Drum progress

[Tom Bowser]

Ok it has been a while. We had a real wet summer and couldn't get much done but we are now back working in and on MBT #4a replacing skin and frames. The photos are kind of big so it will take several posts.
Tom

[Tom Bowser]

Things are about to change at Battleship Park. We have a new director. Major General Janet Cobb. Yep an army general and a female. She is a navy brat and has told us many times she really admires submarineers and submarines. She is wanting to attend our base meetings at least once a quater. I think we are finally going to be part of the park and will get some help from them.
We haven't done a lot this year for various reasons but hope to get more accomplished this coming year. I am still trying to get the tanks sand blasted and painted.
Merry Christmas to all
Tom

[Jim]

Excellent news and it's good to hear from you again Tom!  I really miss the Drum updates as they were "heavy iron" things I could relate to....You know, dirty, gritty, sanding and welding.  :-)

[Karen D.]

Thanks for the update Tom! New bosses can be a good thing... 

Merry Christmas to you too!

[Lance Dean]

Now that I'm a member of the Mobile Bay Base, I hope I can get down there for a meeting or two a year.  I really, really need to visit the Drum again soon. 

[Tom Bowser]

Ok It has been a real long time. Last winter we painted in the forward engine room, almost done. This spring we did repair work on the deck again. We then spent the rest of the year repainting the exterior of the boat, everything topside except the 5" gun and the deck. We used a different paint on the hull, suppost to bind with the rust and seal permently, expensive but we got it at half price but a real pain. It sticks to everything and if you don't get it off your skin in 30 minutes it is there untill it wears off.The real pain is it is moisture cured so dry time deepends on humidity, 30 minutes to 4 hours and you have to top coat as soon as it is past tacky. we spent a lot of time watching paint dry. The top coat is kind of rubbery when dry and is not supposed to fade for 10-12 years, sure hope it works.
Today we had a celebration of Drums 75th anniversay of its commisioning. The park went all out supporting us this time, free admision to the park, fancy invitations and programs, lost of photos displayed, a band, cake, and 5 commissioners. We had about 150 people, it was cold and real windy (not as bad as you northern boats but for us it was cold). Lance and his family even made it along with the author Don Keith.
Tom

[Jim]

Outstanding.  Good to hear from you!  We need lots of pictures!! 

[Lance Dean]

Had a blast down at the 75th, and I hope to get there more often.

[Karen D.]

Thanks for the update! Keep up the good work! She's looking good.