Ship Simulator

English forum => Ship Simulator 2008 => General discussions => Topic started by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 00:39:54

Title: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 00:39:54
Hi Guys

First off im a Merchant Navy Officer with a good bit of RO-PAX experience so as soon as I had a go of the Pride of Rotterdam I noticed one obvious major thing, she has a standard rudder setup I.E. she dosnt have split rudders, they are on the same tiller...also they cant go hard over to give 90 deg thrust. This is quite a pain as its much harder to swing her stern in Rotterdam than it would be on the real ship. The ship in the game is no where near as maneuverable as the real one.

Could it be im missing something here?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Master Captain on January 17, 2009, 01:38:41
as far as i know this models turning radius is correct, VSTEP put alot of time into making sure data like this was exact, but then again i could be wrong ::)
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 02:02:35
They should have looked at her steering more closely, but then again it could be worse
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: firestar12 on January 17, 2009, 04:43:39
They should have looked at her steering more closely, but then again it could be worse
Why don't you take a look at this topic, I think it might be of particular interest to you.
http://www.shipsim.com/ShipSimForum/index.php/topic,9277.0.html
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Agent|Austin on January 17, 2009, 04:59:05
Joelang1699,

From your comments it doesn't seem you have ever piloted or researched the Pride of Rotterdam?

VSTEP modeled her rudder and maximum rudder angle according to the real vessels specifications. Her maximum rotation is also accurate.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Captain Darling on January 17, 2009, 05:45:26
VSTEP modeled her rudder and maximum rudder angle according to the real vessels specifications. Her maximum rotation is also accurate.
AFAIK and I think this is the case, VSTEP got no vessel specifications from P&O, so the dynamics can't be as accurate as it could be. ;)

Austin, how do you know the max rotation is accurate?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Agent|Austin on January 17, 2009, 06:37:27
AFAIK and I think this is the case, VSTEP got no vessel specifications from P&O, so the dynamics can't be as accurate as it could be. ;)

Austin, how do you know the max rotation is accurate?
I believe it was discussed in another topic somewhere. Nathan may have said that it was accurate.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: TerryRussell on January 17, 2009, 08:14:27
The vessel dynamics engineers always configure the cesels to behave as closely as possible to the published sea trials data, to which they have access, or any other quantitive data. I know that the data tables for PoR cover several walls. The vessels are tested comprehensively before release.

Some of you have been involved in such tests over on Dreators Forum.

Joelang1699: Welcome to the Forum.

if you have any data that supports your statement, please post it here or send it to me in a PM. We're always grateful forany additional data that m\ay help to improve the vessels.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 19:47:07
Obviously nobody here knows what Becker Rudders are, Yes the initial rudder angle may only go up to 45 deg however the extra flap at the back of the rudder rotates also giving 90 deg transverse thrust. This gives you a crude stern thruster which would be invaluble for swinging the stern into the linkspan and lifting it off again.

http://www.becker-marine-systems.com/03_products_content/03_products_pics/flap_titel.jpg

Most of the modern RoPax vessels out there have them, even vessels with stern thrusters have them fitted.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 20:05:12
I would be very surprised if she dosent have them fitted, even if she dosent she must have the option to enable independent control on the rudders which the sim model lacks.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: TerryRussell on January 17, 2009, 20:25:20
Quote
Joelang1699: Welcome to the Forum.

if you have any data that supports your statement, please post it here or send it to me in a PM. We're always grateful forany additional data that may help to improve the vessels.

If you got it, post it. Please!
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Agent|Austin on January 17, 2009, 20:26:44
Joelang1699, there is a way to control both rudders on a ship, you just have to go change the key commands. There are commands for rudder 1 & rudder 2.

It is just not set to have two different keys by default.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 20:55:59
yes I have done that but the Pride of Rotterdam in the sim lacks this option. Also there should be independent control of the bow thrusters(2 thrusters in this case), there isnt.

Terry:

I knew a girl I went to Nautical College with that served on the Pride of Hull, Ill look her up and she if she has any detailed information on the steering gear.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: TerryRussell on January 17, 2009, 20:58:53
Thanks. All input is welcome.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Ballast on January 17, 2009, 21:18:07
I was searching for photo's of the Pride of Hull in dock, or another images that shows the propellor and rudder but all i found was this picture of a model of the Pride of Hull.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2zr11rp.jpg)
As you can see, it's fitted with 'spade' rudders. I know it's a model, but someone who puts that much afford in such detailed model and has the orginal blue prints, would make the orginal rudder right?

The picture belongs to this website;
http://www.vow2.co.uk/pride%20of%20hull/pride_of_hull.htm
More pictures there of this awsome model!
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 21:33:32
It would be very difficult (but not impossible) to make scale rudders of the becker type for a model of this scale. Also there wouldnt be any real need for them on a model as the manouvreability provided by them simply isnt required, They would also be susceptible to damage.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 21:46:50
Also this model has standard model triple blade propellers, the real thing has four bladed CCP Lips skewed props. Like the rudders it would not be practicable to include this on a model.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: firestar12 on January 17, 2009, 21:53:06
Also this model has standard model triple blade propellers, the real thing has four bladed CCP Lips skewed props. Like the rudders it would not be practicable to include this on a model.
Why don't you show us a picture of Becker Rudders?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 17, 2009, 22:08:19
I did, there was a link in the post above

here it is again

http://www.becker-marine-systems.com/03_products_content/03_products_pics/flap_titel.jpg
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: LucAtC on January 18, 2009, 01:07:28
Hello all,
Like Terry said, if someone has precise data, it would be interesting for us to get the details, of course. Nathan is some kind of reference concerning PoR, surely, but this time he is not 100% right. Indeed, since August, the pilot card of PoR is available (merci to the Capt), and it says the rudder is a Spade rudder, and a maximum angle of 45 degrees. Stop to Stop is 25 sec with one pump, this info was probably not enough detailed, 30 sec wouldn't be allowed.
The propellers are indeed 4 blade CPP rotating top inside ahead. The pilot card wasn't available in time, so that the characteristics were more reasoned and calculated guesses, and there were some limitations of the model of dynamics too.
Thrusters only give a 40 degrees/sec turning rate, and the turning circles in the game are correct, as far as I can remember.
What is in fact not known in enough detail is the natural roll period (I think around 25 sec? or GM for that matter) and how long it takes to turn PoR when she leaves the Beneluxhaven.
And of course, the rudders could have been separated. Next time, surely, or Creator's forum to check it?  ;)

Regards,
Luc

Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: mvsmith on January 18, 2009, 01:19:18
Becker Marine Systems supplies rudders in a large variety of types and configurations—including full spade—so saying that a ship “has Becker rudders” is saying very little about the rudders.

Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 01:48:18
I have posted a link (twice) to the type Im referring to, The Becker product catalogue has them listed as "Becker Flap Rudder". They are known internationaly in the maritime industry as Becker Rudders as Becker owns the patent to them.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Agent|Austin on January 18, 2009, 01:50:40
Do you have any proof these rudders are the type on the POR?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 02:05:41
Not as yet, im assuming she has them fitted or something similar as mostly all modern ferries have them, especially ones of this scale. My original posting was in reference to the fact the rudders were not split and could not be controlled independently. I have sent an email to Fincantieri (her builders) to ask them what was fitted.

As I said I would be very surprised if they are just simple rudders, as LucAtC said her pilot card has them listed as spades, but I cant realy see this being the case.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Nathan|C on January 18, 2009, 09:50:33
Everybody,

Today i recieved a reply from Captain of PoR:

Quote
Indeed the Pride of Rotterdam and Hull have Becker rudders.
This type is called high lift rudders, and can be purchased during newbuilds
from manufacturers such as Becker, Hinze, and some others. The are constructed
in 2 parts and the most aft and outer flap will increase the rudder angle from
30 to about 45 degrees, which will create a side thrust of the aftship in an
angle of 90 degrees.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 13:49:18
A HA, I knew this must have been the case. Thanks for the info Nathan!
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 14:51:58
I wonder why she had 'spade' down on her pilot card. Its not uncommon however for ships plans to be wrong, When I served on the MV Davn Merchant in Norfolkline service, she had a compartment in the bow drawn on the plans that didnt exist in reality, none of the ships ships of the class had it!. This was also the case with another small room in the accomodation.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 15:21:08
Your probably right there Nathan there may not be an overwhelming need for seperate control in the game, however a simulation should try to be as accurate as possible.

Independant control could be used for station keeping, one thrusting port and one thrusting starboard, assuming overcourse the thrusters are of the same rating (blade size, rpm, kw)
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 15:39:52
Thats another thing, im glad you brought up the windows. The view out the bride wings is quite poor, probably beacause you cant get the camera over far enough (walking mode) to berth the ship while looking astern. As you know this is how we do it in reality. Im not complaining though, I would rather have proper maneuverability than bridge views.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: LucAtC on January 18, 2009, 16:07:45
Fugit irreparabile tempus... I had a closer look at the "Pilot Card and Wheelhouse poster", and saw that the sea trials happened in October 2001, more than enough time since then to improve rudders or anything else more than one time. I doubt Fincantieri could have made such a mistake, but there is also question of (absent) stern thrusters on the poster, raising of course some doubts about its validity. Apparently, PoBruges and PoR underwent important repairs (or modifications?) to their rudders during maintenance works (http://www.shipdock.nl/downloads/files/Seaports%20Magazine2008.pdf) at Amsterdam's Shipdock.
Also, the wheelhouse poster data print is composite, some trials being of PoH and turning circles of PoR; or it could be that the poster wasn't checked by Fincantieri or RINA. (Impossible).

There are surely reasons for having changed the spade rudders to flapped, high lift rudders. The turning circle diameters were (as well at MCR as at full harbour speeds) around 1.8 Lbp at 45 degrees rudder angle, very small circles, with a high speed loss. But if it indicates already good manoeuvring characteristics, it is less significant at near to zero speed, when berthing, where flapped rudders at high angles are at their best.

So, to answer Nathan's question, he could next time try to check if the poster is still valid, and find some more RoT data when PoR turns "on the spot" when leaving her berth in the Beneluxhaven. Some pictures with timestamps, or a video record, would be highly interesting.

Anyway, many thanks for the interesting info.

Regards,
Luc
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 18, 2009, 16:47:10
Hey Nathan, I dont suppose you could kindly ask the old man on the POR if they sisters were built with Beckers or had them fitted at a later stage?

LucAtC: It is unlikely that Fincantieri never checked the poster but mistakes like this are all two common at sea. When I worked for Norfolkine we discovered that the Dawn and Brave Merchant had their lifeboats swapped at build and that the certificates the vessels had been sailing with for 7 years didnt match the srial numbers in the boats. This was supposed to be checked numerous times since fitting out.

I have seen pilot cards in error before but on with small things, never the wrong type of steering.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: LucAtC on January 19, 2009, 01:55:04
Hello Nathan,

Thanks for the link, it is indeed such videos that give a feeling of the turn rate, and if it was a continuous recording, valuable data can also be derived for the simulation. It will of course never be PoR, but the goal is to give a correct idea of the handling of the ship, as well as possible.

Regards,
Luc
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: storm22 on January 19, 2009, 05:56:02
will ship simulator 2010 hit canada i hop it will i love the game ???
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: ash on January 20, 2009, 18:19:00
(http://i41.tinypic.com/2zr11rp.jpg)
As you can see, it's fitted with 'spade' rudders. I know it's a model, but someone who puts that much afford in such detailed model and has the orginal blue prints, would make the orginal rudder right?
it does have four bladed props!!
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 20, 2009, 19:18:00
Me...I can only see three blades there.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 20, 2009, 19:32:18
I ran this through paint shop enhancer, I only count three blades there not four!

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/joelang1699/Image1-6.jpg)

(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p21/joelang1699/Image1-7.jpg)
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: TerryRussell on January 20, 2009, 20:42:37
No guarantee that the model is accurate in that respect though, is there?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 20, 2009, 20:51:38
Which model Terry? the one pictured or the one in the agme?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: TerryRussell on January 20, 2009, 21:27:01
Exactly!
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 20, 2009, 21:28:58
Youve lost me mate lol
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: TerryRussell on January 20, 2009, 22:06:23
well, as the propellors are supposed to be in the water all the time, and as this is a simulation, not a real-life copy, there's no promise of accurracy in the game.

Also, that model in the picture may not be accurrate in that respect. Who can tell?

Don't forget that propellors get changed in real life. The actual performance characteristics may need to be changed as the usage of the vessel is changed. It happens more often than you might think.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: ash on January 20, 2009, 22:46:45
you can just see the fourth you cant see it very well on the background of the other props
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: Sam on January 21, 2009, 08:16:31
you can just see the fourth you cant see it very well on the background of the other props

The model clearly has 3-blade propellors.
Or what do you mean?
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: ADDUBYA on January 21, 2009, 19:50:14
Pride of Rotterdam and Pride of Hull both have Wartsila highly skewed controllable pitch propellers as stated before.
These propellers from Wartsila only come in 4 or 5 blade configuration. So there is yet another fly in the ointment. She definitely does not have just 3 blades but may in fact have 5.
Title: Re: Becker Rudders MISSING!
Post by: joelang1699 on January 21, 2009, 20:25:50
Speaking from an extensive RO/PAX background, I never been on a modern ferry with five blades, its more likely she has four blades.

The model pictured incorrectly has a three bladed prop fitted HOWEVER there are other pics of the same model with the right amount of blades (four) fitted.