SS Bella Bella - ALTA Compact Steam Tanker
CREDITS
SeaWeed's Navigation Map with Autopilot
[url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3277846721]https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3277846721[/url]
IgorF73's Realistic Radar Display (and MC)
[url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2992182097]https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2992182097[/url]
This is an unoffical creation using the brand ALTA, originally created by 454ss Stormworks, Workshop page linked below:
[url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/454ss/myworkshopfiles/?appid=573090&p=1]https://steamcommunity.com/id/454ss/myworkshopfiles/?appid=573090&p=1[/url]
This creation is uploaded with permission from 454ss Stormworks.
LABORATORIO AERONAVALE del MONTE di BRIANZA
Overview
The Bella Bella is the first export version of the Vercurago Class of Compact Tankers from LAMB. It is more than just a re-skin of the previous ship:
the design has been improved in may ways, from a better engine control, to a restructure of the main tanks, to the addition of RADAR.
The Bella Bella is named after the Canadian township in British Columbia, famous for being the main checkpoint of the R2AK un-powered boat race.
Instructions
Bella Bella shares most of its control with the rest of the class, with 8 different breakers, 11 key buttons, 4 keypads, 6 lockable buttons, etc...;
however, individual operations are straightforward enough:
Starting the Boat
- enter from the hatch on top of the bridge
- switch on the breakers labeled "Main Power" and "Machine Room"
- activate the leftmost key button, labeled "Firebox Air Valve"
- (optional) activate "Boiler Aux Circulator" to speed up boiler heating.
- set the desired firebox temperature using the arrow buttons. 130°C is the default operating temperature, higher values may be required when operating in the Arctic.
!!!WARNING!!! the firebox automatically changes the temperature when throttle is below 1: the value you enter refers to throttle wide open or generator mode !!!
- wait for boiler pressure to raise
Piloting the Boat
- W/S command the main throttle telegraph: 5 positions forward, 5 positions backwards
- A/D steer the rudder
- Up/Dn arrow keys command the electric throttle telegraph for the auxiliary propulsion
- L/R arrow keys activate bow thrusters for tight maneuvers
- number 1 switches Autopilot On/Off (for detailed instrucions, please refer to SeaWeed's Workshop page and available documentation)
- number 2 activates lateral mag-all for temporary docking
- number 3 and 4 activate bridge lights (night & bright respectively)
- number 5 recharges compensation air tanks (see "Features")
Connecting to a Fuel/Oil Gantry
- pilot the boat under the gantry, use magnets if needed
- leave the helm, turn towards the stern and locate the Gantry Interface Panel overhead
- equip R/C controller
- set channel on keypad, adjust channel on R/C controller
- set Gantry channel on second keypad (e.g. 1202 for diesel)
- activate transmitter with toggle button
- use WASD to control crane movement, 1 to activate the pump
- after buying/selling operation, disconnect by pressing the other toggle button and sail away
Cargo Tank Management
- while on the bridge, activate the rightmost key button "Generator Mode". Pumping fuel in and out drains a lot of electric power
- activate the breaker labeled "Pumps"
- reach the lower deck, sit in the chair and look at the control panel
- buying: default state of the tank is pumping in: activate the outer key buttons to give electricity to the pumps and monitor the process
- selling: before activating the relays, turn on inner key buttons to change from pump-in to pump-out. Then replicate previous instruction
- during operation, keep an eye on ship attitude, return to the bridge and de-activate lateral magnets if the ship is resting against the dock
- at the end of operations, switch off all key buttons and return to the bridge
Features
General
- Compact exterior, can be spawned in Starter Base or North Meyer. It's a tight fit, you can't move it around a single block
- $98,445 cost
- Steam powerplant with generator mode: can now be returned to normal mode without sudden jumps forward.
- Electric motors and propellers for maneuvers in tight spaces
- 2000 L of fuel for own propulsion
- 25 kts max speed
- pitch and roll stabilisation fins
- Full map autopilot by SeaWeed, with auto-disconnect when last waypoint is reached.
- Radar display with terrain by IgorF73
- R/C controller and transmitter for fuel gantry cranes
- About 40,000L of fuel cargo capacity in two tanks
- Self-pressurising cargo tanks
- 4 emergency exit hatches with locking mechanism
- 2 access hatches to tanks for maintenance
- 2 diving suits
- breaker-operated bright nav lights
- breaker operated air ventilation system for bridge and lower deck
- breaker operated thermostatic heaters
- 4 beds
- firefighting clothing, fire extinghushers, welding torches, 1st aid kits
- find-me-in-the-dark lights on the ladders for easy access from the water at night
Improvements over previous class
- Traded tank capacity (40k L from 50k) in exchange of better seaworthiness and a waterline that is below deck at full load
- You can now sit when operating the autopilot map or the radar
- Better steam valve controller
- Generator mode clutch has now a delay when re-connecting, allowing turbine to spool down and avoid a jump forward of the ship
- Foldable fore mast with radar and navigation lights
- Circulator pumps have higher power motors, for faster boiler warmup
