In this episode of “Life Aboard an Ironclad,” the crew tests the base ironclad’s cargo transport capabilities, highlighting its impressive capacity and sleek design but also noting challenges with limited armament, awkward tractor beam placements, and unreliable multi-crew controls. Despite its cargo focus, they find the ship less user-friendly compared to other cargo vessels and ultimately prefer the ironclad assault variant for its versatility and superior features.
In this episode of “Life Aboard an Ironclad,” the crew revisits the regular base ironclad ship to experience its cargo transport capabilities after their previous ironclad assault was destroyed. Departing from New Babage with Cyrus and Shaq aboard, they appreciate the ship’s sleek white design reminiscent of Star Wars. Their first task involves setting their regeneration point at Port Traster, where Cyrus humorously comments on the limitations of medical beds despite their advanced capabilities. Afterward, they head to secure a significant cargo mission, choosing to pick up from Bini station.
As they travel to Bini, they note the base ironclad’s noticeably lighter armament compared to the assault version, emphasizing its cargo-focused design with fewer turrets and guns. Upon arrival, they observe the extensive manual loading process of cargo containers, which far exceeds their ship’s capacity. The ironclad is equipped with two tractor beams, but their usefulness is limited by their specific placements—one on an extending arm at the front and another atop the ship—making cargo loading somewhat challenging. The crew experiments with these beams and the ship’s turrets, encountering difficulties in operating the tractor beams effectively during loading.
Throughout the loading process, the crew experiences frustration with the command module, which frequently malfunctions, particularly when trying to use the tractor beams. This leads to the conclusion that the base ironclad, despite being designed for cargo transport, lacks user-friendly multi-crew stations and reliable control systems. The crew compares the ironclad unfavorably to other cargo ships like the Hull C and the Raven, noting that the ironclad’s design does not fully support efficient or comfortable multi-crew cargo operations.
After completing the cargo loading, the crew sets course back to Port Traster for delivery. They encounter a minor accident while attempting to dock due to limited visibility and control restrictions, highlighting the challenges of operating this large ship with minimal crew. Once docked, they conduct additional cargo loading tests in a landed position, finding the front tractor beam more useful in this scenario. They suggest that the base ironclad could benefit from additional tractor beams to improve cargo handling and crew efficiency.
In conclusion, while the base ironclad impresses with its cargo capacity and aesthetic, the crew ultimately favors the ironclad assault variant for its superior armament, repair capabilities, and versatility, despite the loss of some tractor beams. The episode wraps up with the announcement of a giveaway winner and gratitude towards supporters and patrons of the channel. The host promises more content soon, appreciating the ongoing support from the community.