U-505 Visit Pictures

[Ironclad2]

This summer I was doing some work at Fermilab, a physics lab outside of Chicago, and during my summer made a pilgrimage to the U-505 exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. While I'm sure most of you know the story of her better than I do, I thought I'd post some of my photos from the visit for everyone to see. If you search "U-505" in the forums, you can also find information on her, and a link to the museum's virtual tour of the inside of the sub.

Since the interior was partially "re-done" with "special effects" (sounds and flashing lights as the tour guide recites a monologue), and is thus considered an artist's intellectual property, I couldn't take pictures of the inside.

First, the view of her as you enter the exhibit, from the bow looking aft. She was previously outdoors, and the elements were having an affect, so the vessel was moved inside, with the exhibit surriounding. You can see a tour group about to enter through a door that's been cut into the port hull.





A view of the conning tower, showing some battle damage. After she was forced to the surface, fighters from the aircraft carrier in the allied strike group carried out a few strafing runs. The first man out of the hatch was the only casualty during the operation.



A view of the twin screws, rudders, and aft torpedo tubes, one with outer doors open.



Real versions of some familier pieces of tin from SHIII



A piston from one of her diesels. For scale, the description to the left is about the same size as a piece of standard letter paper.



View of the bow, with a recently-fired shot. When she was captured, U-505 had aboard a few of the new German acoustic-homing torpedoes. At this point in the war, the Allies didn't even know the Kriegsmarine had such weapons yet.



A view of her underside, showing the "sonar dome".



A one-man life raft. If you thought the U-boat was cramped... (At 6'0", I would have to sit knees-to-chin to fit inside)



Closer view of the screw