In May-June, the 1903, at the docked armored cruiser “Asama”, docked at the naval arsenal in Kura, repaired the power plant and replaced worn-out components and mechanisms. However, on the subsequent running tests, a number of new malfunctions of the mechanisms of the main power plant appeared. At the beginning of autumn of the same year, the cruiser was again sent to overhaul in Kure, during which, in addition to repairing and adjusting the machines with the replacement of lubricant and babbit, all air ducts, fireproof bricks of the fireboxes, water pipes, and bearings on the main shaft lines were replaced .
In the second half of September, 1903 of “Asama”, having a displacement of 9 855 t, during sea trials, developed with natural thrust and power of 14 021 mechanisms l. with. 19,5 move knots
In January, 1904, as part of the preparation of the cruiser for combat operations, a number of activities were carried out on the ship. Additional protection for crew members, Spardek elements, the navigating bridge and the command post of a senior artillery officer, as well as medium-caliber and artillery deck artillery were designed to provide shields woven from steel cables of various diameters. Work was also carried out on the thermal insulation of all lifting mechanisms located above the lower deck, pipelines and steam pipelines, as well as pumps, fans and electric motors. At the same time, the deviation was corrected, range finders and riflescopes were verified, and the wireless telegraph station was adjusted. After the outbreak of war with Russia on the ship, military training was intensified in all its aspects.
On the eve of the 28 battle of July 1904, the cruiser lacked regular steam boats, rowing boats, boats and geeks. Steam boats were constantly used to mine mines in the Port Arthur area, usually three boats and a dummy (intended to mislead the enemy’s watch). The launch and the rowing boat were left at the base, the whaleboat and the geek along with the davits were kept in Kure. Two steam and two rowing boats were wrapped in tarpaulin and wrapped in cables. Also on the cruiser remained three flat-bottomed boats, two of which were hanging on the shchanzah, abeam aft barbet.
Inside the battery, under the deck covering, machine-gun guards and gun carriages, four sections of anti-torpedo networks, as well as several covers were piled up. In the commander’s cabin, everything remained in its place - tables with side tables, sideboards, stoves, sofas, mirrors and other furnishings.
In the officers' cabins, salons and bedrooms, all the furniture and household items remained in place. “It was such an impression,” wrote the English observer, Captain Hutchison (captain J. de M. Hutchison), “as if responsible people believed that they were simply going to practice shooting.”
The nose conning tower was partially covered with additional protection from a folded tarpaulin with a length of 12 feet, secured on the rail with a two-inch cable. At the same time, the whole cabin was covered with ordinary colored awnings. These measures could not degrade the view from the cabin, which, however, given the intention of the commander of the ship, the captain of the 1 rank of Yashiro Rokuro, to command the cruiser and control the firing from the battle mars, did not matter.
A rangefinder company Barr and Stroud was installed on Mars, there was a horn and a distance indicator set at 500 yards.
Rope fences reinforced with sailors' beds and a double layer of hammocks were installed around the two different rapid-firing twelve-pound guns, as well as around the two on the aft superstructure.
In the midsection deck 6 "guns, in addition to rope barriers, received additional protection from rolled hammocks and tarpaulin.
In order to minimize the probability of detonation of the cellars of the casemate guns, there were fifty shells each and the corresponding number of charges. The number of high-explosive and armor piercing shells at the same time ranged from 38 to 40 and from 12 to 10, respectively.
The following measures were developed to control the middle artillery and the movement of the ship. Course orders must be transferred to the cabin from Mars, the direction of shooting and the target were to be transmitted in the form of orders written on the boards. If the shooting conditions allow, two specially appointed officers who are in the audible zone, with the help of the horns, transmit command orders.
The officer in the nose is attached to five 6 "guns - four front casemate 6" and a single casemate, located on the left side. The second officer, who is in the stern, also has five 6 "guns - four rear casemate 6" and a single casemate, located on the starboard side. The four deck 6 "guns were connected by built-up fire hoses laid along the fences. The upper and lower tools of the casemates have a direct connection. The messenger on the upper deck in the area amidships will serve as a link between the battle mars and the casemates.
Sources:
1. Top secret war at sea 37-38 Meiji. Department VI “Ships and ships”, annexes.
2. Russian-Japanese War 1904-1905 Reports of marine attaches.