Posted by Mark Darrah on September 21, 1998 at 22:56:38 in d164-14.ce.mediaone.net:
In Reply to: Re: Large Derrick on Foremast posted by Bob Read on September 21, 1998 at 17:04:10:
I started writing this as I was looking through the books. Note how my excitement builds.
I think at least one photo that would lead one to believe there were two derricks is in Truimph and Tragedy on page 42, second photo down.
Am I correct in assuming the ship on the right is Olympic? There's definitely something strange going on there. I have no explanation and I remember it giving me a headache long ago, but I forgot about it.
My first thought at the time was that it was an optical illusion and was actually another ship in the background. But you can't argue the fact that the lines go right up and end on the mast. Oops, I just found another one.
Marriot's book, page 29, lower photo. The derrick is facing forward, and you can still see the aft one attached to the mast. Interestingly, both were taken in March 1912.
Oh My GOD! Page 39 of marriot's book. Photo of forcastle. Right there above the bell on the mast is the mount for the forward derrick! It never occuered to me what that thing was. Now it all makes sense!
Obviously, this was not a permanent fixture, but by god it was used at least once.
Thanks Stephen. Good eyes!