German Battleship Helgoland – book review.
by John
Seaforth Publishing, in association withThe National Maritime Museum Greenwich, is publishing a series of books of plans and history of famous warships, in this case the Helgoland.
GERMAN BATTLESHIP HELGOLAND
Detailed in the original builders’ plans
By Aidan Dodson
Wow!
I opened this large format, hardcover book of ship plans at midnight, expecting a quick flip through, and was able put it down 3 hours later. But I will be returning.
The first 20 pages outline the development of German dreadnaughts and their wartime careers and fates, and a fascinating history it is. The ship structure, armament, machinery (including engines), protection, pumping systems and damage control, and fire control are described in a degree of detail which was satisfying and not overwhelming to this non expert but interested reader-reviewer.
Then, all but 20 of its 144 pages are reproductions of the original builders’ plans of the WW1 German battleship Helgoland. The plans are detailed, and beautiful and fascinating. With original annotations in German, translated and explained in the margins. The 940 x 290mm centre fold of the longitudinal section is just stunning!
Modelers, historians, ship aficionados, and anyone with a vague interest in battleships will love this book. I certainly do, and eagerly await further volumes in the series.
Front jacket
Centerfold.
The German navy used triple expansion reciprocating engines rather than pay royalties to Parsons to use turbine engines.
johnsmachines 
Hi John interesting subject , I visited the only preserved Dreadnought in the 70s, its in Galvaston , USS Texas Although it was outdated by WW1 , it was used and it also took part in WW2 shelling the Normandy beaches , Well worth a Visit , and to see the Triple Expansion Engines too , Another Visit that I did was the Cruiser Aurora, in Leningrad , it was also Very outdated BUT used in Both world wars , Your posts are always interesting , Regards Bernie N
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I hope to visit USS Texas when next in USA. Thanks Bernie. John
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