|
| Author |
Message |
    
Greg Firth
| | Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2003 - 06:03 pm: | 
|
I am researching my Uncle's WW2 Motor Torpedo (a.k.a. PT) Boat.
This was a Vosper 70 foot, powered by 3x 1100 hp Isotta Fancshini 18 cylinder, " W "configuration motors. (later Rolls Packhard Merlins)
Managing to find some info on the motors, but understand these were driven through Joes Gearboxes.
I can't find a thing on these, and was hoping someoneyou may be able to provide me with some technical info ( and perhaps drawings ??) of these. Would they possibly have been the same 'boxes as went into the first of the Vosper designed ELCO Packhard powered PT boats ??/
Thanks & regards
Greg Firth |
Robert
| | Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2003 - 08:34 pm: |
|
Lucky chap your uncle! As anyone here could tell you Joes Gears were made by Snow & Petrelli (Later Snow & Nabstead)of New Haven, Connecticut. Unfortunately they have been through several ownership changes and have discarded all records of their earlier products. You would probably do much better contacting the Royal Naval Museum(s) or Vosper's in whatever form they still exist. There is a considerable amount of information on the Vospers 70 footers in "Fast Fighting Boats" by Harald Fock. Possibly the set up was the same as the British Power Boat Co.'s PV boat (that later became PT9 and "the basis of all ensuing American development...") The PV boat had the two outer engines directly connected to the shafts and the inner engine driving through a reverse gear. Fock says the Vospers boats MTB 20-23, the first 70 footers ordered by the Admiralty in 1938 had the same arrangement. Fock also notes that as of June 1940 the Isotta-Fraschini engines were no longer available from Italy. Hope that helps |
solarrog
| | Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2003 - 08:43 pm: |
|
I Know this is a little out of step with the large Joe's gear boxes you have been discussing, BUT
I have a Bendix inboard marine engine with a tiny little Joes gear box on it. Follow the link if interested in pictures.
http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1659491&a=30894339&f=0
Roger DiRuscio
Fremont,Ca USA |
Robert
| | Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2004 - 11:58 am: |
|
Have a look at this link for info on the Thornycroft 70 footers. Probably these folks can tell you all about it.
http://www.bmpt.org.uk/boats/MTB-71/index.htm |
Jamie Fairchild
Visitor
| | Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 08:09 pm: |
|
Fair bit of information also to be found in 'British Motor Torpedo Boat 1939-45' by Osprey.
ISBN 1-84176-500-7. On the engines, this book states that only 13 Isotta Fraschini ad183's were delivered before Italy declared war on Britain in June 1940. Of the 70' Vosper MTBs, 20,21,22,23,29 & 30 were fitted each with 3 Isotta Fraschinis. 60' Vosper MTBs 71 & 72 were each fitted with 2 I.F's. That suggests 22 engines! I guess there is a simple explanation somewhere.
Although 109 R-R Marine Merlins were supplied from 1938-41, the 'Rolls Packard Merlins' later fitted were more likely to be Packard 4M 2500s, design of which was complete before Packard began work on the Merlin.
If I have the story correct, Hubert Scott-Paine of British Powerboat company pioneered use of the Napier Lion and then RR Merlin aero engines and the gearboxes for these do appear at least externally similar. H S-P then 'assisted' Packard with development of the 4M2500 . This left Vospers using the Isotta fraschini and then the Hall Scott Defender before later using the 4M2500.
I have engine/gearbox handbook drawings for the Isotta, Packard 4M, and the Marine Merlin and I would say they each look quite different, but I'm no gearbox expert. The Packard handbook certainly states that it was 'normally furnished as a complete powerplant' so, as suggested, the later Packard gearbox is likely to be the same as the Elco unit and different from the Isotta Fraschini.
Don't know if this helps. Let me know if gearbox drawings would be useful. |
Crabe
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 08, 2005 - 12:40 pm: |
|
Following your conversation, here's a picture of the Isotta-Fraschini Asso engine i took two weeks before, when i was making a paper for a french nautical magazine. This is one of the engines of MTB-71, the never been Norvegian Boat (look for the story on BPHT site). |
Lew Gage
Visitor
| | Posted on Saturday, March 05, 2005 - 09:42 am: |
|
I have a Star Marine aluminum case with Capitol reverse gear internal parts installed on a 1949 Ford flathead V8. This gearbox is rated at 150+/- HP. I purchased this unit new in 1955 and have lost the owners installation/field adjustment manual. I would like to find a copy of this manual. I have pictures of the internal and external of this transmission I could send. What happened to Star Marine (Berkley, Calif.)? How can I contact Capitol Gear Co? Help!! |
Nathan
Visitor
| | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 04:57 pm: |
|
I'm looking for someone who can rebuild my ford flathead marine engine water pumps, they are federal marine water pumps, can you help. |
Brian Lee
Visitor
| | Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 12:51 am: |
|
I have Packard 4M2500 12 cilinder around 750 hp (i dont really know much) for 1 set full with gear box delco remy and original set. Would like to sell it fast but i am in Indonesia. I have the photos if anyone interested. It was my belated dad who loves ship so much but I never use it anyway. |
Brian Lee
Visitor
| | Posted on Friday, July 07, 2006 - 12:55 am: |
|
Here is another photo for my 4M2500 Packard with Gear box Delco remy. Anyone interested please mail me okay. I will sell it fast and cheap. Thanks guys
 |
gordon mcrae
Visitor
| | Posted on Monday, August 28, 2006 - 08:14 pm: |
|
In response to Lew Gage in Berkeley,
Pacific Rim engineered products (PREP) in British Columbia is the main Capitol Gear company. Also, could try marinegears.com in Florida for parts.
The old capitol manual gear boxes can be very difficult to get info or parts for. Good-Luck! |
Tony Andrew Maxfield
New member
Username: tony
Post Number: 3
Registered: 08-2006
| | Posted on Friday, September 01, 2006 - 07:50 am: |
|
Hi Brian,
Would like images of your Packard please. Have you sold it yet. Live in Australia, close to SE asia.
Tony |
Robert Stengl
New member
Username: higgins_fan
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2013
| | Posted on Saturday, August 09, 2014 - 10:28 am: |
|
Still Available? 504-528-1944 x375 |
|
|
|
|
