Hello Pothkan,
Sorry for the use of Google, I thought it might help
Thank you for your reply.
I do not pretend to be an expert, all my information has been compiled from the internet and libraries, but to the best of my knowledge no accurate drawing of a 253L has so far been published
I know of airbase.ru and it is a very informative site, however as you say, nearly all are Soviet vessels and most of the photos show 255s.
The posts seem to indicate a lack of drawings of 255s as well
I am trying to establish the correct appearance of a Polish 253L in order that accurate plans can be drawn up.
This whole subject needs to be cleared up as there are even differences between Soviet 253Ls and Polish ones.
All the Polish vessels appear to have had 5 portholes on the Charthouse front face. Some Soviet ones also had 5 but most had 3.
All drawings so far published show a completely incorrect hull profile below the waterline as you can see by comparing drawings in these links to photos of the Gydnia vessel. On some, as drawn the draught is over 3 meters, over double the actual draught of 1.48 metres. Most also depict an incorrect cross-section of engine-room casing and arrangement of skylights with lack of engine-room access doors while the position and number of watertight doors on the superstructure has not yet been established.
On some of the drawings, the forward watertightdoor as drawn (which I believe was the entry to the Radio Room) is impossible to open as it is shown fouling the access ladder to the forecastle!
If I knew how to post attachments, I could show you!
It would appear that all Polish 253s had, as stated, 5 portholes on the Charthouse front face, a square stern, a different type of MS winch and a full length rubbing strake on the waterline.
I know that obviously these ships served in a time-frame where information on military equipment was restricted but it is not logical as there is no lack of accurate drawings, information or photos of 254s, vessels at first serving in the same time frame and replacing 253s.
There must be more photos out there somewhere.
Maybe someone is writing a book (hopefully
) and hoarding them!
Once again thanks and best regards
bjw