More thoughts and observations on Torpedo Tubes:
Below are several pics showing the outer aspects of various ship's torpedo tubes. One is from Vesikko, there are Type IX and Type VII boats showing the same detail.
I am curious as to the fact that all of these boats seem to have somewhat thin castings that have the vent channel and two piston ear channels cast into the tube shape, yet the famous gray cut-away torpedo tube does not have these cast channels, nor do any of the tubes on U-995.
These should be visible if the actually exist on U-995, but I do not believe the bulges deform the exterior of the U-995 tubes. Clearly, though, the channels and vents are obvious inside the tubes. My question/theory is this: Are these tubes with the exterior bulges the earlier bronze tubes that were cast, and were the later steel tubes thicker, but having the channels cut into the tube with a smooth exterior?
As discussed in a previous thread, it was questionable as to if the exterior dimensions would be altered as that might make the fittings need adjusted. I submit that the thickness of the mounting pads would make up for changing to a thicker steel tube with thinner pads - thus keeping the mounting points the same.
U-164 The first one I plan on using extensively as this is the only pic I have seen that show the fixture mounting pads and bolt locations... but you will notice quite obviously the marked casting channels.
U-260 shows the same bulges near the muzzle and along the length
U-352 shows the obvious shape cast into the tubes.
Vesikko has similar bulges, and most definitely would have had earlier style tubes, although obviously not the same kind as on the VIICs and IXs.
Just thoughts as I was working this morning...
Christopher
