The machinery losing alignment is self-evident in the method of construction used. I believe limitations in the amount of metal available to constructors had a hand in utilization of the the flimsy affairs that powered the Richmond Class 'clads. Consideration of the redesign of the C.S.S. Mississippi tells a tale of lack of knowledge. That vessel went through two complete designs of powertrain. Most of the knowledge, as well as the materials, were in the North. The folks who worked at the Gosport Yard were stretched thin and, one of the failings of Confederate organization, were more likely than not placed in positions not suited to their abilities.

Regarding any detailed mention of the powertrains, the capture reports turned in by Federal officers have more detail than any surviving Confederate documents outside of the few surviving builders drawings. The Confederate Museum in Richmond, Va. and the Confederate Naval Museum in Georgia have some of the surviving primary documents.