New Old Guy

Welcome, Marc73,

I have a certain fascination with submarines also. Last summer we went to Charleston, S.C., and it happens that there is the CSS Hunley, which we saw at the (name I forget) Center where archaeologists are studying it, and the recovered remains. Are you familiar with it? That was amazing to see. You can also check out http://www.hunley.org/

For Christmas I asked for and receieved a recent book called "Lost Subs". I am sure you woud like that.

Down scope!

As a CW Living Historian for the NPS I am quite familiar with the Hunley and have belonged to the Hunley Foundation since day one. It is far more technology advanced then originally thought.

The model kit I have seen if I remember correctly has the torpedo spar in the wrong spot on top instead of bottom, but this was not known until the Hunley was recovered.

The best book as far as life in a submarine is Iron Coffin, written by a survivor of the U-Boats....some very tough experiences.

Just now beginning to figure out what tools etc I will need to do a good beginners job...my first will be a submarine that is for sure....

Marc,

What is NPS? Thanks for the mention of the book, I'll have to check that out.

When you mention the position of the spar on the Hunley, it brings back some memories, seeing it in illustrations both ways, and thinking, wasn't it on the the top (or bottom) the last time...!

I did not know there is a model of it, do you remember who makes it? I wonder if they will come out with a corrected kit.

NPS=National Park Service. Gettysburg, Antietam, Ft McHenry etc etc

A model is out I wiil check to see who makes it and post it today.

Marc Riddell

Here is the info on the spar torpedoe from www.hunley.org

The design of the spar is yet another mystery solved when the H.L. Hunley was located. For many years it was believed that the spar was a 22-foot yellow pine boom. However, the discovery of the H.L. Hunley revealed that the spar was made of iron, was mostly hollow, and measured 17 feet in length. It was also originally thought to have been affixed to the upper portion of the bow. But archaeologists working on the H.L. Hunley project discovered that the spar was mounted with a y-shaped joint at the bottom of the bow. The wooden boom may have also been used, but only as a support for a line holding the lower spar in place.

I found 2 resin kits by OldSteam Navy...one appears correct as to the spar and the open hull model looks incoorect with spar on top..I don't why they would make each different..I have seen a plastic model kit also with the spar incorrect...hopes this helps

Thanks much. I find the Hunley so interesting. One thing they mentioned too when we visited was a pocket watch that was found, closed, and they hoped to open it an capture a sample of air from back then to study. Don't know if they knew it had not leaked, or just hoped so. But just the thought of it I thought was really cool.

Take her down to 60 feet..