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Tune, 1914 THE MARINE REVIEW POR? TURBINE, LOOKING AFT, SHOWING GOVERNOR: AND OIL RELAY CYLINDERS practically no attention as the regulation is automatic. The speed has been regu- lated accurately, but not as accurately as desired. . Unfortunately there has been no opportunity for steaming in formation, but I have no doubt of the suitability of the control system for this purpose. In maneuvering, in coming to anchor, going alongside, etc., the regular bridge detail has handled the turbines without difficulty. In this connection, attention is invited to the fact that none of the deck officers are experi- enced in engineering. In fact, they have no knowledge of it. If men of this type can use the bridge control, there should be no difficulty on a naval vessel. In maneuvering, the control gear has operated satisfactorily. The indicators show the operator what the turbines are set to do, and what they are doing. Gauges show the air and steam pressure available. The gauges and_ indicators have special dials so that the indications can be understood by an untrained man. With this control gear, it is as easy for one man to operate the engines of a battleship as it is to run an automobile. "Under service conditions,.there is a Saving in time in operating from the bridge of from 2 to 6 seconds which depends principally on the engine room Operator. Under test conditions of course this would be less. To _ the officer on the bridge it gives confidence to know that the propellers are entirely under his control, that the control gear Operates quickly and exactly the same each time. There is no doubt as to whether the signal is being answered Properly and promptly. There is no one over whom he has no control to Use discretion to keep the steam up When the ship is in a dangerous posi- tion. In case of emergency, the officer on the bridge can best decide whether it is best to save steam or a collision. "In two instances it was necessary to increase the speed suddenly to avoid collision. The steam pressure dropped very low and some of the auxiliaries were about to stop. The engineer pro- tested vigorously against such unwise operation. He, not knowing the danger, would probably have eased up to save steam, and collision would have _ re- sulted. "During: one voyage the propellers came out of water so that excessive racing would have occurred with ordin- ary machinery. Most of the time they came half-way out and frequently they 231 came practically all the way out. Due to the action of the governing mechan- ism racing was prevented. The speed increased and decreased slightly--about four per cent estimated. The turbine inlet valves were opening and_ closing continuously and at times they were entirely closed. Quick operating valves ate necessary to effectively prevent Tac- ing. This feature of the control system is of importance because it will enable a vessel to steam at considerable speed in heavy weather. Reliable Control "After being modified, the control system has been thoroughly reliable. Even if the bridge control should fail, it only requires a few seconds to change to the engine room. This feature has been frequently tested and found satis- factory. However, with the improve- ments which will be made in accord- ance with the experience gained with this, the first installation, I am convinced that operation from the bridge will be absolutely positive and reliable under all conditions. In my opinion, it will be more reliable than the . telegraph, although the latter is good in this res- pect. As the general. principles. are the same, there is no reason why it should not be as-reliable as the air brake, or even. more so as the service is less severe." : : The bridge control system which will be installed with the new turbines and reduction gears. now under construction for the Neptune, has been thoroughly tested out on a small marine turbine in the shops of the Westinghouse Ma- chine Co. and found entirely satisfactory, obviating entirely troubles which it was Bait PORT TURBINE LOOKING FORWARD SHOWING GOVERNOR AND OIL RELAY CYLINDERS