Question about Skipjack bridge and sail internals

[steveuk]

Can anyone help with info on the bridge arrangement and/or internals of the sail on Skipjack class please?

I am currently building a Revell 1/72 skipjack. I want to add superdetail. I have already cut out the bridge opening so I can have some crew up there. I am also going to open up the sail plane access doors. I have some photos of the actual sail plane doors, and a few hints at the rear wall on this level which has large holes through it.

My current bridge ref is nil - I've not found anything on the whole web. All I have are a couple of cutaway diagrams showing ladders going up the sail. These don't explain how the crew get from the top sail area (with its upper set of windows) up to the open bridge. The diagram shows a small set of steps going up backwards - are these off to one side, in the middle - is there an access hole in the bridge floor or a cutout in the bridge front wall?

Any help will be much appreciated, feel free to sketch, draw diagram, share photo, pm me , put in members only section ..anything will be greatly appreciated.

[steveuk]

I have widened my search, now looking at George Washington class too, since they seem closely related to Skipjacks. I found this cutaway model which has the same arrangement of bridge access steps as in the Skipjack diagram. Looks like 'mind your head' on the way up!

[steveuk]

Bridge floor

I have started looking for clues by scrutinising available photos. Here are some pics of Shark under way. From these I have deduced the that the bridge floor must be such a height that crew are able to rest arms and elbows on top of the sail. Also, in these pics the bridge is totally crowded with crew. They must all be standing on something solid so I can't see there being an open access hole to fall through. There must be some kind of access hatch with a close-able lid which can be stood on. I'm guessing some wooden slatted floor panel which hinges up when climbing up into the bridge.

[steveuk]

Lookout platforms

In the next couple of pics we can clearly see that the crew are standing a lot higher than the previous established floor height. My guess is there are fold down lookout platforms.

Let me know any thoughts on these educated guesses?

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

No knowledge of the Skipjack bridge.
The George Washington on the other hand had sort of bench arrangement.
Access ladder was at the front of the bridge opening and under the top of the sail .
The instrument suitcase mounted on the bracket that dropped down from the the inside top of the sail, just in front of the two drop down hatch panels that opened up the bridge to the outside.
There was room for maybe 4 people in the opening in front of the bench where you stood on the lower floor.
The bench was not necessarily for sitting but could be.
The bench was narrow and was more of a standing platform.
Three people could stand up there at the back or the bridge opening.
The bench was about 3' tall and had a step half way up.
Sitting was more like leaning.

I was told there was a wind/splat shield that could be placed at the front of the bridge opening.
I never saw it.
In the sail storage or in the boat.

Access to the bridge was through a hatch at the front of the control room just before entering officer berthing.
You faced aft while climbing to the first platform, then stepped off on to the mid level platform and them turned around and continued up to the bridge facing forward.

Sorry I don't remember much.
Only made it to the bridge during sea trials 4 times.
Second through the hatch and carried the instrument suitcase. Installed and check everything worked.
Then dropped down tot he mid level platform and just stayed out of the way as the offices and yard people made their way up.
Then removed the suitcase when told and went down again to get out of the way.

[steveuk]

Hi Ralph, Thank you so much! It's great to talk with someone who served on these subs. Your info is really helpful. I am going to sketch (old school pencil) a 3D artists impression of this area. I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

In the mean time I will attach these pics I found of the wind/splat screen you mentioned, hope you will enjoy seeing it.

[steveuk]

George Washington class windshield

Especially for Ralph - I found one pic in my collection of ref image files. This is Robert E Lee with her windshield, a rare sight it seems. Hope you enjoy this Ralph.

I've collected some nice pics of George Washington class along the way. I intend to build one using a Revell Skipjack and converting it. I realized quite quickly though that it isn't as simple to convert as I thought so that is going to be a long project.

[steveuk]

artists impression of Skipjack tower

Here is my artists impression sketch how I think the internal arrangements of Skipjack class tower look. Based on glimpses in photos, and existing plans and models, and Ralph's description of George Washington (which have similarities with Skipjack).

Thoughts, discussion welcome. I wonder how close this is to being right? This is how I am currently planning to model the opened up areas of my 1:72 USS Shark model. (I need to start a builder thread for that!)

[chipper]

Steve, I'm a static modeler and have the same plans for my Skipjack. These sails are too big not to supply extra detail. I think your sketch was pretty close from what little I know. Wish someone had answered you. Best thread on internal layout I've seen. Thanks

[steveuk]

Thanks for your post Chipper. How far have you got with your 1:72nd Skipjack build? I have been tied up with my HMS Repulse scratch build for a long time. But I have recently finished and handed over to Ron so it can go to the molders. So I will be getting back to my Skipjack project soon.

[chipper]

Detaiing a static display Skipjack

Thanks for getting back to me Steve. My kit is ordered and unexpected shortly. It'll be a display only for either my man cave or directly over my wife's side of the bed. I've collected a mountain of photos but haven't been able to find enough bridge and sail detail to justify cutting into it. You've encouraged me to try with your post and I thank you. Aside from the PE and propeller sets available, do you know of anyone who has fabricated 1/72 deck hatches or other goodies? Thanks, Chip



o

[steveuk]

Hi Chip, Great stuff. ..As a static scale modeller (and I am also one of those as well as doing RC) I'm sure you find the kit rather lacking at such a large scale. There are lots of photo's of Skipjack subs on the net. First you will need to select which actual sub you wish to model They all have different access panel positions on the side of the sail. Second you need to select which period you will be modelling that particualr sub. They all change colour and had various upgrades throughout their service lives. fww I dont think the photo etch sets help much. The real access panels on the side of the sail are flush. So if one glues the photo etch circle panels on the side of the sail they end up standing proud - which is not right. The problem is the details on the kit dont match any particular sub as far as I can make out. I am not aware of any other after market sets. I will scratchbuild what I need.

[tom dougherty]

Skipjack TAB

Attached from the Piping Tab Book are the Skipjack masts. I know you are looking for the cockpit, which I will have to check my other Skipjack class information and drawings to see if I have anything.

[steveuk]

Hi Tom, Thanks very much for the masts info. I did not have a drawing of them. Interesting how they have drawn the surface radar coming up through a large opening, and the doors appear to operate much like on HMS Repulse i.e. rotating open like a typical barbeque lid. I guess the bridge hatches probably open the same way.

[Ralph --- SSBN 598]

On the George Washington, the bridge hatch doors where spring loaded and swung down in to the bridge area.