Model Boat Mayhem

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length.
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: The mystery of the clock face  (Read 3724 times)

Norman Castle

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 298
  • Location: Southeast England
The mystery of the clock face
« 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?
Logged
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but with any luck it will annoy enough people to make the effort worthwhile.

warspite

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2,756
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #1 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
Logged
Operational - 1/72 LCMIII, 1/180 Sovereign, HMS Victory to be sailed
Non Operational - 1/72 Corvette, 1/72 E-Boat, 1/72 vosper mtb
incomplete, tug, cardboard castle class convert

Colin Bishop

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 12,171
  • Location: SW Surrey, UK
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #2 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
Logged

Norman Castle

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 298
  • Location: Southeast England
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #3 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?
Logged
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but with any luck it will annoy enough people to make the effort worthwhile.

Colin Bishop

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 12,171
  • Location: SW Surrey, UK
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2016, 03:42:37 pm »

There was indeed!

Colin
Logged

Martin (Admin)

  • Administrator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 23,359
  • Location: Peterborough, UK
    • Model Boat Mayhem
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2016, 03:49:39 pm »

 


Logged
"This is my firm opinion, but what do I know?!" -  Visit the Mayhem FaceBook Groups!  &  Giant Models

Netleyned

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 9,051
  • Location: Meridian Line, Mouth of the Humber
    • cleethorpes mba
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2016, 04:56:38 pm »

Hence the old Gunners saying,
'Have we clocked the enemy yet?


Ned
Logged
Smooth seas never made skilful sailors
Up Spirits  Stand fast the Holy Ghost.
http://www.cleethorpesmba.co.uk/

Norman Castle

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 298
  • Location: Southeast England
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #7 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 ...
Logged
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but with any luck it will annoy enough people to make the effort worthwhile.

dreadnought72

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,892
  • Wood butcher with ten thumbs
  • Location: Airdrie, Scotland
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2016, 11:23:01 pm »

All we probably need to know: here  :-))

Andy
Logged
Enjoying every minute sailing W9465 Mertensia

Capt Podge

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4,443
Re: The mystery of the clock face
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2016, 11:30:30 pm »

All we probably need to know: here  :-))

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.
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
 

Page created in 0.129 seconds with 22 queries.