Over the past couple of weeks, I have been designing a few gunboats that I will use in "The Sun Never Sets" campaign. These could also be used along with "The Kris and the Flame" models and vice-versa.
This small gunboat is based on British colonial harbor defense vessels for its general layout. I have opted for Gatling guns only, mounted on the hurricane deck. If desired, one could probably put a small cannon on the main deck at the bow. This model is 6" x 2".
This small gunboat is akin to a steam launch, suitable for coastal regions and river actions. This model also mounts two Gatling guns. Half of a platoon may just fit on board if the machine guns are left ashore. This model is 6 1/2" x 1 1/2".
This transport vessel is also classed as a small boat, in game terms, however, it is capable of carrying a full platoon. It can also carry a fair amount of cargo. The size of this vessel is 9" x 1 1/4".
Here is a large gunboat. It has a 4" gun on the bow, a 53mm Hotchkiss rotating cannon on each beam, and a 5-barrel Nordenfelt on the stern. The pilot's station is raised above the ventilators, just forward of the funnel. This model is 10 1/2" x 2 1/2", not counting the sponsons.
Finally, I have a somewhat more modern cruiser type gunboat. It has two 3" guns mounted on the centerline, midships. There are Gatling guns on the bow and stern. It has one deckhouse with the pilot's position on top. This model is 10 1/2" x 2 1/4".
In order to give the boats optimal convertibility, I embedded 2x3mm rare earth magnets into the deck at the gun position as well as one in the pedestal of the gun. This makes it easy to aim the guns and change the armament, as needed.
