The last question above might seem a bit daft, but in the zones.cfg file the "type" numbers have hitpoint values assigned to them.
Obviously there was a bit more to it than that.
Just played with the armour levels in collisionable objects section, and it works
Left the hitpoint number alone (550) but doubled the armour level from 35 to 70, and the Graf Zep and the Devonshire sunk each other, with a much more sustained fight lasting 5 mins or so.
I now also understand why VonDos's Glorious is so tough.
A bit more fine tuning and i should be happy with all my carriers.
Many thanks iambecomelife.
