Messages

1

Submarine Related Chatter / Re: Engine room noise level

« on: November 07, 2014, 04:18:50 PM »

I'm currently taking care of the engines on the Silversides and have been for the past five years. We start them up about every three weeks during the summer to keep them alive. Currently we are only running # 3 & 4. I am a retired senior chief engineman and like most now just a little hard of hearing but spent a lot of years on watch. Because the boats are DC power 60 cycles does not apply. As for sounds all different manufactures engine had there own sound. Fairbanks are in my opinion the best built and sweatest sounding. When it came to snorkeling they couldnot be beat. A rule of thumb was run main engines at a 80 / 90 combination. Eighty percent speed, ninety percent load, they would run forever. I don't think the railroads have run fairbanks for many many year. there using 645's mostly. This could account for the sound you are referring to. Contact me if i can answer any of your guestions.

Frank Lydell

2

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: DONATIONS

« on: November 04, 2014, 02:49:49 PM »

I believe the USS Silversides museum would make a good home for it. Were in Muskegon Michigan and do have a very nice collection of submarine books. Peggy would be the contact and her number is (231) 755-1230. Thank you for considering donating to one of the museums.

Frank Lydell

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Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: Silversides new Mk37

« on: December 22, 2013, 11:52:17 AM »

Queston, what is the best way to attach photos to this site?

 Frank

4

Museum Submarine Discussion / Silversides new Mk37

« on: December 21, 2013, 10:57:43 AM »

The Silversides has a new Mark 37 torpedo for display. We want to say thank you to Dennis Gilbert and Rick Gilbert from the Batfish, also to Peter Papadakos from the Hawthorn ordnance museum in Nevada. My brother Tom who helped with the pick up and assembly. Merry Christmas to ALL. 

Frank Lydell

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Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: Silversides Sharples purifier

« on: October 05, 2013, 03:25:00 PM »

Thanks you and Pat i can go search fot the repair parts i neeed. Please mail it and i will cover the mailing cost. Again, thank you for the help. Frank

Frank Lydell
8020 Whispering Hills NE
Rockford Mi. 49341

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Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: Silversides Sharples purifier

« on: September 25, 2013, 03:47:29 PM »

Derrin, Thanks for getting back to me. The belts are one inch flat canvas style driven by a convex pullly. I also need some mechanical parts for the drive pully system. Frank

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Museum Submarine Discussion / Silversides Sharples purifier

« on: September 06, 2013, 09:38:02 AM »

I need some parte for the purifier. My main need is a couple of belts, new or used. Any tools or parts will also help. Thanks. Frank Lydell

8

Museum Submarine Discussion / USS Silversides 2012

« on: November 27, 2012, 10:40:08 AM »

Well it's the end of our season again and we had a good year. Were now draining all the water systems and piping getting ready for winter. We got a lot of run time on 3&4 main engines and managed to burn 250 galons of fuel. We also had help from some old boat sailors doing lineups and starting engines. Their is no way to describe the smiles on their faces and sometimes a misty eye when they fire up a Fairbanks.  We had lots of visitors, some old sub vets from WW II and it's always a joy talking with tnem. The USS Perch reunion came over from Grand Rapids and spent the day. They had their tribute for their lost shipmates, a local lady (i forgot her name) played Taps for them and we started engines when she finished, it was moving to say the least. Once again a few misty eyes. Theis is no way that volunteering could ever be considered work!

Now it's time for some maintenance getting ready for next year.  Can anyone donate or loan us a F/M injector test stand and pressure gauge calibrator?

9

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: USS Silversides first engine run 2012

« on: July 03, 2012, 10:12:30 AM »

I forgot to ask what's going on on-board the Torsk these days? Do you know Paul Kidd, he used to be a volunteer on her and now lives in Muskegan? Frank

10

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: USS Silversides first engine run 2012

« on: July 03, 2012, 10:09:43 AM »

we had a group that restores old military trucks come out this weekend and spent the night on board. Lots of fun and they claimed that they are all gearheads and like machinery so we fired up 3&4.  a great time was had by all and i hope they put us on their next years tour again. If you ever get a chance to come up this way let me know and we will do a start up. Frank

11

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: USS Silversides first engine run 2012

« on: June 27, 2012, 03:45:51 PM »

Mark, I'm not sure of which video you are looking at their is more than one out on u-tube. most likely it's both 3 & 4. Frank

12

Submarine Related Chatter / Re: Fairbanks injector test stand

« on: May 26, 2012, 09:13:15 PM »

Thanks for getting back, no i have not located one. I would be interested i talking with you about borrowing it for a while, how do i contact you? Frank

13

Museum Submarine Discussion / Re: Silversides, engine run and special visitor, 5/13.

« on: May 25, 2012, 06:04:54 PM »

It's a privilege' i only wish other boats sailors could have the opportunity, Frank

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Museum Submarine Discussion / Silversides, engine run and special visitor, 5/13.

« on: May 14, 2012, 09:19:03 AM »

 We took on fuel this week and got a good run on # 3 & 4 main engines. We had lots of visitors including a west Michigan camera group and one special visitor. Jillian Thompson who is writing a paper for her masters on diesel boats. She is gathering material on diesel boat operations, restoration and preservation projects. She will be visiting Tom & Lesley next on the Drum. This should be interesting for all those involved with, and interested in the boats. I will keep you posted. Frank

15

Museum Submarine Discussion / USS Silversides first engine run 2012

« on: April 15, 2012, 11:30:09 AM »

 We started # 3 & 4 main engines this weekend, first time this season. Everything went well with the ever reliable F/Ms. We had a lot of visitors and everyone enjoyed the sight, sound and smell. I think were off to a good season, stop by if you get a chance. Frank