Pictures of the Battleship Texas On Drydock Today.

[jackieschmidt]

I was down at Gulf Copper Shipyard in Galveston today talking some measurements on the old Sailing Ship Elissa, (we are rebuilding it’s prop shaft), and got to go over to the adjacent dock and take pictures of the BB35, The Battleship Texas.

They are in the process of replacing what ever outer metal is wasted away in order to make the ship a viable floating museum again. I have no idea how many tons of Rotten Metal they have removed but as the pictures show, this is a major undertaking.

The Texas is the only servicing “Super Dreadnought”, the class of ships built just before and during WW-1. When you see this thing on dock, ( and inside), it is difficult to fathom that it was launched in 1914. Truly a remarkable piece of machinery.

I think the final berthing location will be on the Neches River in Beaumont.

 

[jackieschmidt]

More pics

 

[jackieschmidt]

Here is the old sailing ship Elissa.

 

[elee3]

That’s pretty dang cool! When I reported to my first submarine, it was in drydock with a couple of holes cut through the hull. We were due to get under way in a couple of weeks and that made me feel a bit uneasy.

 

[Steve Blair]

The Destroyer where I was last stationed berthed at Quay Wall 1, next to National Steel and Shipbuilding (NASSCO) in San Diego. We watched large, commercial vessels being constructed and repaired. I have a lot of respect for shipfitters. Tough, dirty, demanding job.

 

[TIMO]

I was down at Gulf Copper Shipyard in Galveston today talking some measurements on the old Sailing Ship Elissa, (we are rebuilding it’s prop shaft), and got to go over to the adjacent dock and take pictures of the BB35, The Battleship Texas.

They are in the process of replacing what ever outer metal is wasted away in order to make the ship a viable floating museum again. I have no idea how many tons of Rotten Metal they have removed but as the pictures show, this is a major undertaking.

The Texas is the only servicing “Super Dreadnought”, the class of ships built just before and during WW-1. When you see this thing on dock, ( and inside), it is difficult to fathom that it was launched in 1914. Truly a remarkable piece of machinery.

I think the final berthing location will be on the Neches River in Beaumont. View attachment 1409620View attachment 1409621View attachment 1409622View attachment 1409623

Wow,
thank you for sharing, good to see that a piece of our history is being saved.

Tim

 

[ben lurkin]

Judging from those pictures, there’s not much left of that hull. It appears to be mostly corroded away.

 

[One Eye Pete]

I tried to see the Battleship Texas on two occasions quite a few years ago when I was in Houston on business. The first time we got there just as it was closing. The second time I got to the hotel in Houston and saw on the news that it was being towed out to be refitted (the previous refit over 30 years ago). Never did get to go onboard but I still have a great interest in vintage warships. I am retired now but used to be the chief engineer at an industrial steam power plant, I have always wanted to see the engine room of a battleship with reciprocating steam engines. The closest I came was on the cruiser Olympia in Philadelphia. I got onboard but at that time the engine room was off limits. I found out later that it was because the integrity of the hull was so bad that they were afraid it would spring a leak and flood. Getting to see the Texas is a high priority on my bucket list. I have the utmost respect for these vintage ships and for the great men who served in them.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I toured the BB35 a couple of times when I lived down in Houston. For a sub sailor, it was quite a bit different to see how the crew lived and worked on one of those.

 

[JTinTexas]

Thank you for sharing Jackie, I remembered visiting the Battleship Texas back in the 60s as a young child. My father said I could spend all afternoon exploring as much as they would let me and boy did I. I have been to many shipyards all over the world and watching them rebuild a ship of that size is remarkable and fascinating.

 

[Emmett Dibble]

Visited several times, last was several years ago with the boy. It’s amazing to think think that thing is over 100 years old. Her You Tube channel has A LOT of information and also search for Fat Electrician and his episode on her.

 

[Emmett Dibble]

 

[ar15Jeff]

From what I got from a youtube from the person in charge of the refit, it’s the areas around the torpedo bulges that were added on between the wars that are corroding out.

 

[topclass2017]

Thank you Jackie, for the pics. My father-in-law, since passed away, served on her in the boiler room. I'm not sure of exactly when but believe it was right after WW II

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Ive been on it a few times. It was real rusted at the waterline7-8yrs ago last time i was there. It had hoses poking out everywhere bilging water 24/7. Its real nice to go up in the obelisk that overlooks it and see it from there

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I cant believe they are moving it from its spot. Its kinda built around it

 

[jackieschmidt]

As a side note, I got these two 1911 Battleship Texas Commemorative 45’s a few years ago.

The Save The Texas Foundation commisioned Colt to make them, all proceeds went to help in saving the ship.

I think I ham going to go back to Gulf Copper and get a small piece of the original 100+ year old riveted steel, have it encased in acrylic, and display it with the pistols.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

As a side note, I got these two 1911 Battleship Texas Commemorative 45’s a few years ago.

The Save The Texas Foundation commisioned Colt to make them, all proceeds went to help in saving the ship.

I think I ham going to go back to Gulf Copper and get a small piece of the original 100+ year old View attachment 1409706riveted steel, have it encased in acrylic, and display it with the pistols.

That would be awesome and worth a lot of money on day one

 

[Curmudgeon]

Why does it have to float to be a museum? Ships floating need meet Coast Guard rules. Ships as buildings don’t.

 

[spike-55]

toured it a couple years ago right before they were shutting it down. had massive pumps working 24/7 flowing huge streams of water out to keep her afloat. impressive piece of history and really glad they are preserving!!!! side note I am 6'1" and 'bout 225lbs and there are lots of cramped areas on that vessel, same as on the Lexington in Corpus Christi !!!! much respect to those folks that serve in those tight quarters like subs and other warships.
stan