Record

Ref No	DM1306/11/1/5/folio 261
Title	Letter from John Penn to Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Description	Written from Lewisham. The letter encloses several ideas for Brunel to consider in relation to the failed launch. Penn's ideas are: connecting two windlasses together to ensure that the slide at each end of the ship would be equal; substituting smooth, un-rimmed wheels for the crank handle which would give greater command and reduce accidents; and using, if Brunel intends to conduct the launch by degrees, a worm wheel well secured to the windlasses as well as breaks. Penn also suggests that the bearings are too tightly fitted which is causing potentially excessive friction.
Date	2 November 1857
Format	Manuscript volume
Extent	1 page
Access Conditions	This material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.

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