That is the original PC-15 hatch on an original 6-window X 24" conning tower, on an original chunk of the forward crew compartment. The rest is new.
Steve, did you notice that some times they bolted on the CT so the hinge goes to the side of the sub? I had not seen that before.
Vance, that hatch has two separate locking dogs that can be operated in or outside the sub, with a viewport in the center. It reminds me in some ways or Nemo's hatch. But Nemos hatch only has one dog at the front. I've seen a good number of subs now with just on locking point for the hatch, like Idabel. To make that work, they just make the hatch hinge so that it binds on the seal enough at the hinge side to make the hatch seal at the surface when the one locking means is engaged. Paul Moorhouse used only two dogs on his latest sub, the S301. I can see that the Antipodes hatch could of had a larger OD viewport installed in it. Does that look like it's a Perry built hatch?
Boy the Antipodes is like the Energizer Buddy. It keeps going, and going. It's had more refits then Cher. ;}
Brent
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 8:56 PM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Antipodes/XPC15/PC-1501
Hey Steve,
I was just talking about the Antipodes sub with the New Zealand Subdudes, to see if I could find out what was currently going on with it. It used to be called the XPC15 when it was being refit by Marlin Submarines. Before that I gather it was called the PC-1501. Thanks for the data.
Brent
Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 5:44 PM
Subject: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Subdive.com
Does anyone know Pete Hoffman associated with Subdive.com and the Antipodes sub?
Thanks,
Steve McQueen,
Indianapolis, IN