Anatomy of the Ship: The Submarine Alliance

[Subnuts]

I purchased a copy of this book by John Lambert through Amazon's used book service last week (Christmas gift for myself!) for $14. I own a few of the "Anatomy" books, and pretty much know what to expect. Well, this one really surprised me. The bulk of the drawings are actually perspective and exploded-view schematics of the boat's machinery, armament, and propulsion systems. And the level of detail is incredible. For example, there are seven pages devoted to the Admiralty-pattern diesels used on several of the A-class boats, showing the engine framework, air start, lubricating oil, and circulating water systems, cylinder heads, fuel pumps and injectors, engine controls, supercharger, and valve gears. There are even drawings showing the propeller lifting gear, the layout of the periscope optics, battery ventilation system, air conditioning compressors, the refrigeration plant, and diagrams showing the torpedo firing and door-opening gear. And amazingly enough, it's all in a compact 10 x 10 inch book!

I should get around to doing a full review sometime soon, but for the time being, here are a few scans from the drawing section:

Evolution of the A-Class:


Plan of hull casing and main deck:


Internal profile and plan of bridge:


Sections through Control Room:


Hydroplane arrangements:


Engine construction & engine room circulating water system:


Air Compressors:


Mk VIII torpedo components:

[Task Force]

This looks to be a int interesting book.