The ’Gatric’ Experiment

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 North Sea during WW2.

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.

Edited by Pioneer

 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

Edited by jimmy p

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.nelmes.fsnet.co.uk/paxman/blockade.htm

There are no more Fairmile A's, Tracy Lee at Shoreham was the last.

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!

Or even 2009