Tail clutch

[Lofty]

hello again Xbilgerat.   I think there used to be segment , (Position 25 past the hour) on the telegraph that said STANDING CHARGE .
I think on ALLIANCE today the segment is blacked out. I don't actually recall this segment myself at all but have I seen it on photographs.

The ARETMIS was my first boat built by SCOTTS and I have happy memories. The last boat was AMPHION by Vickers where I was the PO ELECTRICAN and thought this a big deal then. So I haven't any preferences I can recall.
The T boats were OK but didn't seem as roomy as an A boat----BUT their worst feature for me was the 336 cells compared to the 224 of A boats.It was a right pain when it came to taking the SG of each cell and then topping up. As we say--happy days.
Thanks Lofty

[xbilgerat]

That's right Lofty and the signalling system gave the tiffy on the platform the OK to put the clutch in. It was a star clutch ? and could be connected without 'lining up' as with some engine clutches. No doubt the variation was between the Admiralty and Vickers boats. I always preferred the latter.

[Lofty]

 Hi, Xbilgerat , apparently a couple of A Boats had hydraulic tail clutches . All part of the world of direct drive that went with the P&O boats.
Lofty

[xbilgerat]

To have a tail clutch out while snorting does not sound good to me but I do recall a standing charge on one donk while running on the other on the surfacer. Clearly the 'brake' on the shaft between the motor and the tail shaft was specifically to allow safe connection. There was a small indicator light and 'bell' in the steering gear space ( 'A' boats) when it was  necessary to apply the brake. Antediluvian stuff now.

[Lofty]

Many thanks Xbilgerat, I had this vague memory  that on finishing a standing charge , the engine (as normal when shut down) the  turning motor was engaged to keep the engine just moving as the engine cooled and this movement allowed the stoker to line the manual clutch.

I have no recollection of the tail clutch ever being out a sea , but if it had been,  I suppose I would have been waiting (in the MR) for the stoker to give the thumbs and I would start then the main motor.Don't remember that.

I remember once, the tail clutch being taken out for an experimental set-up while snorting --didn't like it --left us on one shaft.
Lofty

[xbilgerat]

I recall it was necessary to apply a 'brake' on the prop end of the shaft so the 'star' clutch could be safely connected. On some boats the engine clutch had to be 'lined up'  as a 'dog tooth' clutch was involved.

[Lofty]

Does any ancient submariner happen to remember the routine for engaging the tail clutch on an unconverted T or an A or as S boat after charging ?
Thanks Lofty