T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 43

The time-lag is 11 seconds, at fastest possible operation, to come from astern into ahead; and 31 seconds from ahead into astern. Using gear "gentlemans/... fashion", entirely without snatch, it takes 31 seconds from astern to ahead and 51 ahead to astern. Inumbine to accustom oneself to this time-lag is the only lesson peculiar to the Ryland. A week should do it easy, in every case. As there is only repetition work to be done, this afternoon and tomorrow I am taking 48 hours off; back on Sunday p.m. You will understand of course that this first test set is to be secured entirely. There is a re-designed telegraph,on paper; now wiring to go it, and changes in cam-slide, pulling and linking-up. Only the principle is settled, now, thank goodness. You will be pleased when you try her next. Will you please tell F/Lt. Nerrington that I had a very useful half-hour with his paint expert ? I think the new paint worth trying. It closely resembles the Smith racing green, which lasted 9 months on my hull. Yours sincerely, T.S. Shaw.