PT Boat Forum


Moderated by: Dick, Jeff D

The PT Boat Forum ª PT Boats of WWII ª  PT Boats - General

Page: 1 of 1

« Back to Topic Index Page 157 | Replies: 7

 Author  Topic: Roll-Off Racks
  SteveS156

New Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 3:50pm
As a mechanical engineer and amateur PT historian, I am interested in the design and operation of the roll-off racks for the MK XIII torpedo's on late vintage PT's. Has anything been published on the forum concerning these supposedly simple machines?

SteveS156

Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered | IP Logged

alross2

TOP BOSS
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of alross2   Send Email To alross2 Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 5:26pm
About15 years ago, I developed these plans from ELCO drawings, tech specs, and photos.


The photos are from ACF V2.



The extensions outboard were removed once the torpedo was secured.

I also have the manual for the torpedo alignment tool that was used to align the MK13 in the rack.

Al


Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm | IP Logged

alross2

TOP BOSS
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of alross2   Send Email To alross2 Posted on: Mar 14, 2010 - 5:27pm
About15 years ago, I developed these plans from ELCO drawings, tech specs, and photos.


The photos are from ACF V2.



The extensions outboard were removed once the torpedo was secured.

I also have the manual for the torpedo alignment tool that was used to align the MK13 in the rack.

Al


Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm | IP Logged

SteveS156

New Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Mar 15, 2010 - 5:20am
Thank you Al! This is just what I was looking for. Once again the Forum comes through.

SteveS156

Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered | IP Logged

smallwi

Advanced Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of smallwi  Posted on: Mar 15, 2010 - 7:27am
Steve,

As a fellow ME type I was also interested in these racks, very simple concept. The second photograph shows two outboard rail extensions that were used as a cradle for loading only. The torpedo was held in place by two keys in slots on the bottom of the two rails. These keys were actuated by the level to the stern of the rail mechanism. The linkage is very clear in hte bottom of the rack. The cables were a safety hold back for rough weather of excessive motion of the boat. For the most part a statci system witht he exception of the linkage to lower the leys.



Bill Smallshaw

Total Posts: 130 | Joined: Jun 21, 2007 - 3:02pm | IP Logged

RUSSELL WHIPPLE

New Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of RUSSELL WHIPPLE  Posted on: Mar 15, 2010 - 9:39am
This simple design looks a lot better than the BuOrd tube that used gun powder to blast the torpedo out of the tube.
Wasn't this designed by a couple Lieutenants in a bar, sketched out on cocktail napkins? Cheers!


Total Posts: 13 | Joined: Dec 16, 2007 - 9:38am | IP Logged

SteveS156

New Member
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message   Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 4:58am
Hey, Al, dumb question. Were the release levers aft of the rack on both port and starboard?

SteveS156

Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered | IP Logged

alross2

TOP BOSS
  

    
Post a Reply To This Topic    Reply With Quotes     Edit Message     View Profile of alross2   Send Email To alross2 Posted on: Mar 16, 2010 - 6:37am
The racks were "handed". That is, the lever was on the aft facing side. The drawing shows a rack for the port side.

Al


Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm | IP Logged


Lock Topic

 

Forum Legend

New Member

Reply to topic

More than 25 posts | Full Member

Reply to topic with quoted message

More than 50 posts | Advanced Member

Edit Message

More than 150 posts | MASTER

View profile

More than 300 posts | TOP BOSS

Email member