Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Full Scale Ships => Topic started by: Norman Castle on September 04, 2016, 01:52:44 pm

Title: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Norman Castle on September 04, 2016, 01:52:44 pm
Well, it's a mystery to me, which is why I'm asking ...

I seem to recall seeing a photo of some WW1 battleship or other which had what appeared to be a large forward-facing clock face high up on the superstructure, ahead of the forward lattice mast.  Can't recall for sure if there were hands on the clock, but if there were, they were at 12 o'clock.

Am I imagining this?  If not, what's that about then?
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: warspite on September 04, 2016, 02:33:58 pm
Sounds like a range indicator to me, ww1 and the best communication for those needing to know when its noisy. could be wrong though
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 04, 2016, 03:11:33 pm
Yes, it is a range clock used to indicate to nearby ships the estimated range to the target. Bearings were shown by markings on the turrets indicating degree of rotation from the ship's axis.

Colin
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Norman Castle on September 04, 2016, 03:18:07 pm
Much obliged, gentlemen  :-)

Presumably this was for firing broadsides, so I guess there was another clock facing astern?
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Colin Bishop on September 04, 2016, 03:42:37 pm
There was indeed!

Colin
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 04, 2016, 03:49:39 pm
 
(http://www.patriotfiles.com/forum/imgcacheA/25101.png)

(http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/Gun_Data_concentration_dial_pic.jpg)
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Netleyned on September 04, 2016, 04:56:38 pm
Hence the old Gunners saying,
'Have we clocked the enemy yet?


Ned
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Norman Castle on September 04, 2016, 05:28:58 pm
Hence the old Gunners saying,
'Have we clocked the enemy yet?
Ned

Nice one, Ned.  I often wondered about that one ...
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: dreadnought72 on September 04, 2016, 11:23:01 pm
All we probably need to know: here (http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Range_Dial)  :-))

Andy
Title: Re: The mystery of the clock face
Post by: Capt Podge on September 04, 2016, 11:30:30 pm
All we probably need to know: here (http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Range_Dial)  :-))

Andy

...and aptly named "Range Dial - The Dreadnought Project" - thanks for the link Andy, also thanks to Norman for the initial query. O0

Regards,

Ray.