3-034-811 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Plan of Captain Scott's turret gun-carriage in the Glatton, 1871. 'These guns are each rifled with nine grooves, and throw projectiles with studs as bearings to run in the grooves, which give the rotation that enables these long bolts, weighing from 400 lb. to 600 lb., to attain great range and accuracy. The chains shown upon the plan are used to run the guns in; and the handles at the side of the gun-carriages are attached to the compressors, or brakes, which gradually reduce the recoil of the guns on discharge...the Glatton's recent trip to the Nore was arranged for the purpose of testing her gun-carriages...These stood the severe tests they were subjected to in the most satisfactory manner, and the vessel bore the concussion of both guns fired simultaneously without showing any signs of weakness...The success of the trial was so complete that the dummies standing on the light decks were not disturbed, and the effect of the blast below resembled only a slight rush of wind. The Controller of the Navy and the other officials who witnessed the trial returned to Sheerness much gratified with the behaviour of the ship, as well as quite satisfied with the gun-carriages, which they went out more especially to try'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.