Next up, the ubiquitous steam-powered aerial flyer, and the Aphid-class aerial gunboat of the Royal Navy on Mars:
Aerial Steam Launch
These little craft are made by a few different purveyors in the colonized cities of Mars, and there are a few making these liftwood craft for Earth, as well. They are typically about the size of a water-bound steam launch.
SIZE: 4 DEF: 6 STR: 12 SPD: 20 HAN: 0 CREW: 2 PASS: 4 PRICE: £4,000
Aphid-class Aerial Gunboat
The first of its kind, the Aphid class is the workhorse for the British Empire’s holdings in the Syrtis Major region. 65 feet in length, well armed for her size, and caable of speed up to 30mph, these small craft conduct aerial treasury activities throughout the colony.
SIZE: 8 DEF: 4 STR: 14 SPD: 30 HAN: -2 CREW: 15 PASS: n/a PRICE: £23,000; WEAPONRY: 4′ short cannon (fore) — Dmg: 10L Rng: 500′ Rate: 1/2 Spd: S Size: 2; 2 1 lb. Hotchkiss Rotary Cannons (side mount) — Dmg: 8L Rng: 500′ Rate: 1/2 Spd: S Size: 2; 2 Nordenfeldt machineguns (broadside) — Dmg: 5L Rng: 250′ Cap: 40 (m) Tate: A Spd: S
German Passenger Zeppelin
These lighter-than-aircraft are held aloft by hydrogen cells inside a rigid framework. The passengers reside in a car that is attached at the bottom of the hull.
SIZE: 16 DEF: 2 STR: 18 SPD: 50 HAN: -2 CREW: 15 PASS: 10 PRICE: £20,000
The Black Campbell 
28 March, 2016 at 20:32
Nice work. I felt that these were sorely missing in the rulebook. I have a few minor comments, having thought a bit about these myself… First, shouldn’t the aphid and whisper death have higher defence (because of their armour)? Second, shouldn’t the rogue gun be a bit better than the heavies? Third, shouldn’t the HRC have a rate of fire of automatic? I’d be happy to share my musings on how to calculate the ship ratings if you’re interested (I have them as a pdf at present).
29 March, 2016 at 12:02
I’ll do you one better. If you’d like to do a guest column and present your take on ship ratings, I will gladly host it.
29 March, 2016 at 16:20
That sounds great. I’d be happy to do so! How shall I send them to you?
29 March, 2016 at 18:27
First, do up the copy for the posting — say, something between 500 and 1500 words. If you want to throw in an example of one or two ships, go ahead. Also include the pdf file of the rest, and we’ll either host and link to it, or I might clean it up so it has the same look as the S:1889 entries (and shoot that finished copy back to you), if I’m feeling motivated. I’ll do the usual editing to make sure it’s appropriate, spelling’s right, etc. You’ll get credit on the post and if at any time you want it pulled down, just tell me. No payment for this, as I don’t do this for pay.
Email is scottcrhymer at gmail dot com, if that sounds acceptable to you.