Pioneering engineering projects

[fiannafailure]

rightsofman
I would like to have this thread dealing with the complete Irish engineering heritage, perhaps it might merge at some point with alonso's idea of an engineering museum.

I remember reading of the fenian ram a long time ago, I believe the first experiments were done in Cork harbour, but I could be corrected on this

[fiannafailure]

rightsofman
I would like to have this thread dealing with the complete Irish engineering heritage, perhaps it might merge at some point with alonso's idea of an engineering museum.

I remember reading of the fenian ram a long time ago, I believe the first experiments were done in Cork harbour, but I could be corrected on this

I am researching the Shannon Scheme of the twenties at the moment and find that a lot of the history seems to be locked away unreferenced in the vaults of the ESB, can anybody help in this regard

[Nem]

I am researching the Shannon Scheme of the twenties at the moment and find that a lot of the history seems to be locked away unreferenced in the vaults of the ESB, can anybody help in this regard

That is really interesting! They should have someone who looks after the archive there I presume. Calling them or writing a letter could provide access. Also, contacting the Industrial Heritage Ireland (see the link I posted above) might give you a few clues. Let us know if you get any further, this could be very intriguing!

[fiannafailure]

Nem
You have made me a happy man with your suggestion, Thanks

[wombat]

Not sure if its totally relevant to the thread but I always thought the story of "The Fenian Ram" was interesting and a testament to Irish engineering ingenuity. It's more of an Irish-American achievement though, rather than solely Irish.

It was arguably the first "modern" submarine, with variable buoyancy, self-propelled, and armed.

Holland Submarine Exhibit, Fenian Ram and Submarine #1, Paterson Museum NJ
Historic Naval Ships Visitors Guide - Fenian Ram

There is a good account of Holland's submarine on a U.S. navy site - I found it on Google. He was eventually shafted by his partners.