano for his beautiful warship models. SPECIAL THANKS to my friend and partner, @AP, for his talents, meticulous models, colorful imagination, and extreme dedication. If you enjoyed anything – please punch the “like” button so WE will know. A comment would be even more informative. Comments and critiques requested and gratefully accepted. All questions answered promptly to the best of our ability. THANK YOU for your visit! You may wish to visit these CJ’s as well…… SERIES I: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: WILHELMSHAVEN SERIES II: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN Appearing – Work In Publication SERIES III: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: BREMERHAVEN Appearing -- ??? And please feel free to drop in at… THE SIMTROPOLIS SHIPYARD https://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/761469-simtropolis-shipyard/?tab=comments#comment-1766496

@matias93 Yo, guy -- Just a quick question -- there was a discussion thread for the "Christmas Lights" last year -- do we have one this year -? I've been looking for one -- but probably in all the wrong places.

Yo, guys -- My birthday falls in the wee hours of the NEW YEAR, and it gives me an excuse to party like an animal – like I did 50 years ago – !! But this year…...I believe it is time for a little moderation. (Last year nearly did me permanent bodily injury -! ) Tomorrow, while I recuperate from fine dining, some ballroom dancing (very old fashioned – but romantic), and a bit of the “bubbly” at a midnight party – I will open my birthday presents as the “Parade Of Roses” makes its way along Colorado Blvd in lovely downtown Pasadena. But today – I wish you all a…… HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2026 !!

In a pinch, you could also anchor a double row of big ships down the center of the roadsted and still have room to navigate around them.

LIGHTS -- !! LIGHTS -- !! CHRISTMAS LIGHTS -- !! THEY’RE Baaaaaaaaaack…...

YO, GUYS --- I’m a bit late getting this posted – my apologies – but I have been rather busy making “Merry” the last few days…… Another Chapter of “IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN”. Chapter 64: THE PHOTO TOUR 20 Visit us at……

Good King Wenceslas looked out On the Feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gathering winter fuel…... Yo, guys -- Before I start my round of “gifting parties” this Christmas Eve, and “dinner invitations” Christmas Day, wrapping-up with an evening “cold supper” – I would like to take a moment with you…... We are, indeed, a Multi-National community – but each in our own way -- we celebrate this “Holiday” time of the year. I wish ALL of you a warm fire, an overly rich meal, and a few glasses of “Christmas Cheer”. But most of all – I wish you the enduring warmth of friends and family gathered in each other’s company. Enjoy each other – for an enduring love is more important than all the “golden thrones and riches” of the Earth -- the memory will last a lifetime. And -- an especially MERRY CHRISTMAS to my friend and his family -- lost in the wilds of “Bonnie Wee Scotland” -- “May God bless us – every one…” …...Tiny Tim – A Christmas Carol -- 1843

FABULOUS WORK, my friend -- !!

THANK YOU -- THANK YOU - !!

IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN By: Dreadnought & AP Chapter 63: THE PHOTO TOUR 19 MAIN TUGBOAT STATION “Way back in the Day”, SC4 hardly paid any attention to tugboats. In fact, there was only one tugboat set of any note in the game – the distinctly “Japanese” set by “Somy”. All of the “Somy” lots and ships were extremely well done, but the Japanese tugs were rather small and obviously not of European design. When “WofZe” made the gift of a small white steam tug, it opened up a whole range of opportunities. I modified the “Somy” tug docks (as mentioned in previous chapters) and was able to replace the Japanese tugboats with the “WolfZe” model. Eventually, @AP generously offered his considerable talents and created an entire line of wonderful tugboats to add realism and authenticity to our harbors. Tugboats, in general, are sorely neglected -- in games, movies, literature, and even in the history books. But without them, harbors simply could not function. They tow lighters out to ships -- loaded with supplies, stores, and fresh food. Tugs moved large barges loaded with machinery and fabricated parts for the ships. And – they were the only method of moving the big ships around in the harbor. They were small – but vital to the smooth operation of any harbor. This is an overview of the Main Tugboat Station in the Neu Hafen. Built at the head of “Pier 01”, it was originally intended to be the only tug station in the harbor and is the largest station yet built. The angular, flat-roofed building on the right is a machine shop used for the repair and maintenance of the tugboat fleet. Each dock has two storage sheds that double as warehouses and workshops. And each has a fuel oil storage tank. The more modern Passat Class tugs were equipped with supplemental oil-firing for their coal-fed boilers. The Quonset Huts are used for various purposes: some are partitioned into office space, others are partitioned into sleeping quarters, and at least one is used as a “junk shed” where bits of this and that are stored (with a Friday night card game in one corner). This is another example of the wooden landings created by @AP. It is, I think, my favorite landing model. It reminds me of the many aging wooden piers I saw along the shores of Hampton Roads in my younger days. Used in combination with “AP’s” sailors and small boat models, you can create almost any scene you might imagine. The weathered look of the pier decking is superb and the detailing of the pilings is equally good. The upturned dinghy on the pier is a sight common to almost any pier or landing. You might be surprised to learn that all through history, a great many sailors were unable to swim. The dinghy and “life-preserver-rings” were always found on docks and piers in the event someone fell in. One more view of these wonderfully versatile props. This is a closer detail shot of the tugboat station. If you have been following the previous chapters, you will already know where all the props came from, and might even know the names of the tugboats. You will also have heard several speeches about the value and flexibility of “modular lots”. This demonstrates, once more, how easily a tug station can be enlarged, and configured to fit the available space. You also have a glimpse of the surrounding landscape. This is the tug station from a different angle. Once I have laid out a particular scene – like the tug station – I always check it from all angles before declaring it “finished”. There are usually small details that become more obvious from different angles. This is a view of the offshore anchorage at the tug station. You will immediately notice the pair of Odin Class tugs nested along the breakwater at right – and the four Passat Class tugs moored to buoys in the center. They are among many diagonal models “AP” has included in his prop packs to add variety and realism to your harbors. Same view – different angle. In the lower left corner, you can see how I managed to get the breakwater end onto the shore. The portion of the breakwater “on land” is actually an overhanging portion of the “Uki” model – the “base” portion is planted on the harbor floor. On the far right is the County Class heavy cruiser HMS Dorsetshire entering through the East Entrance of the breakwater. I’m not sure you will find this of interest, but any of the ship lots in the game should be plopped over a completely flat surface. “Somy” models, for example, when plopped over an uneven ocean floor will look fine until you save and close the game. When you reopen the game – that model will likely disappear, or even sink to the ocean floor – which is entirely due to the uneven sea bottom. If an “AP” raised-prop model is plopped on an uneven seabed – it simply does not look right, and you will end up bulldozing the lot. So – make sure the entire seabed is flat wherever you plan to plop ships – any “bumps” will cause trouble. I settled on a harbor depth of 30 meters, mainly due to the transparent properties of the “PEG Brigantine” water MOD. The harbor is just shallow enough to see vegetation on the seabed, but deep enough to make it a bit “murky”. At 30 meters, there is a bit of an offset from the base of the lot and the model on the surface – you plop it “over here”, and it shows up “over there”. It sometimes takes a bit of work to get the plopped model in the right position, but the results are always worth learning the technique. A final view of the fine model of HMS Dorsetshire, courtesy of @Barroco Hispano. Here you see three motor launches and four tugs – two Passat Class, and two Nordwind Class. Two motor launches are “tail moored” to the breakwater and are standing by as part of the security detail. One motor launch is waiting to put to sea on anti-submarine patrol. If it should run into any sort of trouble, the other two will be summoned in support. Even in peacetime, foreign submarines might be found snooping around – although that was unlikely in the shallow inshore waters of the North Sea. From a different angle – the tugs are preparing to take Dorsetshire under tow as soon as she clears the harbor entrance. This shot also provides a pretty good view of my experiment with the “NBVC Corals”. Technically speaking, you would not find corals in the cold waters of the North Sea – but I wanted to play around with them and see how it turned out. NEXT TIME…… CUXHAVEN: THE PHOTO TOUR 20 MANY THANKS to @Barroco Hispano for his beautiful warship models. SPECIAL THANKS to my friend and partner, @AP, for his talents, meticulous models, colorful imagination, and extreme dedication. If you enjoyed anything – please punch the “like” button so WE will know. A comment would be even more informative. Comments and critiques requested and gratefully accepted. All questions answered promptly to the best of our ability. THANK YOU for your visit! You may wish to visit these CJ’s as well…… SERIES I: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: WILHELMSHAVEN SERIES II: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN Appearing – Work In Publication SERIES III: IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: BREMERHAVEN Appearing -- ??? And please feel free to drop in at… THE SIMTROPOLIS SHIPYARD https://community.simtropolis.com/forums/topic/761469-simtropolis-shipyard/?tab=comments#comment-1766496

YO, GUYS --- Another Chapter of “IMPERIAL DOCKYARDS: CUXHAVEN”. Chapter 63: THE PHOTO TOUR 19 Visit us at……

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