Any Old Trawlermen Out There ?

Bern Hanreck · 19 September 2018, 22:22

I'm trying to throw some light on the red markings on this Smiths Astral Clock on the Mincarlo Sidewinder Trawler in Lowestoft .

The hours are sub-divided into five X 12 minute segments . Can anyone suggest what the red marks around the perimeter , and the four , three hourly " Maltese Cross " red marks indicate please .

I believe a "typical " trawl lasted 2.75 Hours if that helps .

A free tour of said Vessel , and a pint or two of Adnams if anyone can tell me !

I'm not holding my breath.......

ps They are not " Watches " !

Murdo · 19 September 2018, 22:44

The red Maltese cross marks may be for the old MF and HF radio silence periods. When all routine traffic ceases to give distress and urgency traffic the chance to break through. MF was the hour and half past and HF was 15 minutes past and 45 minutes past.

Murdo · 19 September 2018, 22:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murdo

The red Maltese cross marks may be for the old MF and HF radio silence periods. When all routine traffic ceases to give distress and urgency traffic the chance to break through. MF was the hour and half past and HF was 15 minutes past and 45 minutes past.

PS - not an old trawlerman!

Fenlander · 19 September 2018, 23:04

Yep not a radio room man but dad was a clock restorer and Murdo has it. Usually there were the two red segments for listening watch on one frequency and green (or blue) segments for the other frequency.

That one appears to have the just after 12 and 6 segments added after the clock was made.

See this original one...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6j5l8dsbR8

Poly · 19 September 2018, 23:10

The outside segments were apparently for timing 4s to make an accurate mayday transmission in Morse: http://ssexplorer.org/uncategorized/radio-room-clock/

Bern Hanreck · 20 September 2018, 07:10

Gents , that's brilliant , thanks . The clock was indeed mounted immediately next to the radio gear .

willk · 20 September 2018, 07:42

Jambo is suspiciously quiet....

jambo · 20 September 2018, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Jambo is suspiciously quiet....

You suggesting that I’m an old trawler man. I’ve just crept back out of my storm shelter after yesterday’s hammering!!

willk · 20 September 2018, 16:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

You suggesting that I’m an old trawler man!

Well, I'm pretty sure I recall you regaling company with stories of your days on a trawler - and that those days weren't "today" or "yesterday"...

But I was very careful not to say "old trawler man".

jambo · 20 September 2018, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Well, I'm pretty sure I recall you regaling company with stories of your days on a trawler - and that those days weren't "today" or "yesterday"...

But I was very careful not to say "old trawler man".

Yes you are quite right. Long time ago in my early youth I spent summers on the boats. Unfortunately Girvan is not the bustling fishing port it used to be. You high and dry for winter yet?

willk · 20 September 2018, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

You high and dry for winter yet?

Afloat, but tucked away safely in a nearby marina until Ali & Bronagh are passed. Sporty here yesterday.

jambo · 20 September 2018, 18:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Afloat, but tucked away safely in a nearby marina until Ali & Bronagh are passed. Sporty here yesterday.

God it was more than sporty over here. Rib is ok on pontoon but garden took a battering fences uprooted and flattened. You going to arbeg?