'Nero' was apparently inspired by J.P. Morgan's 'Corsair' luxury-yacht's from the late 1800's-early 1900's
The first 'Corsair' was bought by the U.S. Govt and became U.S.S. 'Gloucester'.
The second 'Corsair' became U.S.S. 'Corsair' in WW1 and served as U.S.S. 'Oceanographer' during WW2.
I Can't find anything on 'Corsair III', but it seems like 'Corsair IV' started life as a luxury yacht, ut for some reason was later converted into a cruise ship - Ouch! - A bit like buying a Rolls-Royce and using it to deliver Pizza!
(http://s20.postimg.org/v58wpxh59/corsair_sp159.jpg)
'Corsair II' (later U.S.S. 'Corsair')
(http://s20.postimg.org/82idqrfnx/Corsair_IV_c.jpg)
'Corsair IV'
(http://s20.postimg.org/gjhw1okct/Corsair_Nero.jpg)
'Nero'
(http://s20.postimg.org/irw2j0rgt/Corsair_IV_1.jpg)
'Corsair IV' after conversion - Note extended aft superstructure.
(http://s20.postimg.org/5dnl0qa6l/Corsair_Nero.jpg)
'Nero'
Seem to have stirred up an aesthetic controversy here. %)
Andy
It isn't really an aesthetic controversy - It just looks like it!
Andy
Why so few models of them?
Yes i know Deans have 2 Steam yachts but very few luxury modern ones apart from Moonraker.
Maybe it's because no-one can agree what is appealing! {-)
Here's a full-size U.S.S. 'Gloucester' (formerly 'Corsair I') and some 'Corsair' models...
(http://s20.postimg.org/snjtwta19/USS_Gloucester.jpg)
U.S.S. 'Gloucester' (full-size).
(http://s20.postimg.org/e32r1zf2l/Model_of_Gloucester.jpg)
U.S.S. 'Gloucester'.
(http://s20.postimg.org/863gywnbh/Model_of_Corsair_II.jpg)
'Corsair II' (maybe).
(http://s20.postimg.org/u6jtfj5zh/Model_of_Glos_Corsair.jpg)
U.S.S. 'Corsair' (maybe).
(http://s20.postimg.org/3vk7pksul/Model_o_Corsair_IV.jpg)
'Corsair IV'
(http://s20.postimg.org/uymheqa6l/Corsair_IV7ft_Model.jpg)
A larger model of 'Corsair IV', measuring 7ft 8 inches.