Hello
Very nice thread
As said Arrow5 I was at sea last week where I still have access to Internet but not for sites like forums. so I've received the PM from via the transfert to my personnal e-mail but no way to come here ...
Just for fun, one of my pics taken during that time (click on picture for bigger size)
About the like jib boom on this "torpilleur", after reading this thread I was close to think like Perkasaman : ornament, aesthetic and useless but after search on my own books I'have seen many pictures of many differents "torpilleurs" and most have this boom with like a removal plug at the end ... I know a man who's certainely know the answer and I will try to contact him this week.
As I don't like to leave a question without answer, I will try my best.
About the staggered props - I'm sure : this is a solution to the problem appeared some time on so narrow ships as the designer need large size props.
Now about the rudder, I remember that it was some trial in this period. The power requested to move a rudder situated aft of the props at 30 knots was a problem at that time (no hydraulic) so they need reduction that means no speed and long reaction time.
So it was one of the tested solution. I'm not sure about the success as later no more ships will be built like that. But soon after that time power was available to move large rudder with reliable steam actuator.
This "around 1900" french navy was later nicknammed "stupid young navy" as many of these ships were designed by young engineers who tried any sorts of solutions ... some one with silly technical and weapon.
Have a nice week-end ...
I've to cut the "xxxxx".... grass in my garden
A+ Xtian