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CONNECTION BETWEEN TRAINING ENGINE AND TRAINING RACK. PLATES 2, 3, AND 17A.
This gear is similar in general design to that fitted in "Orion," "Queen Elizabeth" and "Royal Sovereign" classes.
The Engine Shaft is connected by means of a claw-sleeve Clutch to a Worm Shaft, the worm on which drives a worm wheel on the vertical training shaft centre. The Worm Wheel is frictionally connected to a Sleeve on the training shaft, and this sleeve is free to rotate round the training shaft except when connected to it by the dog claw Clutch operated by the handwheel and screw in the gun house.
Both training engines must never be clutched in together; an identification plate to this effect is placed opposite to each clutch.
TRAINING CONTROL. PLATE 17.
PIPES AND CONTROL VALVES
The Turret may be controlled by means of a hand wheel from any one of 4 positions: -
1. At the centre sights - Main training position.
2. At the right hand side sight - Secondary position.
3. At the open director sight in the officers' cabinet in the gun house.
4. In the working chamber - director firing.
In the case of 1, 2, and 3, the wheels are connected by suitable rods and screwed gearing to the training valves, and control both direction and speed of the turret. These training valves are similar in design and general construction to the elevating valves shown diagrammatically on Plate 16.
In case 4 the pilot valve in relation to the main valve is external, and this pilot valve, together with the bracket carrying the handwheel, etc., is bolted to the body of the main valve. The diagram, Plate 17, shows clearly how the 4 valves are connected up to the training engines and pipe system.
ARC OF TRAINING CUT OFF GEAR. PLATES 20 AND 21.
Arc of Training Control Valves are fitted between the servo-motor control valves and the swashplate training engines, and automatically cut off the pressure and bring the turret to rest when it arrives on a Dangerous Bearing.
The pipes from all the servo-motor control valves join into two pipes, each of which joins up to an arc of training control valve of the sliding flap-over type, fitted with a valve rod of differential area. After leaving the valves each pipe again branches into two for connecting with the rotary valves of the right and left training engines. The valves M and N work independently, and are closed only by the Lever C; pressure on the larger end of the valve rod re-setting them in the normal position, when the lever C leaves them. Carried on the valve spindle are two flap-over valves free to rotate on the spindle, but held from moving longitudinally by collars on the rod. The two pipes from the control valve connect to the respective valve chambers, as shown by the enlarged view on the diagram, and the pipes to the rotary valves of training engines are connected to the ports in the valve casings. The valve spindle is connected by suitable bell cranks and rods to the arm P of the feathered shaft D, which is carried on the wall of the working chamber. Attached to D, and free to move up and down it by means of a hand lever E, is the lever C, carrying the roller F. The lever C and the roller F protrude through a hole cut in the wall of the working chamber.
Two Positions are fitted for the lever E, namely: - A maximum training, and a safe training. The lever is normally retained in the safe position by a pin in the lever quadrant. When training beyond the safe limits the pin is to be withdrawn and the lever pulled hard over and held there.
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The arc of training control valves are kept in the normal position, namely, that shown in the enlarged view on Plate 21, by the difference in area between the inner and outer ends of the valve spindles on which the hydraulic pressure acts. This action is also assisted by self centring springs fitted at each end of the spindle.
The action of the gear is as follows: -
Imagine the Left Training Engine to be in use, the turret to be training left, and the lever E in the position for safe training. Pressure will be passing from the servo-motor control valve through the intercepting flap valve M, to the rotary valve of the training engine. Exhaust will be taking place through the intercepting flap valve N. As the turret arrives at a dangerous bearing, the roller F takes on the cam plate attached to the wall of the fixed structure. This will cause lever C to rotate the feathered shaft D, and push the valve spindle to the left; The flap S1 is thereby pulled over the port in the valve seating, blocking the supply to the rotary valve and consequently stopping the engine.
Should it now be desired to Train Clear, the trainer moves his wheel in the opposite direction.
This will admit pressure through the valve N, exhaust taking place through valve M. The exhaust water passing into valve M will force the flap S1 off its seating, leaving a free passage to the pipe to the control valve.
As the turret trains, the valve and gear is returned to the normal position by the hydraulic pressure acting on the difference in sectional area of the valve rod as soon as the roller has left the cam plate. If the turret continues to train until it approaches the dangerous bearing on the Other Side of the Ship, the gear will again come into action and stop the turret. In this case, the lever C will be moved in the opposite direction, causing the valve spindle to be pushed to the right, putting the flap over the port S2 in valve N. The pressure will, therefore, be cut off and the turret stopped as before.
Should it be desired to train the turret to the Extreme Bearing allowed, and providing that the line of fire is clear, the hand lever is moved to the position for "Maximum training" and held there. This raises the roller F clear of the safety cam, thereby cutting out the cut-off. The turret will train until it arrives at this maximum position, when the roller will strike against a cam on the fixed structure which operates the intercepting flap valves in a similar manner to that described above, and stops the training engine, and at the same time the turret is brought up to the buffer.
The cams at extremes of training arc are of such depth that they engae the roller F in the 1st or 2nd position, or any intermediate position. The training engines are, therefore, bound to be stopped when the turret arrives at its maximum angle of training.
The angles of training for the "Hood" are given below: -
| A maximum | 150 degrees P to 150 degrees S |
| B | 150 degrees P to 150 degrees S |
| X | 150 degrees P to 150 degrees S |
| Y | 150 degrees P to 150 degrees S |
| A safe angles | 135° P to 135° S |
| B | 30° P to 150° P |
| 30° S to 150° S | |
| X | 30° P to 150° P |
| 30° S to 150° S | |
| Y | 140° P to 140° S |
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HAND SECURING BOLTS FOR TURN TABLE
Plate 23 -
The turntable is secured by three Hand Worked Bolts, placed about 120 o apart. Each bolt is operated independently, and is provided with Hydraulic Power for withdrawing the bolt if it is found impossible to withdraw it by hand. Plate 22 shows the arrangement of the bolt, which is carried on the revolving structure. Figure 1 is a sectional elevation and Figures 2 and 3 are respectively plan and end views.
The hydraulic cylinder is shown at A.
It is provided with pressure and exhaust pipes, fitted with stop valves. The ram is connected to the end of lever "a1," keyed to the shaft B, which is supported by three bearings.
The securing bolt C is worked by a screw D, and handwheel E, which is mounted in a bearing F. D, E, and F are all free to slide together in bracket G. F is coupled to the shaft B by levers "b1" engaging trunnions "f1."
The securing bolt is prevented from turning in bearing by key "g1." A spiral spring H is provided for the purpose of returning the ram and bearing F to the locked position. It is compressed by screwed sleeve J.
An indicator pointer L, is keyed on a spiral rod supported in a bracket K. This rod engages with a bush "c1" Fig. 1, in securing bolt, so that as the latter is withdrawn it moves the pointer to indicate the free position.
TO WITHDRAW BOLT BY POWER
1. Close exhaust stop valve.
2. Open pressure stop valve.
3. Revolve Handwheel Anti-Clockwise, until the Pointer is in the extreme Free Position.
4. Close pressure stop valve.
5. Open exhaust stop valve.
Note: - Care must be taken that pressure is not admitted to the training engine "to train," until the bolts have been withdrawn, as otherwise they may be overstrained and jam. A wire is placed at the observation end of the mirror training indicator for enabling the turret to be trained accurately to the securing or any other desired position.
TO DISMANTLE SECURING BOLT
Withdraw bolt C until indicator shows "free."
Remove handwheel E, trunnions "f1" and pin M.
Remove bearings S and T with shaft and levers complete.
Uncouple pressure and exhaust pipes and remove hydraulic cylinder A.
Take out split pin in end of indicator rod and remove indicator pointer L.
Remove bracket K.
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| FRONT BOLT | SIDE BOLT |
| Remove Plate Bracket and withdrawIndicator Rod. | Withdraw Indicator Rod. |
| Remove grub screw P. | Remove grub screw P. |
| Unscrew bearing F. | Unscrew bearing F. |
| Remove F, D, and C. | Remove bolts U and sling bracket from eyebolts provided. |
| Remove bolts U and sling bracket from eyebolts provided | Take off plate R and tilt bracket partly through into the danger space. |
| Take off plate R and draw bracket intoThe danger space. | Remove F, D, and C. |
| Complete removal of bracket. |
SHELL ROOMS.
Each shell room is provided with Power rails running fore and aft, and fitted with hydraulic lifting and traversing gear. The two in-board rails, and certain of the other rails in the shell rooms are fitted with Hand power winches for independent lifting and traversing, while in the case of certain other rails there are fitted Combined hand power winches for lifting and traversing as desired. The two main in-board rails plumb their respective revolving bogies.
In addition to the usual fore and aft rails, there is provided in each shell room a pair of shell Traversing Bogies running on one set of rails at the floor level, and extending the full width of the shell room. [A description of these bogies is given below]. The Embarking Hatch is arranged so that shell may be lowered directly on to the traversing bogie for transference across the shell room.
In the bulkhead between A and B shell rooms, and also in the one between X and Y shell rooms, there are two Hinged Water-Tight Doors and to enable shells to be transferred from one shell room to the other there are provided portable rails which, on the doors being opened, may be readily fitted between the ends of the rails specially provided in wake of the doors. Hand Runners and 1 ton Morris purchases are used on these rails and on certain secondary rails in X and Y shell rooms. All the rails for use with hand runners are fitted with Racks on the underside in the usual manner.
Rapid action grabs are used to lift the projectiles.
TRAVERSING BOGIES. PLATE 1.
These Bogies, provided with rollers to reduce friction, can be traversed either by hand or power to serve both sides of the shell room, and they are fitted with oil buffers to take up shock in case they should come in contact with each other. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for traversing the bogies by power, and winches for traversing by hand. The ropes for hand working are disconnected when working by power, and when hand gear is in use the power ropes are disconnected and stowed in the cleats provided for the purpose.
REVOLVING BOGIES. PLATES 5 AND 6.
The Revolving Bogies are entirely carried on rings secured to the trunk, and provided with training pinions geared with racks attached both to the ship and trunk, so that by means of a clutch the bogie may be rotated relatively to either.
Each bogie is provided with a carrier by which the projectile is transferred to the central cage on transverse guides without rolling or shock.
For this purpose the carrier and cage on their adjacent sides are fitted with Dogs, which are automatically raised or depressed, as required, during the transfer. The carrier is traversed by means of a handwheel and screw on the bogie structure, engaging a nut carried on the trolley. A strong Brake, capable of holding the bogie against the ordinary rolling of the ship, is provided. This must be held off against a spring during training. An adjustable anti-surging stop is provided on the trolley.
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The Shell Door at bottom of trunk with the interlocking and tell-tale gear between door and shell cage is shown on Plates 25, 28, 29, and 41.
The door can only be opened when the cage is down, and the cage cannot be raised until the door is closed.
The shell cage may be Unloaded by means of the carrier on the revolving bogie after the dogs have been operated by the hand gear for turning them down. The hand lever for this gear is locked in the loading position.
The dogs on carrier and cage, in design and method of operation, are generally on he lines of those in working chamber, and described later.
HANDLING ROOM
CORDITE HOPPER. PLATE 26.
The Hopper is provided with two rotatable flash proof buckets arranged one above the other, and each holding two quarter charges. The buckets lie normally in the receiving position, they are connected by means of a Chain riding on sprocket wheels and are rotated by hand. As a safety precaution the buckets are secured in the receiving position by means of a spring and Pedal Operated Bolt, and this bolt must be deliberately withdrawn by the loading number before the buckets an be rotated. When buckets have been loaded they can be rotated to a flash proof position, but no further until the cage is down.
The hopper buckets cannot be discharged unless the cage is down, and they must be returned to either the flash proof or the receiving position before the cage can be raised.
For purposes of Inspection and general convenience hand holes are provided in the bottom of the buckets, and these holes are fitted with easily removable plugs. Further, inspection windows are fitted into the platework of the trunk immediately above the cordite hopper, and well placed lights are provided, see Plates 1 and 5.
The movements of the hopper buckets are closely associated with those of the buckets in the central cage, and the interlocks and other gears are shown on plates 27, 28, 29, 30, and 41.
Inspection Doors. Plate 31.
To allow of access to the central hoist cages, etc., Doors are fitted into the platework of the trunk, and these doors are arranged so that
(I). They cannot be opened unless the cage is down, and
(II). If the doors are open the cage cannot be raised.
A description of the interlocking gear is given on the plate.
THE CENTRAL AMMUNITION HOIST.
Comprises: -
The hoist. For arrangement see Plates 1, 2, 4, and 5.
The press. (On roof of working chamber). For arrangement see Plates 1, 2, and 4.
The working valve. See description later, and Plate 4.
The cut off gear. As described later.
The cage with its interlocks, etc., As described later.
Interlocking, telegraph gear, etc. As described later.Note. - The movements of the central hoist are very closely associated with
1. The shell door at bottom of trunk. See "shell rooms" above.
2. The cordite hopper. See "handling room" above.
3. The shell carrier in working chamber. See later.
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THE CAGE. PLATES 5, 23, AND 24.
The Cage is made in two parts, each independent of the other. The upper cage carries the cordite, and is charges at the magazine level; the lower carries the projectile and is loaded in the shell room. The shell cage is fitted with anti-surging stops.
The wire Lifting Rope is attached to the lower cage. This, on being hoisted, picks up the cordite cage, and both then travel together to the top, where the half charges are automatically discharged into the waiting trays. The projectile is transferred to the ramming position by a suitably arranged carrier described below. The cordite cage with its rotating flash proof buckets and interlocking gear is described below.
Constant pressure Buffers are provided at the top and bottom of the trunk for bringing the cage to rest without shock. Similar buffers are also fitted at the magazine level for bringing the cordite cage to rest in the charging position.
Plate 24 shows successive stages in the action of the catch provided for locking and unlocking the two parts of the cage as they come together at the magazine level in raising, or separate in lowering.
In Fig. I the two parts of the cage A and B are shown being lowered and locked together, and the toe of catch a1 is just engaging the fixed stop d in trunk, so as to release the projection b2 on the lower cage B.
In Fig. II the catch a1 on cordite cage has just released the projection b2 on shell cage, which continues to descend. At the same time, the projections on cordite cage A engage fixed buffers C in the trunk, and bring it to rest.
Fig. III shows both portions of the cage in their respective loading positions. The lower cage for projectile carries the buffer b1 which engages the projection on the upper cage as it is picked up, and prevents shock.
THE CORDITE PORTION OF THE CAGE.
The Cordite Cage is provided with two rotatable flash proof Buckets, one above the other, and each bucket holds two quarter charges. The buckets are connected by means of chains riding on sprocket wheels, and are normally kept Closed in the flash proof position by the action of a Spring in conjunction with a dashpot. On reaching the bottom and top positions the buckets are automatically rotated respectively to the receiving and the discharging positions.
The relation of the central hoist cages, and particularly of the cordite cage, to the interlocking and other gears on the hopper, and in the trunk, is clearly shown on Plates 27 (with description), 28, 29, 30, and 41.
In the top of the cordite cage inspection windows are fitted so that through the inspection windows in the trunk the position and condition of the cage when down may be clearly seen.
CUT OFF GEAR.
The Cut off for the top position of the cage as a whole, and for the bottom position of the shell cage, is effected in the usual manner by a shuttle valve worked by a cam bar attached to the crosshead of the press so as to throttle the pressure in raising and the exhaust in lowering.
A cut off is also provided for slowing up the shell cage, as in ascending it picks up the cordite cage at the magazine level. This is done by means of an independent valve operated by a short cam carried on the bar attached to the crosshead. The short cam pushes in the valve and throttles pressure as the two potions of the cage come together and are locked. The cut off also operates, but of course in the reverse direction, as the cage descends.
The valve is re-opened by a spring.
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THE WORKING VALVE
This is a two-ported valve of the lapless or mitre seat type, and exactly as used in the "Royal Sovereign" class.
The two plugs are hydraulically balanced, and each is controlled by a pilot valve. The position of the valve is indicated on Plate 4.
The valve is similar in all respects to the one used for the gun loading hoist which is shown diagrammatically on Plate 48.
TRAVERSING GEAR FOR TRAYS AT WAITING POSITION, IN WORKING CHAMBER.
PLATES 32, 33, AND 34.
The waiting position X is provided with a Carrier, which is capable of being moved "Inwards" for taking a shell from the central cage at Y, or "Outwards" to take one from the outer waiting position at Z in the working chamber, according to which supply is in use.
It is traversed by means of a Screw mounted on a moving bed, engaging a nut on the carrier. The moving bed is secured in position X, when loading from the cage, or in position Z when loading from the bins in the working chamber, in which latter position it serves as the waiting position for the shell.
The screw is geared by means of spur wheels, with a rack on an Hydraulic Cylinder, pressure being led to this moving cylinder through the ends of a fixed piston rod.
A Wheel is provided for working by Hand. It is put into gear with screw operating carrier by means of a sliding clutch which also is connected, through a link V, with the clutch geared to the hydraulic cylinder. By this means, when one clutch is thrown into gear, the other is thrown out automatically. A hinged plate Y is provided to lock the handwheel when it is not in use.
Dogs for retaining the shell are provided for each side of the shell carrier, and also on the arm supports for shell on the central cage, and on the outer moving bed, on the side towards the carrier. These latter dogs are suitably spaced to clear the dogs on the carrier as it traverses from X to Y or X to Z.
As the carrier is traversed right or left the dogs on the advancing side are automatically depressed by the shell, and raised again for engaging it by means of stops which operate levers connected with their respective pivots.
Hand Levers are provided for operating bolts for locking the moving bed in position X or Z, and for locking the carrier, as required, when transferring the moving bed from X to Z; also for providing a stop for the carrier in ramming position, when working by hand between Z and X. Directions for the working of these levers are given on the quadrant bracket.
Hand Gear for turning down the dogs on the carrier, as require for striking down shell, is also provided.
Plates 33 and 34 (Figs. I to VIII), show the several stages in the action of this gear.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WORKING
TO OPERATE SHELL CARRIER HYDRAULICALLY.
Note. - Shell carrier follows direction of motion of hand lever for operating the traversing cylinder control valve.
INSTRUCTION 1. -- TO CONVEY SHELL FROM CENTRAL CAGE TO RAMMING POSITION.
Assume central hoist cage to be up, with shell in position Y, and shell carrier unloaded in ramming position X.
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Ensure that the carrier is unlocked, and that the outer moving tray T is locked by moving the lever H to withdraw bolts R from the carrier and to insert bolts S into outer moving tray T.
Correct relative movement of the carrier and the moving tray between the different position is governed by the operation of these bolts controlled by lever H.
a. Push traversing lever towards central hoist.
b. As shell carrier moves towards central hoist,
1st, the dogs A, which are held in position by spring B, coming in contact with shell on central cage, are pushed down, and, passing under shell, spring up on the other side:
2nd, stop C striking tappet D, pulls down dogs E on central cage, leaving shell free to be carried to ramming position.
When shell carrier has nearly reached the end of its travel, lever F comes into contact with cam G (see Figs. II and III), thus ensuring dogs A being up (in the event of spring B being disabled), before shell carrier is moved to ramming position.
c. Pull traversing lever back to original position, and this will bring shell from Y to X (see Fig. IV).
INSTRUCTION 2. -- TO CONVEY SHELL FROM SHELL BIN IN WORKING CHAMBER TO RAMMING POSITION.
(CARRIER FROM Z TO X)
a. Remove pin Z from the hole in hinged rail support (Plate 34, Fig. V, upper view), and swing hinged part of rail into line with fixed part, then replace pin in hole so as to lock rail in that position.
b. Withdraw securing bolt S from outer tray T and insert bolt R in shell carrier, this by reversing the movements described under 1, of hand lever H.
c. Push traversing lever towards central hoist. This will cause outer moving tray T to travel out into working chamber. (See Plates 32 and 34, Fig. V).
d. Replace securing bolts in original positions by movement of lever H, i.e., bolt S in outer tray T and bolt R withdrawn from shell carrier.
e. The shell is then lifted out from the shell bin and placed on the arms of the outer tray by means of the radial crane.
f. Pull traversing lever over and so bring shell carrier out from X to Z to engage with shell (Plate 34, Fig. VI).
g. The movement of the dogs, etc., are similar to those described under 1.b. except that the opposite set is in operation.
h. Push traversing lever towards central hoist and shell is carried to ramming position.
INSTRUCTION 3. -- TO CHANGE FROM HYDRAULIC TO HAND POWER.
a. (Plate 34, Fig. VII). Withdraw spring catch K and lift plate Y.
b. Push hand wheel until its clutch engages with the corresponding part on screw shaft and release pin K into hole provided. The movement under 3.b. also disengages, by means of lever V, the lower clutch geared to the hydraulic cylinder.Note. - When changing from hand to hydraulic, cylinder must be at forward or muzzle end of its travel, and shell carrier and outer tray T must be together in position X or position Z.
SHELL CARRIER OPERATED BY HAND POWER.
INSTRUCTION 4. --To Convey Shell From Cage, Position Y To Ramming Position X.
Assume same conditions as in Instruction 1.
p>a. Turn hand wheel in direction indicating "shell carrier to cage." The action of the dogs, etc., is the same as in 1.a.
b. Turn hand wheel in direction indicating "shell carrier from cage." This will bring shell from cage, Position Y to ramming position X.
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INSTRUCTION 5. --TO CONVEY SHELL FROM OUTER WAITING POSITION Z TO RAMMING POSITION X.
a. Same as 2.a.
b. Same as 2.b.
c. Turn hand wheel in direction indicating "shell carrier to cage." This will bring outer tray T into position Z.
d. Same as 2.d.
e. (Fig. VII). Raise stop bolt U by means of hand lever J.
f. Same as 2.e.
g. Turn hand wheel in direction indicating "shell carrier from cage" until shell carrier comes up against stops.
h. Turn hand wheel in direction indicating "shell carrier to cage," until shell carrier comes up against stop bolt U. The shell is then in ramming position X.
Note. - Central cage must be up.
a. Move carrier with shell on it over to central cage. (Fig. VIII).
b. Place portable lever M on end of shaft L carrying lever N.
c. Remove securing pin Q on end of shaft L.
d. Lift lever M. This first causes cam G to move on its guides clear of lever F; a further movement of M engages with key on shaft L causing lever N to engage lever O and operate shaft P which first turns down dogs A to allow carrier to be withdrawn, and then turns down movable stop C for allowing dogs E on central cage to spring up and retain shell on cage when carrier is withdrawn.
e. Withdraw carrier.
f. Drop lever M to original position so that cam G is in position to engage lever F for ordinary working.
g. Replace securing pin Q.
h. Remove portable lever M.This gear is now in position as shown in Fig. I.
Note.-- The connection between lever O and lever F operating dogs allows a certain freedom of movement between them (see Fig. VIII, enlarged view). This is in order that dogs A may be depressed by shell (see Fig. II) without stop C being turned down when conveying shell from Y to X. There is the same form of connection between lever N and shaft L, which allows of cam G being moved clear of F before N is operated, causing dogs to be pressed down.
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INTERLOCKING AND TELEGRAPH GEAR FOR
A. CENTRAL AMMUNITION HOIST AND
B. BETWEEN CENTRAL AND GUN LOADING HOIST LEVERS.
GENERAL.
This gear consists of a number of mechanical locking devices which provide that the loading machinery between the shell room and gun shall be locked against any portion being worked out of sequence in the operation of transferring ammunition. Thus: --
a. With the central cage at the bottom of the trunk, the operating lever for raising the cage is Locked until both the shell door is closed and the cordite hopper buckets have been rotated at least as far as to the flash proof position, which is about 90° back from the discharging position.
b. Until the central cage is "Up" the operating lever for shell carrier is Locked.
c. Whilst the central cage is "Up" the shell door is Locked, and the cordite hopper buckets are prevented from being rotated to discharge into the trunk.
d. Unless the Shell Carrier is fully withdrawn from the well of the central hoist the cage cannot be lowered.
e. The Rammers cannot be extended to ram ammunition into the gun loading cage until the shell and cordite flash doors are fully open. And in reverse direction the doors cannot be closed until the rammers are withdrawn.
f. The gun loading cage is Locked in the working chamber until the rammers are returned to the "Home" position, and the flash doors are closed.
g. The rammers are Locked in the "Home" position, and the flash doors closed until the gun loading cage is "Down" and locked in the working chamber.
A Single Lever controls the hoist in the trunk, the traversing gear, flash doors and rammers in the working chamber. The motions of this lever correspond to the movements of the ammunition, and interlocks are provided to ensure the motions being made in the right order, and also that one motion does not begin until the other has ended.
Automatic Tell Tale gear is mechanically operated by the cages as they reach the ends of their strokes, both ascending and descending, and registers "Up" or "Down" as the case may be.
Hand operated Telegraphs between the handling room, shell room, and working chamber are interlocked, so that the central cage cannot be telegraphed "Ready" to the working chamber, until the cordite has been telegraphed "Ready" from the handling room to the shell room.
PARTICULAR.
1. CENTRAL HOIST INTERLOCKING GEAR.
IN THE WORKING CHAMBER
Plate 40 shows the central ammunition hoist lever 1 in its extreme lower position. The valve 2 therefore, is open to exhaust and the complete cage is free to descend to the bottom.
To Raise the Cage, lever 1 is raised to position 1.a, carrying with it lever 3 which is connected to valve 2 by means of rod 4, lever 5, and rod 6. This closes the exhaust, opens the valve to pressure, and the cage ascends. When the cage reaches the Top, a pin 7 on the cage raises the lever 8, and with it rod 9, thus transmitting movement (by means of bell crank lever 10 keyed to shaft 12) to bell crank lever 13, which actuates a locking bolt 14, and also a tell-tale 15, showing cage "Up."
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After locking bolt 14 has been withdrawn the hand lever 1 is free to move from position 1.a to position 1.b, which operates valve for traversing shell carrier.
When the cage Descends the spring 16 inserts the locking bolt 14 and reverses tell-tale 15 to "Not up."
To enable the traversing shell carrier to be worked hydraulically when cage is not up, a handle 17 has been fitted to locking bolt 14, and a spring attachment 18 to rod 19, so that locking bolt 14 may be withdrawn by hand without affecting rod 19.
The central hoist lever and interlocks are also shown diagrammatically on Plates 28 and 29.
IN THE HANDLING ROOM
These interlocks are clearly shown on Plates 27, 28, 29, and 41. A full description is given on Plate 27.
The cordite cage Locking Bolt is shown and described on Plate 30. The inspection doors and interlocks for same are shown and fully described on Plate 31.
IN THE SHELL ROOM
Interlocks in shell room are shown on Plates 28, 29, and 41, and they are fully described on Plate 27.
2. CENTRAL HOIST TELEGRAPH GEAR
PLATE 42.
This gear is similarly arranged to that in the 15-inch mountings of the "Royal Sovereign" class, and is independent of interlocking gear. The gear comprises: --
1. Cordite indicator in handling room connected to
2. Cordite indicator in shell room.
3. Central cage indicator in shell room connected to
4. Central cage indicator in working chamber.
Assume the cages descending. The indicators are then in the "Not Ready" position as shown in Fig. D.
When the cordite cage is charged, and the buckets of the trunk hopper are rotated to the flash proof or to the receiving position, the operator in the cordite handling room telegraphs "Ready" to the shell room, and the indicators are then as shown in Fig. E. When the shell cage is charged and the door closed, the operator in the shell room telegraphs "Ready" to the working chamber, and the indicators are then in position shown in Fig. F.
This operation of telegraphing from shell room to working chamber moves rod 55 upward, and brings collar 56 (see Plate 40) on this rod, into contact with lever 57. When the cage reaches the top, lever 8 operates lever 57 and so returns the indicators to the "Not Ready" position shown in Fig. D.
The interlocking device G is employed to ensure that the operator in the shell room cannot signal to the working chamber until the operator in the cordite room has signalled "Ready" to the shell room.
When all the indicators are down and showing "Not Ready," as in Fig. D, it will be seen that the pawl 58 is held by the spring 59 with one end engaged in a recess in the slider 60, while the other end is free in a longer recess in slider 61. The sliders 60 and 61 form parts of rods 55 and 62, connecting up the central cage indicators 63 and 64, and the cordite indicators 65 and 66 respectively. With the pawl 58 in this position, the indicator rod 55 cannot be moved upward, and must remain locked until the pawl 58 is moved clear of its engagement with the slider 60.
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When the operator in handling room raises the indicator 66 to "Ready" position, he lifts with it slider 61and the indicator 65 in shell room, which is also set to "Ready."
Note.-- A function of this operation is also to withdraw the cage locking bolt (see Plates 27, etc.), and it is of the Utmost Importance that the hand lever be given its Complete Travel.
In raising slider 61 the pawl 58 is tripped and disengaged from the other slider 60 (see Fig. E), and the slider 60 is now free to move upward. The indicator handle in the shell room is then raised to indicate "Ready" on indicators 63 and 64.
Carried on the slider 60 is a bell-crank lever 67, one end of which engages the fixed bracket 69, and the other the locking bolt 70. When the slider 60 is raised, the slider 61 is already up as shown in Fig. E, and bolt 70 snaps into the recess 71, locking indicators 63 and 64 to indicators 65 and 66, all being at "Ready" as shown in Fig. F.
Upon the indicators being automatically lowered to "Not Ready," as shown in Fig. D, the lever 67 strikes the bracket 69 and withdraws bolt 70, leaving the slider 61 free to move upward as required.
INTERLOCKS AND TELL TALES
In working chamber, Plate 35 valve standard.
In working chamber, Plate 36 rammer interlocks.
In working chamber, Plate 37 shell carrier interlocks.
In working chamber, Plate 38 central and gun loading hoist levers.
In working chamber, Plate 39 gun loading cage catch gear.
SHELL CARRIER INTERLOCKS. PLATE 37.
In the main figure, Handle 1 and lever 3 are shown in the Extreme Lower Position. The central hoist valve is then open to exhaust and central cage is down. When 1 and 3 are Raised to positions 1.a and 3.a (see upper view), cage Ascends and withdraws locking bolt 14 (see Plate 40). As handle 1 reaches position 1.a, the key shaped head of pin 72 engages in slot in enlarged end of shaft 73, and pushes up a locking bolt (not shown), which until now has kept shaft 73 from rotating. Shaft 73 is now the fulcrum for handle 1, which latter may now be moved from position 1.a to position 1.b, thus rotating shaft 73, depressing lever 75 and opening shell carrier Control Valve 76 to pressure. Piston 77 is fixed to the structure, and when pressure is admitted to cylinder 78, the latter moves to the rear, carrying the rack with it, thus rotating pinion 80, sending shell carrier 81 forward into trunk.
In moving from ramming position towards cage, as described above, a Cam 82 on underside of shell carrier 81 engages with lever 83, giving, in shaft 84, clockwise motion which latter is converted to contra-clockwise motion in lever 85. While lever 85 is in this position (i.e., while shell carrier is in path of central cage), it is in the path of lever 3, and prevents handle 1 from being returned to "Lower" position, the final movement, therefore, which opens working valve for central hoist to exhaust cannot be completed. The central cage is by this means Locked against descent until the shell carrier is fully withdrawn to ramming position.
A quick release gear is provided between lever 3 and central hoist working valve to allow for Independent traversing, such for instance as would be necessary if it were required to run in the shell tray with the cage down.
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RAMMER INTERLOCKS. PLATE 36.
The ramming lever 87 is shown in position 87.a; rammers are extended and doors open.
Assume rammers withdrawn, doors closed and handle 1 in "Home" position (i.e., cage down). Levers 88 and 89 are then as shown on Plate 38. The cordite doors 90 and 91 are connected to the upper part, and shell door 93 to the lower part, of piston rod 92. Both shell and cordite doors are further connected to lever 88 as shown in the diagram. When handle 1 is pushed over in the direction 1.c, lever 87 follows in direction 87.a, and operates rammer control valve 94. The first part of this movement admits pressure to cylinder 95 to open the doors. To ensure that doors are fully open before rammers are extended, a toe on lever 88 comes into contact with arc 96 (see Plate 38), on lever 87, which bars further progress of the latter until doors are open. The rammers, therefore, cannot be extended until doors are open. The opening of the doors throws lever 88 into position shown on Plate 36, and arc 98 passes over toe of lever 88, allowing handle 1 to move to position 1.c, admitting pressure to rammers. When rammer heads are approaching extended position, guide 97 actuates lever 98, causing lever 89 to move from position shown on Plate 38 to position shown on Plate 36. In reversing the handle from position 1.c to position 1 to withdraw rammers, the lower end of arc 96 butts against lever 89.a, and the final movement which closes, the doors cannot be completed until guide 97 releases lever 98 and lever 89.a has been withdrawn by the action of spring 99. The doors are therefore locked against closing until rammer heads are fully withdrawn.
The opening of the cordite doors in gun loading cage, which must take place before ramming can be accomplished, is described later under "Gun Loading Cage."
Gear is fitted for opening and closing the shell and cordite flash doors by hand, and the action of the interlocking gear in hand is the same as in hydraulic. To allow of this hand gear being worked, the bye-pass valve indicated must first be opened by means of the hand wheel provided.
In addition to those described above there is an interlock to prevent the rammers being extended until the gun loading cage is in the bottom position and locked (see plate 38). When cage is down the cage freeing lever is at 100 and link 107 is clear of arc 96, but when cage is freed the lower end of link 107 prevents movement of lever to ram. Further, cage cannot be raised until rammers are withdrawn.
INTERLOCKS, CENTRAL AND GUN LOADING HOIST LEVERS. TELEGRAPH GEAR, WORKING CHAMBER TO GUN HOUSE.
PLATES 36 AND 38.
The diagram shows gun loading cage locked and indicator set at "Not Ready." Telegraph lever 100 is connected to locking lever 101 and to indicator 102, the latter being in the gun house. When doors are open and rammers extended, lever 88 is in position shown, and the hook on 88 engages lever 103, which is connected to telegraph lever 100, thus locking gun loading cage against raising while rammers are extended and flash doors are open. When gun loading cage is loaded, rammers withdrawn, and doors closed, lever 88 assumes the position shown on plate 38, and telegraph lever 100 is freed and may be moved, on the order given, to position 100.a; this unlocks the gun loading cage in working chamber and sets indicator 102 in gun house to "Ready."
If after having freed the cage it should be required to again lock it, advantage may be taken of the Pedal Operated Gear provided. The pedal is situated under the waiting tray at the rear of the working chamber, and the result of depressing the pedal is to force the lever 111.a (see Plate 39, Fig. K3), out of the recess 112, and so allow the cage being locked by the action of spring 109.
The action of setting indicator 102 to "Ready" brings the hole in locking plate 104 in line with locking plunger 105, which is attached to hand lever 106, thus permitting latter to move to position 106.a, immediately locking telegraph lever in position 100.a. Until indicator 102 is set to "Ready," however, and gun loading cage is unlocked, hand lever 106 is locked against raising the cage. When telegraph lever 100 is raised to position 100.a, end of rod 107 drops in front of arc 96, and lever 87 is locked against ramming.
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GUN LOADING CAGE. CATCH GEAR IN WORKING CHAMBER. PLATE 39.
Fig. K.2 shows cage locked against any action which the compensating gear may have on the gun loading hoist cylinder tending to raise the cage, by reason of Hook on lever 101 engaging with Bracket 108 on Cage, the hook being kept in position by Spring 109, and by the downward weight of rod 110, Plate 38.
Fig. K.3 shows cage unlocked, lever 101 having been withdrawn as a result of raising lever 100, Plate 38. One end of lever 111 fits into recess 112 in bracket 113, and supports lever 114 while the other end is secured to lever 101 which is thus held from moving towards the locking position. When cage Ascends (see Fig. K.4), tappet 115 on cage engages with toe of lever 114.a which is raised to position 114.b, and is then disengaged, lever 114.b falling to position 114.a under action of spring 109.
When lever 106.a, plate 38, has been pushed over far enough towards "Lower" for the cage to descend, but not far enough to fully withdraw locking plunger 106, telegraph lever 100 together with lever 101 are still locked. As the cage Descends to the bottom the levers 111.a and 114.a assume positions 111.b and 114.c (see Fig. K.5). When lever 106.a, Plate 38, is pushed hard over to "Lower" the locking plunger 105 is fully withdrawn, releasing telegraph lever 100.a and the lever 101.a, the latter flies forward under the action of spring 109, and the levers again assume positions shown in Fig. K.2. It will therefore be seen that the gun loading cage is not locked in the working chamber until the gun loading hoist valve is fully open to exhaust, and that the rammers in working chamber remain locked until gun loading cage is down and secured to working chamber floor.
GUN LOADING HOIST
This comprises: --
The hoist. For arrangement see Plates 43 and 44.
The valve standard. For arrangement see Plate 54.
The cage and interlocks for same. As described later.
The press, compensating gear, valves, etc. As described later.
It must First be stated that this Hoist is worked in conjunction with the Flash Door between gun house and working chamber; both are controlled by means of one hand lever in the gun house.
The plates showing the arrangement of the hoist and of the valve standard are self explanatory. Certain interlocks between the hand operating lever and the levers, etc., in working chamber, and indicated on Plate 38 have already been described.
The cage, press, etc., etc., may be described as follows: --
GUN LOADING CAGE.
PLATES 45, 46, and 47.
The design of this Cage is similar to that for Pair 15-inch Mark I mountings, except that the Cams have been re-designed to allow easier manipulation of the cordite trays. The 4 quarter charges are disposed in two Trays one above the other, vertically over the projectile, the tray for which is fixed.
Plate 47 shows the arrangement in diagrammatic form. The Action of the Trays in dropping successively the two half charges into position for ramming is effected by Two motions of the hand lever, which is placed at the front of the cage. The First motion Rearwards (Figs. 1 and 2), drops the lower half charge on the shell tray and the upper half charge on to the lower cordite tray. The Second motion of the lever, Forward (Fig. 3), drops the second half charge on the shell tray, and sets both trays ready for being re-charged. The plate indicates the position of the hand lever at he instant the half charge falls, but the motion of the lever for each operation is "Full Over" each way without pause.
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An Access Door is fitted on the front of the cage, and through this the charges may, if desired, be removed from the cage.
The Loading Door at the forward end of cordite hopper is carried by two levers hinged on pins to give parallel motion, and it swings in opening in its own plane to one side. This door is Opened and Closed simultaneously with the flash doors for the waiting trays in working chamber, by a Lever A on plate 46, pivoted on the cage, which, as the cage comes to rest in its Bottom Position, suitably engages a Pin on the lever carrying the flash door 93 on plate 36. The opening of door 93 has already been described under "Rammer Interlocks."
Front and rear Stops are provided on the cage for bringing the shell tray into correct alignment with the gun. The Front stop engages a constant pressure Buffer, and the Rear stop engages the final Positioning bracket on the loading arm. A constant pressure Buffer for bringing the cage to rest, is also fitted in the working chamber. A Buffer for arresting the projectile, as it is rammed on to the cage from the waiting position, is fixed on the Floor of the working chamber, and relieves the cage from shock, see Plates 2 and 4.
Between the cage and the loading arm, various interlocking and safety gears are provided, and on the cage itself anti-surging stops are fitted. These items are described in the next paragraph.
INTERLOCKS ETC., BETWEEN GUN LOADING CAGE, CORDITE TRAYS, CHAIN RAMMER
AND LOADING RAMMER.
PLATE 49.
(a). Hand lever for chain rammer is locked until cage is up.
(b). Cage is locked to mounting whilst rammer is out, and cannot be lowered to working chamber
until rammer is in "Home" position.
(c). Hand lever for cordite trays is locked whilst chain rammer is out, and cannot be worked until
rammer is in "Home" position.
(d). Cage is locked to mounting whilst cordite trays are dropped, and cannot be lowered to
working chamber until the hand lever for cordite tray is in "Home" position.
(e). The anti-surging stops G are withdrawn as the cge arrives the gun.
DESCRIPTION OF GEAR.
Stop A on Cage engages lever B on Loading Arm, and withdraws bolt C, thus releasing the Rammer lever D. At the same time, a stop E on the Rammer Bracket engages lever F on the Cage, opening anti-surging stops G, by means of link Q, bell crank R, and connecting rod S, thus releasing the shell which may be now be Rammed. When the Rammer starts to Run Out, locking bolt H is positively pulled into a Socket on the cage by a Catch which engages the rammer head, and automatically releases itself (as shown in section).
The bolt H as it enters the Socket engages lever K, pushing a Projection on K under arm L, thus locking cordite tray lever M. When bolt H is withdrawn by the rammer on the return stroke, lever K is returned by spring N.
As the bell crank hand lever M is pulled over, Hook Lever P is pushed out by means of the cam slot and engages a Stop on the rammer bracket, thus preventing the cage being lowered until M has been returned to its "Home" position. When the rammer is again run out after hand lever M has been pilled over to the rear, lever K Locks M by the projection, this time coming over arm L.
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PRESS, COMPENSATING GEAR, VALVES, Etc. PLATE 48.
The diagram shows how Compensation is made for the varying length of rope.
The Cage is shown down in working chamber and locked in bottom position as on plate 38.
One end B of the gun loading hoist Rope is attached to the cage, and the Other end C to the loading arm, so that when the Cage is up the radius AB is equal to the radius AC from the trunnion centre A, and as the Gun is elevated or depressed the Rope runs round the system of pulleys without moving the crosshead D of the lifting press.
When the gun is being Elevated while the cage is in the working chamber, the Slack Rope paid off at C is taken up on the Lifting Press, the crosshead D being pushed out by constant pressure in the Auxiliary Press N, the lifting press at the same time drawing water from the Exhaust Tank O, the exhaust valve M1 of the working valve M being Open. As the gun is Depressed a reverse action takes place, the pull on the rope at C drags D back, forcing the water in the lifting press to Exhaust, and the water in the auxiliary press back into the pressure main.
At whatever Angle of Elevation the gun is, the Crosshead D arrives at the end of its stroke when the cage L arrives at the gun: but it will start from a different position, with each different angle of the gun, as the cage leaves the charging position in the working chamber. Therefore, with each different angle of the gun, the charging position of the cage in the working chamber corresponds with a different position of the cam K, by means of which the shuttle E1 of the raising throttle valve E is operated.
The shuttle E1 must be Adjusted to allow of its being blown back clear of throttling port by exhaust from press when cage is lowered.
A constant pressure Buffer on the floor of the working chamber is provided for bringing the cage finally to rest, see Plate No. 2.
An internal pipe leading from near the top of the exhaust tank O to the main exhaust tank under the working chamber floor (see Plate 2), ensures O always being kept full.
A Relief Valve is fitted in the pressure pipe to auxiliary cylinder, and any undue rise in pressure is thus dissipated. Liquid passing the relief valve is led away to the exhaust main.
The Length of the Lifting Rope is Adjusted by means of the tightening screw at the anchorage on the loading arm.
The Lowering throttle valve F is actuated by cam G on gun loading cage and on the cage descending as the Exhaust from the lifting cylinder is throttled, the cage is brought gently to rest in the working chamber.
GEAR TO PREVENT LOADING CAGE BEING RAISED UNTIL BREECH IS OPEN.
Note. - Plate 48 shows cage down and breech open.
The Passage from the pressure main through the Intercepting Valve P to the Working Valve M is open, therefore, on the control lever being moved to "Raise," the Cage will ascend. When the Breech is closed the Tappet on the breech pin will move away from spindle H1 which will then, by constant pressure, move over and expose the port and open to pressure the pipe leading from the valve H through trunnions J to act on differential ram P1, thus Closing the passage to the working valve.
When, by the movement of ram P1 passage, to press working valve is Closed, the passage itself is connected with the exhaust port of the intercepting valve to ensure that any leakage of pressure past the valve face shall go to exhaust and shall not cause the gun loading hoist ram to "creep" if the control lever should be put to "Raise."
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The purpose of the Non Return Valve P2 is as follows: --
Assume Cage being Lowered and Breech Closed and that it is required to Stop the Cage before it is right down.
The Intercepting Valve P will be Closed to pressure and open to exhaust.
If the control lever is Centred cage will Stop, but if lever be pulled right over to Raise, the press, so far as the valve M is concerned, will be put to Exhaust. The passage to exhaust, however, is closed effectively by the non return valve P2.
The non return valve also prevents cage dropping if pressure should fail on the pressure main side of valve P.
CONTROL VALVE FOR GUN LOADING CAGE. PLATE 48.
This is Two Ported and fitted with hydraulically Balanced Valves of the plug type, each plug being controlled by a pilot valve. The valve is similar in all respects to the one used for the central hoists.
FLASH DOOR.
PLATES 50 AND 51.
The circular Flash Door for closing the opening between the gun house and the working chamber is shown in general arrangement on plate 50, and diagrammatically, with valves and actuating gear, and a description, on plate 51.
As previously stated the Flash Door is worked in Conjunction with the Gun Loading Hoist.
The opening of the gear is clearly described on plate 51.
SECONDARY LOADING ARRANGEMENTS.
STOWAGE OF PROJECTILES IN WORKING CHAMBER.
Stowage for nine projectiles per gun is provided in the working chamber (see plates 2 and 4).
To lift shell into and out of the bins, a Radial Crane is fitted on the roof of the working chamber at each side. This crane has hydraulically operated lifting and traversing gear and hand slewing gear. It is arranged to plumb: --
(1). The shell bins.
(2). The shell carrier in its waiting position outside central structure, and
(3). The fixed waiting position to the rear.
It is from this fixed waiting position that the projectile is lifted to the gun by means of the radial crane in the gun house.
Hand Tackle is provided for: --
(a). Hauling a projectile from the ramming position into the gun loading cage in the event of the
rammers not being available.
(b). (Assuming the rammers are in working order, the tackle being attached to the rammer head). -
Hauling projectile from gun loading cage back into the ramming position.
A hook stick is provided to facilitate the placing of the tackle in position for both (a) and (b) above.
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SECONDARY SHELL SUPPLY TO THE WORKING CHAMBER.
Should the central cage break down, projectiles can be supplied from the shell room, up the Communication Passage in fore part of the trunk (see Plate 4) by means of a lifting press stowed in the central compartment of the trunk (see Plate 5).
In this case, the projectiles are hoisted in End-On Slings, and on arrival in the working chamber are transported by Grabs with 1 ton Morris purchases on overhead rails leading to the shell bins and the waiting positions at each side.
The Cut Off gear for the press is automatic in its action. Tappets on the press head engage levers attached to a rod which is secured to a Cam Bar. Movement of this cam bar operates the Intercepting Valve, and the latter is kept open normally by the action on the cam bar of a Self Centring Spring.
SECONDARY SHELL SUPPLY TO GUN HOUSE. PLATES 55 AND 56.
Should the gun loading cages break down, projectiles are supplied to the guns from the waiting tray at rear of working chamber by means of a Grab and wire rope let down from the Radial Crane in the gun house, the lifting press for which is controlled by a lever on gun platform (see Plate 54). Detachable Guide Ropes are provided for guiding the shell while it is being raised from the working chamber to the gun (see Plate 56). These ropes guide the shell in athwartship direction, and there is also provided a tail rope and Hand Tackle for guiding the shell in the fore and aft direction in its passage from the working chamber and through the opening in the roof. The tackle secures to an eyebolt in the floor at front end of working chamber.
The opening in the Roof of the working chamber for the passage of the shell is normally closed by a Hinged Door, flashproof and padlocked (see plates). When raising shell this door is secured in the open position. A shackle on upper side of door to be started and partly lifted by crane in gun house.
SECONDARY CORDITE SUPPLY TO GUN HOUSE. PLATES 57, 58, AND 59.
The secondary cordite hoist communicates between the handling room and the gun house without a waiting position in the working chamber. The cage passes up the trunk direct to the forward compartment of the screened-in structure at the rear of the gun house.
The Cage itself is in the form of a two-compartment bucket, each compartment taking two quarter-charges end-on, one above the other. Each compartment of the bucket is fitted with a flashproof lid and with a Spring which is strong enough to bring the lower charge nearly to the top of the canister when the upper charge has been taken out.
When the shaft up which the cage passes is not in use for the hoist, it forms an Access Way between the rear portion of the working chamber and the gun house, the door in the working chamber giving access to the shaft then becoming the flash door between the gun house and the handling room (see Plate 57). This door is interlocked with the hand lever controlling the working valve for the hoist. At the bottom of the hoist there is an interlock between the cage and the door in the trunk.
The Lifting Press is situated in the central compartment of the trunk (Plate 57, see also Plate 5), and the cut-off gear is of the same type as that for the secondary shell supply to working chamber described above.
ACTION OF THE GEAR.
Assume the door in working chamber is closed against the hoist passage (see upper or right hand view Plate 57). The plate shows the steps, rungs, etc., by means of which access is obtained, through the opening in the hoist passage, between the working chamber and the gun house.
To Allow the Hoist to be Used, the flaps a (see lower or left hand view) are first turned up to clear the cage rails. Hinged door b is now opened by means of the handles provided, and when clear of cage rails, flaps a are turned back in line with the door, which latter, on being completely hinged to the rear, is secured by a spring catch bolt. A slotted lever, keyed to hinge c, withdraws the bolt d from the slot in the end of the rod e, and releases the hand lever f.
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Before the Cage can be Raised the doors g in the magazine must first be closed. The top edge of the large door, in closing (Plate 58) engages lever X and so pulls up the stop Y, allowing the small door to close and press back the catch lever h releasing the cage freeing lever G.
On the order being given, by voice pipe from the gun house, lever G is now put over to "Free," lifting the rod H and withdrawing the locking bolt S from the cage, which latter can then be raised. The hand lever f, Plate 57, is put over to Raise, pressure is admitted to the lifting press, and at the same time the rod e is pushed down in the way of bolt d, thus locking the access door until the lever f is again put right over to "Lower" position.
As the cage rises, the striker T.C.S. leaves the lever T, allowing the bolt B to be pushed up by the spring E locking the doors in the magazine (see 6th position, Plate 59).
When the cage has left the bottom position Lever G Is Released, bolt S goes out and stop L is withdrawn, and the bolt B goes to its position (see 7th position, Plate 59).
In Lowering: -
The hand lever f is put to "Lower" and as the cage approaches the bottom position the striker B.C.S. pushes back the bolt S and puts L in the way of B (see 2nd position).
The striker T.C.S. then engages T and presses down R against the springs E and M. When the cage reaches the bottom, S springs into A and locks the cage, L is withdrawn and bolt B is pulled down by spring M, thus unlocking the door.
SECONDARY LOADING ARRANGEMENTS IN GUN HOUSE.
STOWAGE.
Stowage for three projectiles per gun is provided at the rear of the gun house (see Plates 2 and 4).
LOADING SHELL
When loading shell by Radial Crane and Grab, either from the bins in the gun house (Plates 2 and 4) or from the waiting tray in the working chamber (Plates 55 and 56), the projectile must be lifted sufficiently high and to one side to allow the hand loading tray to be shipped into the gun. For this operation the tray is provided with bracket supports about the middle of its length, and is lifted by hand so as to rest on pins in the top end of a forked lever pivoted on the loading arm, by means of which the tray can be lowered and its forward end guided into the breech of the gun.
When the tray has been shipped, the crane is slewed to plumb the tray and the projectile is lowered into it.
If pressure is still available the Chain Rammer may be used for ramming. To allow of the chain rammer being used with the hand loading tray in position, and when, in consequence, the gun loading hoist cage is not up, there is provided on the loading arm a handle by means of which the bolt normally locking the rammer lever when the cage is down may be withdrawn.
Two Hand Rammers are provided in each gun house.
Note. -- Care must be taken, when firing at angles of depression, that the radial crane is slewed to clear the gun.
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LOADING CORDITE.
The cordite, having been brought up in the secondary hoist bucket already described, is passed by Hand, from the bucket, round the back of the loading arm and so to the hand loading tray or to the tray of the gun loading cage.
MISCELLANEOUS.
When raising shell from working chamber by means of radial crane in gun house the Hinged Loading Tray must be hauled up into the breech and held there, till shell is past, by means of the hand rope provided.
For convenience when work is being done at the Breech a Portable Platform (see Plate 14) is provided, and when required this platform is shipped into position on the loading arm by means of the tackle specially supplied for the purpose.
The Sub Calibre Gun is shipped by means of the radial crane in gun house, and Morris blocks for which eyebolts are provided in the turret roof.
BREECH OPERATING AND INTERLOCKING GEAR.
PLATES 60, 62, AND PART 61.
OPERATING GEAR.
The Breech Block is operated by an Hydraulic Cylinder L (Plate 62) mounted on the gun; a Rack secured to the piston gears with a Pinion keyed to the hinge pin M.
The connection between cylinder L (which recoils with the gun) and the working valve B' (which is placed at the forward end of the gun slide, and does not recoil), is made by pipes led over the gun to the ends of two chambers in a Sliding Cylinder C, secured to the cradle. Two pipes connect these chambers with the valve B1. The pipes from the working valve ' admitting pressure to open and to close the breech are continued in compensating rods which pass right through the cylinder C, and are secured to the gun slide. The pressure holding the breech closed is thus maintained as the gun recoils and runs out again. This arrangement differs from that for the Pair 15-inch Mark I Mountings by having both pipes to breech operating cylinder L compensated through sliding cylinder C, and shock on the working valve B1 due to run out of the gun after firing is thus eliminated.
An Intercepting Valve, to control the speed of the breech block as it is swung out, is provided, and is described later.
INTERLOCKING GEAR.
To Prevent the Breech Being Opened until the gun has run out far enough to allow the breech block to swing out clear of the gear on the loading arm, a cam C1 on the sliding cylinder C engages the roller on one arm of the bellcrank lever K (pivoted on the slide), while the other arm of the lever engages a slot in the connecting rod between the working valve B1 and hand lever A, and holds these latter in the "Breech Close" position.
To Prevent the Breech Being Closed until the hinged loading tray has dropped low enough to clear the breech block as it swings in, a sliding bolt G connected with the hand lever A (see perspective view), is obstructed by a segment plate H, secured to hinged loading tray. The hand lever is thus prevented from being moved from the "Breech Open" position until, by movement of tray, the plate H is clear of bolt G. A second hand lever J, pivoted on the loading arm and convenient for use by the breech number, is connected to hand lever A.
The 20° Stop Gear, (items D, E, and F on plate 62), and its relation to the elevating and breech gears has already been described in this book, and is shown in full detail on plates 52 and 53.
Note.-The interlock between gun loading cage and breech has also been described, and details of the gear are shown on Plate 48.