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Nice build of the guns Jim.
See you picked up on the recoil question!
The design of the Dalhgren guns was actually quite advanced, the recoil being controlled by a built-in friction mechanism. This was adjusted by use of wheels to reduce or increase the friction. The wheels are shown on the model on the sides of the gun carriages just in front of the trunnions (see picture below). The system was very effective.
The use of the friction mechanism also provides the reason for the iron rail mounts - as opposed to one of the the more "normal" type of mountings used.
When the initial test firing was talking place, the wheel was were turned the wrong way, loosening the friction. The guns when fired then hit the back of the turret on recoil, leaving two dents on the turret wall that stayed with the ship!
So don't forget to model these if you want to be 100% accurate!!!!
P.S. Historians believe this was the first ever example of a revolving turret on a ship.
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The SD40 is 55 now!
Last edited by Kevin WS; 09-18-2020 at 02:11 AM.
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