The work on the concretion is slow and tedious at best with every effort being made to avoid damaging the engine in any way. So far, they have stripped more than two tons of the stuff off in the first week's work.
The Monitor sank on Dec. 31, 1862, in a storm off North Carolina's Cape Hatteras.
"This is a technological marvel. It was cutting edge for its day. But what's really neat is revealing all the wheels, oil cups, valves and other parts that the Monitor's crew used to operate the engine," said conservation project manager Dave Krop.
The Monitor's vibrating side-lever engine was much smaller and more compact than engines on steamers of the era.
You can go to the USS Monitor Center to keep updated. Make sure you check out the blog.
Glad Some Parts of the Ship Will Be Saved. --Old B-R'er
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