St Albans, Hertfordshire.
At the Vickers Armstrong's experimental tank, a small scale dry dock is used to test scale models of ocean going vessels. Various shots of the models being made - they are manufactured from wax. They are exact scale models. A machine called a pantograph supplements the instinctive touch of the craftsman. Models are meticulously measured and constructed.
A model is launched in the tank. Model makers move the boats through the tank. High seas are simulated by a wave maker to test effect on models. Tests and predictions are made. Narrator ends by saying that these men provide records, calculations and predictions: "information that is invaluable to the ship building industry, and a tribute to the "back room" boys to whom seamen everywhere owe their thanks..."
This work is undertaken by the British Shipbuilding Research Association.
FILM ID:207.09
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