The ’Gatric’ Experiment
Printed From: BMPT Forum
Category: Boats (In alphabetical order)
Forum Name: Motor Torpedo Boats
Forum Description: Discussion on Motor Torpedo Boats
URL: http://www.bmpt.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=423
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 7:55pm
Topic: The ’Gatric’ Experiment
Posted By: Pioneer
Subject: The ’Gatric’ Experiment
Date Posted: 30 September 2007 at 4:12pm
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The ‘Gatric’ Experiment. Here is a poor but rare colour image, taken in 1947, of 2009 shown as converted for Gas Turbine propulsion. Originally built by Messrs Camper Nicholson as MGB 509 – later MTB 2009 – she was one of a small class of naval vessels, famously associated with the ‘ball bearing’ runs across the The vessel began her life being quite unique in that she was originally powered by 3 of the later versions of the supercharged Packard petrol engines - delivering 1500hp each, (the remainder of her class of 8 having Paxman diesels fitted). The Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Company Limited (as it was then known) built the worlds first marine-ised version of the gas turbine engine unit and thus this vessel became the Worlds first GT powered craft. Connected to the centre shaft, the unit was estimated to deliver 2500shp, giving her a speed of 24knts on that shaft only. No speed records were attempted, the experimental ‘Gatric’ engine being used solely to prove the viability of GT propulsion for naval craft.
------------- Pioneer - Forum Moderator |
Replies:
Posted By: johnk
Date Posted: 01 October 2007 at 8:44am
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Fantastic shot, she really is moving, proving GT was a good idea I think!
JohnK |
Posted By: jimmy p
Date Posted: 03 October 2007 at 1:07am
Sorry to seem ignorant. Fairmile'C'?? Only 'c' i've seen is never leaving the harbour again & only recognisable by the transome & sheer. Def not a 'D'. Bow & sheerline looks like a 'B' but wheelhouse nowhere near. Could this be the first pic i've seen of an original fairmile? Of course it could just be the camera angle making her look 100ft+. Anyone enlighten me? She certainly looks fit for purpose  ------------- A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money |
Posted By: jimmy p
Date Posted: 03 October 2007 at 1:16am
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Hang on a mo, Built by C&N, Ball bearing run, 3shafts. You're not telling me that MGB320 once looked like that?? Guess we all lose our looks with old age P.S. Anyone got a pic of a fairmile'A'? as i've never seen one. Any left? ------------- A boat is a hole in the water surrounded by wood, into which one throws money |
.Posted By: Christian
Date Posted: 03 October 2007 at 9:15am
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Hi Jimmy The Camper & Nicholson MGBs had nothing to do with any Fairmiles. Here's a couple of links which should help; http://www.smesh.co.uk/ml108/interest.htm - http://www.smesh.co.uk/ml108/interest.htm http://www.nelmes.fsnet.co.uk/paxman/blockade.htm - http://www.nelmes.fsnet.co.uk/paxman/blockade.htm There are no more Fairmile A's, Tracy Lee at Shoreham was the last. |
Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 03 October 2007 at 9:22am
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Hello 'jimmy p' The 8 craft were originally ordered by the Turkish Navy just before ww2 began. They were subsequently requisitioned by the RN before completion. These were quite unique craft designed and built by C&N who had no connection with the Fairmile company. The complete 8 were intended to be diesel powered but the required Paxman Engines were not available. You can find pictures of the Fairmile 'A' at http://www.navyphotos.co.uk/mls.htm - http://www.navyphotos.co.uk/mls.htm ------------- Pioneer - Forum Moderator |
Posted By: tramontana
Date Posted: 04 October 2007 at 6:37pm
| really nice photo of 5009, some boats at speed look "untidy" with water flying all over the place, this boat looks totally unfussed and very graceful at speed, interesting engineroom layout. When "Ambra" was "Southerner" her engine room layout was ; 6cy 235bhp G.M. Diesel on centre shaft, with P&S shafts having 1cy 1700bhp Armstrong Siddeley Gas Turbines fitted. Most of the chaps who manned a modified version of this boat (5009 type in wartime) on the ball bearing run were Merchant Seaman from Hull employed by Ellerman Wilsons, if the boat sank your wages stopped promptly! |
Posted By: tramontana
Date Posted: 04 October 2007 at 6:39pm
| 5009 read 509 |
Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 04 October 2007 at 6:58pm
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Or even 2009 ------------- Pioneer - Forum Moderator |
Posted By: tramontana
Date Posted: 05 October 2007 at 10:17am
looks like I will have to spend some of my pension on new glasses
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Posted By: Pioneer
Date Posted: 12 October 2007 at 9:24am
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Some contributors Post's have been moved to the Merchant Navy section ------------- Pioneer - Forum Moderator |