The ship’s Steering Engine is located one deck below the Aft house. The rudder, which is about twenty feet tall, is too massive to be moved by any simple mechanical connection to the wheel on the bridge, so the ship uses “power steering” instead.
Like everything else on the O’Brien, it is powered by steam. The engine is connected to the wheel in the wheelhouse by a hydraulic system similar to the power steering in an automobile. When the wheel is turned to port, the engine drives the rudder to make the ship turn to port and likewise for starboard turns.
The steering engine is a 2-cylinder steam engine. It drives the pinion gear that engages the larger quadrant gear. The quadrant gear is connected to the rudder tiller through the large shock absorber springs. The steering engine is a very reliable unit that operates with minimal maintenance.
The Steering Engine Room is restricted to crew only.
Explore this Station's Gallery
Above the Aft house is the 5” gun platform. It can be accessed by carefully climbing the vertical ladders on either side. Climb the ladders if you are capable.