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» Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic:
Houseboats of Shoreham Harbour Estuary
http://www.ptboatforum.com/cgi-bin/MB2/netboardr.cgi?cid=101&fid=102&tid=3190
While looking into Igors model build a website of an English Gent that likes to take walks around his home town came up with a number of photos,
In the photos of the local shoreline were a few WW11 boats, on following this a little further I found that they had been converted into houseboats and are quite famous.
The number of boats is fairly high given their age some even before the First World War however there are around thirteen WW11 Vosper and British Power Boats in among them.
I took a look at them first with Google earth and enjoyed seeing them along the shore then looked for them on Google and was quite surprised to find a fair amount of info on them.
I was wondering if we may have a member of the forum that might be a little closer than I am that may like to pay them a visit with a camera a obtain a few photos?
On a totally different subject Dick I received the parcel from you and Thankyou, see below if you have my email could you send me a mailing address as I will send you a copy so it can be put up on your free list for all to enjoy
Also while I am here Jerry wondering if you might like a copy of a Doc. I obtained recently,
SPECIFICATIONS
for the
construction
and
equipment of
HIGGIN'S DESIGN 78-ft. TRIPLE SCREW,
HIGH SPEED MOTOR TORPEDO BOAT
PT625-660
Just thought you might like a copy .
Al might like one to!!
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 19, 2013 - 12:19am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
Well, you have my attention[:-cheers-:].. Please describe.
Al
Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: May 19, 2013 - 7:41am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm
Hi David!
Yes I would very much like a copy of that! Thanks for letting us know! Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 19, 2013 - 10:58am
Total Posts: 1472 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
David . . .
Thanks very much for letting us share the Higgins document.
Please use this or click on the little envelope icon in the white space above:
dick@ptboatforum.com
Thanks,
Dick . . .
Posted By: Dick | Posted on: May 19, 2013 - 11:47am
Total Posts: 1417 | Joined: Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm
Al, Jerry, Dick,
The document I now have is not the Govt. Printer book version as per the version the Elco book is on Dicks/Navsource website.
This is I believe is the final draft copy of the specifications for PT 625-660 that the Bureau of Ships agreed to prior to it being sent of to be printed up into nice neat book form.
This document runs to 20 pages single sided in all and follows as per the same form as the Elco version as far as headings are concerned maybe a few more,(roughly 5-6 per page) however as the Elco version is A4 in size this version is on paper that is approx. I/4 longer than A4 (just something that points to it being a original draft copy)
As well as the 20 page specification document I have a number of pages of modifications that were implemented by the Higgins Firm the Bureau of Ships and the Chief of Naval Operations for one reason or another.
This all runs to about 180 pages all told.
The interesting thing is that the trail of paper work runs from the Supervisor of Shipbuilding U.S. Navy, The Bureau of ships and Higgins Industries incorporated ( on Higgins letterhead) and letters from other Govt. sections in New Orleans and Washington.
Oh and with a little bit of intrigue to add a little bit of spice, that one I will leave till you read it.
OK I will now make a few copies and get back to you.
It makes for good reading.
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 20, 2013 - 2:23am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
Outstanding! I'm in, please.
Al Ross
Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: May 20, 2013 - 2:33am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm
Guys,
Look at : www.canadiancoastalforcestrust.com for some photos of the houseboats. Look under 'Survivors'.
Sorry I forget how to make it a clickable link.
Steve
Posted By: Nuge210 | Posted on: May 20, 2013 - 8:52am
Total Posts: 323 | Joined: Jun 4, 2008 - 7:50am
David,
Is this something you would be willing to mail to me? I could re-imburse you for the shipping charges. Thanks very much for doing all this, it will be put into use aboard PT658 in our continuing efforts at restoration. Thanks again, please let me know if you need anything else. Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 20, 2013 - 12:01pm
Total Posts: 1472 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Steve,
Thankyou not only do they ID a number of the boats but they also have a number of views at different angles to what else is around on the net, well worth the visit.
I wonder if there is any other website that might know the ID of the other boats there?
Jerry, slow down a little there is no question that you will not only enjoy reading this but get to use the information within it to assist you, your crew and Pt658.
Just give me a little time to make a few copies so it is a little easier to put in the post also I will send a breakdown version to yourself, Dick and Al so that if Dick wants he can put the basic specifications Draft on his website for all but, you and Al would like to have the extras such as the list of Drawings all the extra Mods and other bits and pieces that go beyond just the Draft.
Of course if Dick would like to put the extras onto his website he will have them to do that with.
Al well beyond what I have already mentioned may well enjoy the hand written notes on some of the cover sheets and one or two interesting scratch drawings that some one has added to some of the sheets to explain their meaning also how Higgins had to request a drawing for the tower as the one they had received that was approved appeared to not include it!
As you well know Jerry nothing in this world comes free so first of all I will require an address off you but I think its around here somewhere(at the top of the page I believe ) secondly, one day I just might drop in (if the wife and the gods allow) so it would be great to see the 658 back were she should be and if this helps in any way well I'll leave the rest in your hands.
OK that's it for now its back to the copy machine for me and a quick hug and kiss to the wife as she stumbles of to bed with that O' NO Not PT BOATS' AGAIN' look on her face ( what's that line, O' yes by TOM ARNOLD in True Lies "Women can't live with them Can't kill them" no just kidding mine has her own version of that one) so from me were its 10.30pm have a good night guys.
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 21, 2013 - 5:33am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
Just an update on the paperwork that's underway,
There were in total 152 pages that I received.
There are 111 pages that have useful information. Or something to laugh at, take your pick I know I did on finding certain things while reading.
The makeup of the rest consists of blank pages, totally black pages with the numbers 625-660 in small print on them in a small white rectangle at the centre of the page, a number of cover pages that have a number of three digit numbers down the left hand side with no heading on them, and a small number of double ups of various requests for copies of receipts.
These I will not copy as there is no need to duplicate those that do not help with info.
I also have found someone who will copy the above 111 as a batch lot for me.
So things are looking good!
That's it for now.
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 22, 2013 - 5:50am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
Test
Jerry Gilmartin
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 22, 2013 - 8:51pm
Total Posts: 1472 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Hi David,
Try emailing me at my address in my profile and I will give you my mailing address and phone number. This is really awesome thanks again for helping us out! Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 22, 2013 - 8:52pm
Total Posts: 1472 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Here you are for some photos ( I hope ),
[url]http://www.canadiancoastalforcestrust.com/[/url]
Steve
Posted By: Nuge210 | Posted on: May 24, 2013 - 8:40am
Total Posts: 323 | Joined: Jun 4, 2008 - 7:50am
Above link corrected.
Be sure to include the entire website URL your attempt started with www. . . . all links must start with HTTP://
Dick . . .
Posted By: Dick | Posted on: May 24, 2013 - 8:57am
Total Posts: 1417 | Joined: Aug 27, 2006 - 6:36pm
Jerry,
Out of interest do you have copies of the Plans for the 625-660 series of Higgins boat?
I am wondering because the Higgins Plans on Dicks DVD only go up to the 400 series Boat.
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 1:34am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
Steve,
Great find and a good site with lots of info they ID five of the Boats at Shoreham now we have to find someone to ID the other eight possible Boats.
Thanks
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 1:38am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
[IMaGe]http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/alross2/625-2_zpscaebc560.jpg[/IMaGe]
Al
Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 8:36am
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm
Hi Al,
Very nice however I have been looking at a few photos of the later series boats and in particular the change of direction for the side outer planking, and was wondering if you or Jerry might have the plan No. Pt625-S1100-587003 Alt.8 - Hull Construction Details.
This plan MAY have the date for the change of direction on it.
It seems that this is a question that has been asked but has found no real answer as yet?
As to why they changed, well still digging!
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 3:17pm
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
OOPs,
Just an idea if it was faster to lay the outer planking longitudinally and still retain the strength required, then the saving of time in labour and thereby producing the boats faster MAYBE a good reason why this was done?
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 3:26pm
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am
Hi David,
I have that drawing except it is ALT9 not 8. It does not show the outer planking. However Drawing Number 2985-109 Typical Frame Section (S1100-587103 ALT2) has a "Gerneral Note" in the margin that says "Inner planking on deck, isdes, bottom and transom runs diagonally, outer planking on deck sides and bottom runs fwd & aft, on transom runs athwartships" this drawing approval date is 11-21-44. Jerry
Jerry Gilmartin
Posted By: Jerry Gilmartin | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 8:14pm
Total Posts: 1472 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 11:16pm
Here's the same drawing, but alternate 2, same date:
[url]http://cdm16313.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/HIC/id/71/rec/7[/url]
Have you accessed the Lpouisiana Digital Library for Higgins plans?
[url]http://cdm16313.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/searchterm/HIGGINS%20PT/field/all/mode/all/conn/and/order/title/ad/asc[/url]
Al Ross
Posted By: alross2 | Posted on: May 25, 2013 - 8:31pm
Total Posts: 993 | Joined: Oct 30, 2006 - 8:19pm
Al,
Thanks for the Link, it is interesting to see that the outer planking direction is replicated in the drawing ,I checked the other drawings in the collection and that this was not the case with many of the drawings but one or two do show up with the planking displayed this way.
To all, 'De paperwork is on De way'. finally after a trip away, a printer that decided to kill itself off by spreading magenta ink all over itself and my study and a few questions that cropped up while I went back over the paperwork.
As well as three extra pieces of paper which Jerry will have no need of but which I sent to him anyway as I'm sure there is one piece there that Higgins would have received only under their name, I'm sure he will find it very interesting if he looks at it like that.
This one may be of interest to one and all as well we'll have to wait and see.
So sorry for the delay and to anyone that attempts to write a book after the last few weeks putting this together I now know a little of what the feeling is like trying to put it altogether !
Yes I know that you lot write!
So its good night from him and me as well,
D.buck
Posted By: David Buck | Posted on: Jun 5, 2013 - 2:15am
Total Posts: 332 | Joined: May 4, 2008 - 2:59am