32 Steam Turbines

My retired merchant marine friend Steve Maisch offered the following comments about this photo:

Looking aft, this is the forward portion of the HI/LO pressure turbines and and the reduction gears. The Astern Element is located in the Astern Turbine to the right which has a separate shaft and blading.

In the foreground is the Jacking Gear. The gray electric motor and the gearing which turns the turbines slowly whenever the main engine is not in use. The reasons for this are that all bearings and reduction gears are constantly bathed in lubricating oil and it also keeps the engine at its ideal operating temperature and ready to roll. Another reason is "Windage" - a water current could cause the propeller to turn. If the jacking gear were not engaged lubricating the shaft, bearings and gears, the shaft and drive assembly would be turning dry without lubrication and damage would ensue.