The Drydock - Episode 051

Although Goebens engines had issues, she was still faster than the Armoured Cruisers by a few knots, and whilst the 9.2" MkXI wasn't the world's most accurate gun, it was not terrible, and that was only an issue for HMS Defence, the other three ships used the 9.2" MkX which was much more accurate, and so effective battle range was considerably more than 8k yards. With regards to the intercept, the stern chase was the BC's, 1st CS was coming in oblique from the north, it was possible during it's run to intercept ahead of Goeben or behind, Troubridge preferred engaging in the morning with the sun rising ahead of Goeben, but he has options until he slowed to consider.

Drachinifel

In your answer about the Goeben vs armored cruisers, your description dose not match the situation as I remember it. 1) though the Goeben was technically faster, her engines (never good) were shot. Which is why the armored cruisers were able to run her down. 2) The 9.2 inch Mk IX was a very inaccurate gun. (which is why the invincible was given 12 inchers) so maximum effective range was 8000 yards or so. 3) the tactical situation was a stern chase not an intercept. Troubrige's defence was that having caught the Goeben after sunrise, his ships would be under fire for a couple of hours before he could return fire. The court martial board agreed that the Goeben was a superior force to an armored cruiser squadron. Though some critics (Winston Churchill) disagreed.

Warning- I am related to Andrew Cunningham. His Brother, Alan, sired my grandfather, Leon. thus your book better be damn good.

Vintage Car History

Well, 3 Scharnhorst-class + refit of 2 existing ones instead of 2 Bismark-class does not seem realistic: Bismark-class is about 190 million RM per ship, non-refitted Scharnhorst-class - ~145 million