In this episode we're in the Anchor Windlass Room. To send Ryan a message on Facebook: / ryanszimanski To support this channel and the museum, go to: www.battleshipnewjersey.org/v...
When I was young, before going to Quantico USMC OCS training, I could curl 165 pounds 5 reps. Today, at 71, all I can do is look at a 123 pound chain link and sigh. Getting old is a bitch. Thanks a lot, Ryan and Libby. (I keed)
These hydraulic pumps are referred to as WATERBURY pumps and have an A end to provide constant pressure to the hydraulic fluid and a B end to make the fluid instantly do work in either direction. This is a very clever and useful invention! I do imagine that these were used on many different types of WW-2 era ships. As a submariner who served on three different modernized Balao class diesel subs built during the war, I can state that much smaller versions of these were instrumental in moving our rudder. These subs also had a Waterbury system in the forward torpedo room overhead that could work the anchor windlass or the forward capstan or be shifted over to operated the bow planes when rigged for dive. There was a similar system in the after torpedo room except there was no stern anchor gear to work. For all I know the same or similar Waterbury systems might be used in the nuclear subs today, but back in the day our Waterbury pumps made noise when doing real work and noise is the enemy of stealth in today's submarine service. So...........
Off Topic, Ryan, but I visited the USS Constellation and the (ex) Taney down in Baltimore today... I was talking to a couple of the docents on the Constellation and told them that I had seen the video you made about running the guns out on her a couple of weeks back and they started laughing because they (said) they knew you from your time there and how much they enjoyed your visit back to the ship. So...greetings from Baltimore.
Maybe you talked about this before, but I’d love to see the 16” gun training hydraulic system explained in this sort of detail - mechanical overrides? What turns on/off the B side of that system? Is there a backup system for the turrets? Thanks guys
The backup turret rotation system is the strongest sailor gets to push on the barrel end to rotate it. I think they give him some ear plugs and gloves for safety...
Same. One of the things I want to know is, how the fire control computer knows where the guns are aiming? There has to be some sort of feedback like an encoder or potentiometer on the turret rotation and each guns elevation, which goes back to the computers. Being all analog it would be pretty interesting.
@@crazyguy32100 I’m not sure the computer does know where the guns are. It spits out a fire solution, which is then used to aim the guns. There was I think an element of the fire control equipment that knew current roll of the ship though, and could fire when the desired roll was reached.
@@DanielsPolitics1 I think there is gyro-automated positioning of the guns, if you see videos from inside the turrets during firing exercises (here's one from Missouri in 1988. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MTW_xpK-Twc.html really gives perspective on the recoil) you see the breech moving up and down, the system is keeping the guns on target while the ships rolls.
I love the fact that the USS Iowa group used their windlass system during the tow and refurbishment just before the relocation. They are quite proud about having it operational and there are videos of it being powered up.
That type of hydraulic motor setup is actually relatively common in industry. There's lot's of different configurations for the "A" end & "B" ends depending on the application. They work really well too!
Great video Ryan and Libby, Ryan’s usual ‘off the cuff’ videos are very good but i really enjoyed the more detailed/deep dive style this time aswel as the perhaps more pre planned/researched nature of the video. Keep up the good work! 😁
Ryan, would love to see a short video regarding how that chain link “disassembles”. It looks like it does indeed come apart in the closeup at the end. Enjoy your videos. Thanks.
8:50 above Ryan's head is a large disc, with a strap around it. You can see at the right side of the strap it is separated from the disc. This is the braking system. The strap is tightened around the disc (probably with a hydraulic ram, sometimes simply a threaded manual system) and the speed of deployment of the anchor chain is controlled by that brake.
Fastest outro in BNJ video history. The removable links have been a question that has popped up in prior comments sections. Any chance you can explain how they work in a future video? And of course you must hold the link up for the duration of the video. Abby, time to go full director on Ryan and require at least 5 takes while he is holding the link just to make sure you get the shot.
Having a separate brake on the anchor windlass may serve a couple of purposes. I don't know the Iowa class anchor gear to be certain, this is just a general thing with an anchor windlass. First, it may be possible, if the brake is big enough, to drop anchor in normal use without using the motor; by disengaging the clutch or drive linkage/gears and controlling the drop with just gravity and the brake. This is common on small vessels because it's much faster than using power to lower it. Second, in emergency, where the ship is blacked out or having power problems. Same as above, disengage the clutch let gravity do its thing, but out of necessity rather than because it's quicker or easier. The problem you face in both scenarios is burning out the brake if things get a bit too quick, which is why it might only be in emergency. That much weight moving fast generates a massive amount of heat when the brake tries to slow it down.
The only chains that I've seen bigger are from the Carriers. Nimitz class ones are massive and are like 350lbs each. Apparently the Ford class is like half the weight and 136lbs each.
You mean THE LINKS are 350 lbs. The entire chain (not even counting the anchor) is a LOT heavier than 350 lbs! Hopefully, the anchors work well enough on the Ford class. It doesn't seem like much works well on the prototype ship!
@@wierdalien1 The carrier Ford is a national disgrace! This is NOT the way to improve over the Nimitz-class!!! The John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) will probably be commissioned before all the issues with the Ford are fixed! It's a good thing we have 9 other carrier-class ships that DO work. The US Navy is going to be spending enough to fix the two already-built Ford-class carriers! I'd say 10 working aircraft carriers except for the fact that the Nimitz is being retired this year...
The hydraulic setup is virtually the same as 'hydrostatic drive' on ride-on mowers. On those, the pump is always turning (- belt driven, not electric), and the movable 'swash plate' determines the direction and volume of fluid flowing through the output drive motor.
Getting swol there Ryan. 🤣. Excellent video for the chain locker alone. Always wanted to know where thousands of chain links end up when the anchor is in.
Mooring lines is the correct term. Ropes, used at the 2:03 mark, does not refer to the lines holding the ship to a pier, other ships, etc. Rope refers to a braided wire rope made of steel.
Electrohydraulics is used by some modern construction equipment, such has excavators or backhoes. Batteries can be good enough to power them in some applications but they don't want to immediately redesign every actuator so just switching the hydraulic pump to electrical gives a good compromise.
Great to see all the areas of the ship. Moving those enormous chains must have made one hell of a noise. Did the ship come with something like manuals to show how equipment and systems work?
The ship I was on,we had people in the chain locker when bringing up the chain we used long hooks to pull the chain sideways to keep it from piling too high
Wow, the windlass room looks absolutely gorgeous! Is that what the whole tour route looks like? I mostly watch exploration, maintenance, and specific topic videos on the channel so I wouldn't know. Great job! It's also fun to find a video that's all about stuff I've actually used in my own career... Question: Did the Navy ever install, oh, what're they called, CT lines? Constant tension lines? That was a big part of mooring modern support ships, was wire rope breast lines that spooled around a drum that was run by an automated winch that could be set to maintain a specific tension on the line as wind, tide, and current acted upon the moored vessel. Definitely seemed to be worth the extra failure point.
Ryan, love your channel and videos. I couldn't climb into some of the spaces you do. Wish I had the means to donate. I actually live not far from the uss alabama. Spent many nights aboard in boy scouts. Absolute pleasure..keep it up!!
1100 feet of chain. So that is 12 shots of chain each shot of chain. Add on - same type motor back aft for the steering gear. Hmmm on the pump and figures for the motor to turn the 16 inch gun turret. and the video of movement at a "smooth" pace. I have a feeling only tested once - doubt it would ever be need - but if called for that turret could be "whipped" around pretty fast. Interesting fact below- but I have feeling all 4 Iowa have same point / methods last relocation. Another great video
I see you took proper steps before entering confined space... I assumed you used vent hose to exchange air out in chain locker before entering. I would like to have heard you explain the safety issues of entering the confined space and the steps taken for your personal wellbeing.
Hi Ryan, great video as always. Are you planning any videos to show the different uniforms the sailors would wear in different departments and for different duties. Most of the photos we see are often people in their best whites, but i think working with anchor chains and hydraulics would be impractical for brilliant whites.
Just a note: When you were talking about electrical loads, the stuff necessary to provide lights, ovens and stuff like that, we called "hotel loads". Of course, that was on a nuke submarine, and may not apply to a WWII battleship. :)
@@JoshuaTootell Yes, but we were not in WWII. The term COULD have been used then, AND the military is great on TRADITION. But, over decades, some things change.
123lbs is classified as a 2 man lift operation by USAF standards. But being serious now, when I was on the Mayflower II in Plymouth, MA, the windless was horizontal to the deck while the capstans were perpendicular (up and down) on the deck. But, the names remained the same even when technology changes.
At 6:45 what is the wood looking thing/stuff on the left? Just got to the part where he explains this Timbers for damage control is what I was thinking... Thought they were too long but there is some bigger spaces down there
🥳 Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain of fools For five long years I thought you were my man But I found out I'm just a link in your chain Oh, you got me where you want me I ain't nothin' but your fool You treated me mean Oh, you treated me cruel Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain of fools Every chain Has got a weak link I might be weak, yeah But I'll give you strength Oh, hey You told me to leave you alone My father said, "Come on home" My doctor said, "Take it easy" Oh, but your lovin' is much too strong I'm added to your chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain of fools One of these mornings The chain is gonna break But up until the day I'm gonna take all I can take, oh hey Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Chain, chain, chain (Chain, chain, chain) Your chain of fools Chain, chain, chain Chain, chain, chain (Oh) Chain, chain, chain Your chain of fools, oh yeah
Ive seen similar on other chains, undo the bolt and the link can be "opened" so you can connect chains together or replace a damaged section, i suspect there is a single link like that every shot of chain (90 ft)
why is the anchor chain locker so low? :O :O On merchant ships, it starts right below the deck, and ends above the waterline. Also why isn't the chain locker lined with wood? And lastly be very carefull, chain locers are classified as 'enclosed spaces' with the rust of the chain going on, it can depleet it of oxygen.
An unrelated piece of knowledge. The Russian navy is equipping their corvets and transports with pantair air defense vehicles. The pantair is a wheeled vehicle with radar, phallanx type gun and air defense missiles. I bring it up because the littoral ships had problems bring in weapon modules. Vehicle based modules can provide a quick weapons change out. Since the modules are dual use with other branches, then the cost of the weapon systems is much less
How do you make sure the chain locker has breathable air in it? I'd imagine all the surface area of rusting steel from the chain would dramatically increase the comfined space danger.
I'm not sure if it was a separate video, but they've mentioned a few times that they take a lot of precautions to ensure every space in the ship is well ventilated - both to keep the air breathable and to help carry out any moisture that might accumulate. Of course, that means that watertight compartmentalization isn't anywhere near as good as it would be if the ship were still in operation, but having most of the doors open for the tour route makes that a bit of a moot point anyway.
You better not drop something important like your car or house key down in the chain locker 😉 Needs the bottom of the chain locker some inspection from time to time? If so, would it be done only in active service? And then, how would they do it? On occasion when the anchor is lowered anyway or in drydock only?
An off topic but relavant comment. The youtube algoritim showed me a couple of you tube channel tha show simulations of armor piercing rounds and armor penetration. One of their simulations was the Yamato battleship main guns and the New Jersey armor belt. The simulation shows the main round penetrating both torpedo belt plates and impacting the armor belt. The Yamato round rotates 90 degrees and sort of scrapes the armor belt. The New Jersey main belt is not penetrated but the inner war spalds. Another simulation shiws the Yamato main gun shell striking the front plate of a IS 7 which was the last of Soviet heavy tanks. Like the New Jersey case the Yamato shell rotates horizontal to the armor plate and scrapes the armor of the plate. The round does not enter the tank but does cut a hole in the armor and causes steel fragments ti enter the drive compartment. Modern sabot rounds do not turn horizontal to the armor plate but continue with their initial direction
Have you ever done a video on the dangers of oxygen depletion in non-ventilated metal rooms? Is this an issue you have or have had to deal with? That was my first thought when I saw you climbing down into the chain locker.
Interesting design balance issue, the anchor and chain need to be big enough to hold the ship, but if they are heavier than needed then ship is carrying extra dead weight around.
You didn't take the chance to show us the bitter end, even though it was right there behind you. I have always wanted an anchor chain retaining pin from a battleship. I am not sure why.
Lift 123 lbs, sure. Hold it very long or carry it very far? I could once have carried it a ways, but not very far; today, picking it up and putting it back down would be about the limit 😁
Copper pipes are used on the low pressure circuits while steel piping is used in the high pressure circuits. Note the large gray pipes. Several clarifications are needed on this one. 1. The larger copper pipes pointed out as containing hydraulic fluid in fact contain the circulating lubricating oil for this system. 2. The smaller copper pipes are used in both the lube oil system, and for "replenishment" fluid flow for the hydraulic system. 3. The tank in the overhead of the deck below is the "sump" for this lubrication system. 4. The overhead tanks contain a reservoir of hydraulic fluid and serve as expansion tanks and as a way to bleed off any air that finds its way into the hydraulic system. 5. The very large grey-painted pipes contain the working hydraulic fluid being pumped from the A to the B end to drive the capstan and wildcat. 6. The smaller handwheels control both direction and speed of paying out or drawing in lines or anchor chain. 7. The larger brake handwheel only acts on the chain wildcat. 8. It is possible to drop (free-fall) the anchor using gravity, but you would only want to do that if (a) you are 1,000% sure that the length of anchor chain on board is at least 2-3 times that of the depth of the bottom, and (2) bottom conditions require that the kinetic energy from dropping the anchor is needed to help embed the anchor (the anchor works only if it is laying on its side, that way the flukes are biting into the bottom). To drop the anchor in this manner, the anchor chain is drawn tight by the wildcat so that the pelican hooks securing it to the weatherdeck can be disengaged, and so that the wildcat dog clutches can be disengaged from the B-end, thus leaving the chain and anchor secured only by the brake; release the brake and gravity does the rest.
Sir, get out of that chainlocker! It is an artight box with no ventilation, so what happends is that CO2 gets trapped in there bequase it is heavvyer than air. People have died Fron this. It is OK but get a CO2/O2 sensor for next time, or ensure ventilation with a pipe to the bottom with fresh air.
