Degowsing Gear

[robpage]

Sir William Thompson 1st Lord Kelvin patented the first compass card in 18** and the balls which are "Soft " iron , and I cannot remember what that is , so Jimmys may fill that detail in , were there to compensate fot the iron hulled ships inherent magnatism . Rigght that is two questions on Hulls answered , how about one on Doxfords

[jimmys]

I was in a test of DG gear in Birkenhead, in Vittoria dock, the vessel the Automedon (I think), a late 1940,s Blue Funnel vessel. Due to interference from cranes and other vessels it was not successful. It was a MOD scientific test. It was late 1960's
We were having the same problems as mentioned before, surging of load and lights dimming. The ship went to off Holyhead for the test to be completed.
I recall the Second Mate say the magnetic compass was all over the place. I did not really see anything, I was 3/e on the engine controls.
A certified compass adjuster came out after the tests and the ship was swung to test and recalibrate the compass. A new card was issued.
He was an expert on iron balls and he poked little iron rods in the binnacle. Us engineers were more expert on balls ups.
The vessel had a B&W double acting engine and the best place to be was ashore when it run up.

regards
jimmy