Author |
Topic: Elco 77' Torpedo Tube Training Gear |
|
Dick
Moderator
|
Posted on: Oct 26, 2014 - 10:35am
|
While working on my revised cutaway of the Elco 77, PT 34 I notice on one of the drawing (Microfilm) the torpedo tubes training did not use the typical Elco gear box. Instead it used several components to transfer the training direction from inside the the Trunk Cabin. Weird! But understandable if boat was to be used in heavy seas, inclement weather so on and so on. Plus the early boats were all pretty much buttoned up with Plexiglas domes and internal pilot house, with little on-deck crew while under way. Such as Britons use of the sister (or modeled after) boats in the channel and northern seas.
With that said back to a question, Does anyone have a drawing of the Training Screw Bearing Bracket, as shown in the photos and plan below?
Please Note: there were several torpedo tube foundation and assembly drawing sheets on the Elco 77 Microfilm, but the frames were so light, little to nothing showed up when scanned, leaving no clue as to the drawing data on them
Thanks,
Dick . . .
(Richard J. Washichek)
|
Total Posts: 1417 | Joined:
Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm | IP
Logged
|
|
David Waples
TOP BOSS
|
Posted on: Oct 26, 2014 - 1:55pm
|
That training gear used on the 77' Elco's also was used on the initial 103 class boats. I know that PT-105 incorporated the older style training gear. Not sure after than. Does anyone know when they switched from this older style to the type with the gear box?
Also what kind of tool did they use to train this older style training system? Whatever it is seems to attach to the end somehow. Sort of like hydraulic floor jack?
Dave
David Waples |
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined:
Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm | IP
Logged
|
|
Jeff D
Moderator
|
Posted on: Oct 26, 2014 - 5:03pm
|
Nice closeups and labeling Dick, thanks those are keepers.
The 1941 tube drawing 21inch_AW_Torpedo_Tube_MK18_Training_Gear_Arrangement_And_Details_2_BUORD_294113_Mod0.gif shows what may be the crank handles in 2 different lengths David, a 12 and a 32. It also shows a 26 extension.
The 107 has the older type: http://pt-king.gdinc.com/PTsquadronfive.html. I think Stu pointed that one out to me. PT 149 shows the later style. This shot of PT 121 may be showing the later type also but I'm not certain:
|
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined:
Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am | IP
Logged
|
|
David Buck
TOP BOSS
|
Posted on: Oct 26, 2014 - 10:31pm
|
Dick,
Have a look at Victors second book American PT Boats in WW11 page 142. Interesting that it does not extend into the centre hull.
Shows a different type of bracket was used, earlier type possibly prone to breakage.
Hope it helps,
D.buck |
Total Posts: 332 | Joined:
May 4, 2008 - 2:59am | IP
Logged
|
|
Patrick Matthews
New Member
|
Posted on: Oct 27, 2014 - 10:30am
|
Some parts of these gearboxes are in that set of Mk18 tube parts drawings that was posted a while back. For example:
Patrick Matthews
Matthews Model Marine
http://matthewsmodelmarine.wordpress.com/ |
Total Posts: | Joined:
Unregistered | IP
Logged
|
|
Dick
Moderator
|
Posted on: Oct 27, 2014 - 11:32am
|
Thanks guys . . .
I was aware of the early Elco 80’s, I was only mentioning the Elco 77‘s because that was what was currently on my mind. Also because it was the early boats practice to have the training gear operated from within the cabin. With forward tubes trained from the Chart Room directly behind the Pilot House, and the Engine room for the aft tubes (use of the 90 degree drive to the aft end of the truck cabin.)
Along with the photos in the first post, the photos below show some differences in the Bracket. There appears to be four brackets, three of which are shown in various photos, and one, only shown in the Mark 18 Tube Drawings for Mod 0. The Mod 2 & 5 Drawings show the more commonly seen 90 degree-up drive box, not to be confused with earlier mentioned 90 degree-side drive box used only on early Elco 77 footer’s.
I’ve also included an image of the four brackets, Please excuse the crude sketches that illustrate the brackets - three of which are Not supported by any drawings (what I was looking for) what so ever. Surprisingly the fourth bracket is provided in drawings but not seen in photos, however I’m assuming it is a training bracket Mod 0 (Oct 15, 1941.) Finally there is a handle drawing for Mod 0 (Oct 15, 1941.)
Please note, this is all a matter of speculation - I could be and more than likely way, way off. I’m just trying to use some reasoning on all this stuff. Sadly we’re still missing way too many blueprints, still buried at the archives.
I'm guessing none has or knows of drawings for these brackets. There are several sheets about this area on the microfilm but they are bleached out and not of any use.
Thanks,
Dick . . .
(Richard J. Washichek)
Photo of factory build - Low Profile FWD and High Profile AFT brackets:
Photo of PT 28 - only shows FWD bracket (Low Profile):
Photo of Training Screw Bearing Brackets - Sketches:
Photo of Training Bracket - Torpedo Tube Drawings - Mod 1:
Photo of earlier Hand Crank - Mod 0:
|
Total Posts: 1417 | Joined:
Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm | IP
Logged
|
|
Jeff D
Moderator
|
Posted on: Oct 27, 2014 - 4:18pm
|
Thanks Dick, more keepers.
Your idea of "crude drawings" and mine differ. Very nice.
|
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined:
Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am | IP
Logged
|
|
David Waples
TOP BOSS
|
Posted on: Oct 27, 2014 - 9:04pm
|
A couple of questions...
1. Is the bracket drawing on the far right side the piece that mounts to the face for the forward tube mount?
2. How do you suppose that crank was used? I'm imagining these guys on their knees cranking that tube into the firing position. What do you think?
Dave
David Waples |
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined:
Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm | IP
Logged
|
|
Andy Small
MASTER
|
Posted on: Oct 28, 2014 - 3:20pm
|
Hi Dick,
Don't know if this helps since it's not a drawing, but seems to show a clear shot of brand new PT20 setup.
Cheers,
Andy
|
Total Posts: 262 | Joined:
Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm | IP
Logged
|
|
|
Andy Small |
MASTER
|
Posted on: Oct 28, 2014 - 3:24pm
|
I bet when all set up it was quite a trip hazard....I know I would have ended up catching my foot.
Andy
|
Total Posts: 262 | Joined:
Nov 20, 2013 - 9:04pm | IP
Logged
|
|
|