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Topic: Elco Drawings |
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Pat Matthews
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Mar 26, 2012 - 11:43am
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In another post below, I saw reference to "Dick's microfilm DVD".
More details please?
A decade or so ago, when NARA was still virtually giving stuff away, I asked for Elco PT-20 series drawings, and for $35 I received about 200 frames on a roll of 35mm microfilm. And I was told that the original paper was gone, the film was all there was.
The film was just barely usable, as many frames were really horrible... it looked like a multi-generation film copy.
And then a few years back, I visited HQ, and perused the microfilm collection there... was told the film was from a personal collection of a retired Elco engineer (I forget the name!)... likely saved from the plant, or perhaps a spare set- it was usual practice for sites using film to have spares.
Anyway, those films are PRISTINE, and thankfully, on "safety film".
I wonder if anyone has scanned that set for posterity?
Pat M
- a PT-41 fan: http://matthewsmodelmarine.wordpress.com/writings/pt-41-building-one-of-the-expendables/
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Mar 26, 2012 - 6:18pm
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Pat;
Let me first say, your model of PT 41 is absolutely outstanding!!!! I, as well as many here, have enjoyed your website and narrative for years, I only wish VADM Bulkeley could have seen your now R/C model in action.
I am sure, Dick will confirm that is the films he used for his collection. I am sure all his DVD material came from HQ. I recieved a 1941 full sized blueprint (copy) set(2-3 sheets) for the PT cradle used for 77' Elco's, I was going to use it as a display stand for my model of PT 48.
I later sent this blueprint to Kim Nielsen at the Navy Museum in D.C, for their possible aquiring and transport of PT 48. Later she was aquired by Fleet Obsolete, with my request to Kim The blueprint set has since found its way to Tim Ivory, who built the current cradle PT 48 is sitting on, in Kingston, N.Y. He did alot of upgrading to the original design, but it was my copy of the original that really helped get the ball rolling.
Take care,
TED
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Dick
Moderator
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Posted on: Mar 27, 2012 - 6:38pm
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Ted, the microfilm was not from Headquarters, they did not have these. I purchased six reels from NARA at just under $100 per reel and I sent them out to be scanned back up to size by a specialized microfilm service, Approximately 3,500 frames Elco 80 & 77.
Then Al Ross kindly loaned me 7 reels he had from years back, I also sent these out for scanning, approximately 2,500 frames Elco 70, Higgins as well as others.
The quality varies greatly from excellent to very very poor, This is a result from both decredation of the old type of Acetate Based/Diazo process used back in the day and also from horrible microfilming practises by the Navy.
All thought the NARA has their microfilm on Polyester Based Silver Halide Film - Polarity Reversing, it was still generated from the time savaged Acetate films.
These DVD are sold at HQ's Ship's Store page.
Dick . . . .
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Pat Matthews
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Mar 27, 2012 - 6:50pm
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The film at HQ is very clear... But cut in strips of 3 or 4 frames each. I wonder though if any important but poor drawings from NARA could be backed up by the HQ copies?
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Dick
Moderator
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Posted on: Mar 27, 2012 - 10:33pm
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HQ doesn't have much microfilm. I've been trying to barrow what they have to scan it, but not much luck so far.
Plus its an expensive venture.
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