The CSS/USS Atlanta

[Robert Gray]

Atlanta was a casemate ironclad that served in the Confederate and Union Navies during the American Civil War. She was converted from a Scottish-built blockade runner named Fingal by the Confederacy after she made one run to Savannah, Georgia. After several failed attempts to attack Union blockaders, the ship was captured by two Union monitors in 1863 when she ran aground. Atlanta was floated off, repaired, and rearmed, serving in the Union Navy for the rest of the war. She spent most of her time deployed on the James River supporting Union forces there. The ship was decommissioned in 1865 and placed in reserve. Several years after the end of the war, Atlanta was sold to Haiti, but was lost at sea in December 1869 on her delivery voyage. (Wikipedia)

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

I've always thought these are two of the best images of a Confederate built ironclad.

 

[Story]

For background, see
http://civilwartalk.com/threads/css...oastal-rather-than-a-inshore-ironclad.123164/
and
http://civilwartalk.com/threads/post-war-career-of-css-atlanta.88633/

 

[shipmodeler]

I am researching the CSS/USS Atlanta ironclad to produce a new model kit of the vessel. I have all the pics above, but nowhere can I find any definitive information on the look or design of the torpedo spar. I have also seen many artist's drawings that "depict" the spar, but none agree structurally. Everyone just seems to guess at it. Same goes for models of the spar. There as many guesses of the spar as there are models. I want to design this model as accurately as current information will allow. My question is; Does anyone have a drawing or photo that shows the spar design of the Atlanta that I have yet to find?

Rusty White
Flagship Models Inc.
flagshipmodels.com

 

[Story]

Does anyone have a drawing or photo that shows the spar design of the Atlanta that I have yet to find?

Tagged for curiosity's sake. All I can contribute is this enhancement from
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/"Atlanta"_(Confederate_Ram)_on_James_River_after_capture_-_NARA_-_527533.jpg/1280px-"Atlanta"_(Confederate_Ram)_on_James_River_after_capture_-_NARA_-_527533.jpg

It looks like a simple T of spars, but I don't see any way other than muscle power of raising /lowering it (see coiled cable on the intersection of the T)

 

[shipmodeler]

Tagged for curiosity's sake. All I can contribute is this enhancement from
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/"Atlanta"_(Confederate_Ram)_on_James_River_after_capture_-_NARA_-_527533.jpg/1280px-"Atlanta"_(Confederate_Ram)_on_James_River_after_capture_-_NARA_-_527533.jpg

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It looks like a simple T of spars, but I don't see any way other than muscle power of raising /lowering it (see coiled cable on the intersection of the T)

I understand and agree with your interpretation of the design. A simple "T" configuration with the spar being made of wood for easy replacement. So I guess I'll go with this as reference and include it in the instructions. I have spent quite some time looking through all the books I have here (and online) and the only offerings of any help are the two photos posted here. I guess everyone else (artists, illustrators for books. etc.) must have made an educated guess at the look and design of the spar.