"There is nowhere on the SS United States that doesn't reward careful study and includes the things you can't actually see," says author-illustrator David Macaulay.In this post, Macaulay reveals the intricate construction methods of a part of the ship that is normally under the waterline and not visible: the peak tank. Click the image to enlarge and read Macaulay's notes.
Stay tuned for Peak Tank, Part 2, where Macaulay reveals more hidden details of this critical part of the ship.
Laying the Keel
A ship is only as sound and strong as her hull. The SS United States's hull was still incredibly solid - a testament to her superb engineering and construction. Here, David Macaulay explains the steps involved in assembling the her keel and hull. Click the image to enlarge.
Engine Room
This is just one of four power plants that helped give the ship its' speed. Two sets of turbines sit at the bottom of each engine room hatch (there are two) about 120 ft below the base of each funnel. We have cold air being drawn or forced (I don't know yet) into the engine room through ducts that line the hatch. This ocean air is in the 50s so things are kept fairly reasonable in the engine room. The exhaust air travels up the open space in the center of the shaft. I made this sketch from lots of different pieces to see how it all fits together.