Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: tonyH on September 26, 2016, 09:45:46 pm
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A few months ago, mention was made of a 'clock' on one of the masts of a dreadnought and Colin, I believe, identified it as part of the rangefinding system.
While looking for something completely different I came across this.........http://archive.hnsa.org/doc/rangekeeper/index.htm
Might be of use?
Tony
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Thanks for the link Tony - it really is a fascinating subject. Doubt it will be of use in any of my models but I shall return to the link and read more thoroughly. :-))
Regards,
Ray.
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Cheers Ray,
There's a lot of useful stuff on the site.
Tony
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The earlier version was a range drum and later clocks. They were indeed part of the fire control systems and the clocks showed the range a ship was ranging as so the next astern, or in front, could see the approximate range they were aiming at if they could not see the enemy through the smoke or haze.
Later clocks were also associated with turret markings which showed the approximate bearing of the enemy. It was all part of an elaborate system to get the guns onto the enemy quickly in a fleet action and to co-ordinate several ships firing on the same target.
Cheers
Geoff