The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-06-05

The gyrOScOpe and it's envelOping ap-
paratus, known to torpedo experts as
the obry gear, is connected with the
rudder and steers the big steel fish. If
the torpedo in its journey strikes a cur
rent or any sort of an obstruction that
tries to turn it from its course and send
1t kiting in the wrong direction, the lit
tie top sets to work and tugs at the
rudder until the torpedo is brought
back to it's proper course. 1t thus acts
both as compass and helmsman and
has enormously increased the efficiency
with torpedoeS fitted with the obry
gear, it has been proved that they will
not show a lateral variation of more
than three yards either way in travel
ing 500 yards, the distance at which
torpedoes are intended to be fired. Con-
Sidering the work that this apparatus
performs, one is not surprised to learn
that it is carefully weighed and shaped
and tested. until it is as accurate as
the hairspring of a watch. and that in
making it the most skilled mechanics
are employed.
1t is essential not only that the tor
pedo should keep to the fixed path
mapped out for it. but also that it
should remain at a fixed depth which
will vary according to the kind Of yes
sci it is to attack. This point is looked
after by another skillful piece of ma
chinery found in another part of the.
workshop, and known as the INNER
sion gear" This consists of a hC%A
pendulum, carried in the balance
chamber" and attached to the rudder
in such a way that if the torpedo goes
below its required depth the pendulum
swings forward, bringing the rudder I'D
and so steering the torpedo back to it's
proper immersion distance.
SECRETS OF CONSTRUCTION.
torpedo mechanism were for years the
most carefully guarded secrets of the
governmental and firms engaged in
making them. They were known only
TO a few naval officers and to highly
paid workmen, sworn to secrecy. They
are made public now only after the
governments of Europe have all gained
knowledge of them in one way or an
other, through their secret service
men. and after they have been fully
protected by letters patent in every
country They make 1T possible for
ship running at full speed to launch
torpedo into the water with the abSo-
Lutte certainty that it will follow the
course marked out for it and reach
the object aimed at, thing that could
not be done with the earlier forms of
torpedoeS.
Although these two pieces of appar-
atus will correct any deviation from
the torpedos course, the torpedo is also
supplied with fins in the shape of hori-
sontal and vertical rudders of thin
steel fixed at the tail, which serve to
keep it straight under ordinary condi-
lions.
Scarcely less interesting are the mus
cles of the big fish-three brass cylin-
60 l~.r&
capable together of developing 30-horse
power when connected with the COM
pressed air in the storage chamber and
driving the torpedo at the speed of a
train by means of the propel-
Ter blades attached to the tail. The
propeliers revolve in opposite directions
and so prevent the torpedo from rolling
in the water. They have to be very
finely made, in order to exactly neutral
lie each other.
After the torpedo has been completed
and tested in the water. if it is found
that they do not work properly to-
gether, they are detached and fine
steel shaving is taken from one or the
other, until they have the proper coun-
terpoise.
The most interesting moment in the
forging of one of these steel thunder
bolts is when the many different parts,
ferent sections of the big shop, are
brought together in the assembling
room. The long steel cone is placed
upon a frame into which it fits exactly,
and one after another the various
pieces of propelling and directing gear
are put in by skillful hands. each one
being tested as it is put into place to
make sure that it is in working order.
1t is like witnessing the struggling
birth of some sentinel thing to watch
process until it has all been jointed to-
shers, who go all over its surface, rub
glistens like mirror and offers the
through the water.
MAKING A RECORD.
The finished torpedo goes next to the
storeroom, where it is placed. in COM
pany with dozens of it's fellows, in
wooden racks ranged one above the
other. Throughout its career it is
handled with the greatest care, but SO
Tar it is harmless. The bronze head is a
practice head, and carries only the bal
asst needed to give it the proper weight
The war head, with its charge of gun
cotton, is not to be put on until the ac-
.ual need for the torpedo's services
shall rise.
Next in order comes the testing. For
his work the Bliss company has Sc
cured the use of Peconic bay. at Sag
larbor. L. 1. Here is anchored an old
fashioned wooden vessel fitted with tor