Does anyone have a set of plans for the USS Kearsarge BB-5 I think. I am looking for it post conversion to Crane Ship #1 or AB-1. Just kicking around some ideas.
I think it would be cool to have one of these. It is not on the approved ship list. Is there a way to get a waiver?
Thanks Will, those are great showing the before the conversion. I would just have to figure out the bulges that where added to increase stability for the crane.
not for sanctioned events though as the crane ship you'd just be a convoy I guess, no guns, and it may be somewhat less of a care. @thegeek - having been contest director a few times - might have some thoughts on that question
Was thinking of turning the crane into a tow hook for ships that need assistance. Just a wild thought.
http://navsource.org/archives/01/005/010556.jpg Found a good stern picture of the crane conversion on the kearsage. Not sure how to add the bulges to the kearsage.
I was wondering is it ok as Crane Ship No. 1 to make a working Crane and snag ships with a working crane to sink attacking ships? Just a odd ball idea, it struck me as a funny but serious question.
The AB-1 model, as in reality would just be a target, The only thing that would be accomplished by attaching yourself to a boat with GUNS is a nice none moving target!
The Dictionary of Naval Fighting Ships lists AB-1 as having 16 knots. Had to have something to move itself.
this is a farly interesting ship and the duel lives it lead as a warship and its second life as a maintenance service vessle
"Her military equipment was removed and huge side blisters were added for stability, increasing her beam by twenty feet. She retained her engines, some boilers and her forward smoke stack, which were put to limited use during the early years of her service as an auxiliary vessel." found this,her old engine probably did not last long.
You are correct. The information I have is not exactly wrong, it is just incomplete. I suspect the props were removed at some point in her latter career. This link https://tugster.wordpress.com/2016/06/15/thanks-to-barrel-13/ has a photo of the AB-1 with two quite obvious propellers. I doubt she ever made 16 Knots however.
