Model Boat Mayhem

Please login or register.

Login with username, password and session length.
Pages: 1 [2] 3 4   Go Down

Author Topic: QE2  (Read 17357 times)

catengineman

  • Guest
Re: QE2 - end of an era?
« Reply #25 on: June 22, 2007, 10:50:31 pm »

The QE2 with HER classic lines and distinctive look will I am sure be missed in all the ports SHE ever visited and sea's SHE sailed on will loose that majestic air in the wake of HER voyage's.

Yes I like the ship though never set foot on the decks, SHE will be missed at Southampton water and one claim to fame I can boast is that while on a tug in tow I (the tug and tow( held up the sailling of the Queen Elisabeth 2nd by 45 minuets as we could not leave the channel to get out of HER way, (pilot most annoyed)

Richard.
Logged

PSSHIPS

  • Guest
Re: QE2 - end of an era?
« Reply #26 on: June 22, 2007, 10:54:07 pm »

Strip the superstructure off and turn it into a carrier, its gotta be cheaper?
 Seriously, saw her in Corunna, must have been 83, looked well smart and farted at us three times as we went passed.
 ;)
Logged

Colin Bishop

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 12,171
  • Location: SW Surrey, UK
Re: QE2 - end of an era?
« Reply #27 on: June 22, 2007, 10:58:03 pm »

Quote
must have been 83

My God Paul - you're not THAT old are you?  ???
Logged

PSSHIPS

  • Guest
Re: QE2 - end of an era?
« Reply #28 on: June 22, 2007, 11:37:19 pm »

Even older than that! Col! :)
Logged

gingyer

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,684
  • Location: Glasgow
QE2
« Reply #29 on: September 19, 2007, 09:18:38 pm »

I got bored yesterday at work and found this lurking under a bridge ;D
it had a visitor also no prizes of where the pitures were taken













Logged

Bryan Young

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 6,883
  • Location: Whitley Bay
Re: QE2
« Reply #30 on: September 20, 2007, 06:42:29 pm »

A set of nice pictures showing RFA "Fort George" or "Fort Victoria"  with QE2. Both large ships but although both were built to "Merchant Navy" standards (with modifications in the case of the "Fort") the pictures graphically show how much ship design has changed in the last 40 years. Personally, I prefer the early version. I sailed on one of the new "Forts" and found it completely souless and more akin to a factory unit than a ship one could take pride in....efficient, yes. Nice? No. BY.
Logged
Notes from a simple seaman

gingyer

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,684
  • Location: Glasgow
Re: QE2
« Reply #31 on: September 20, 2007, 10:07:30 pm »

I tend to agree with you Bryan
today most things are designed to have the following requirements
1) Make money
2) Make more money
3) Do what the are meant to
4) Make even more money

the end result is you have thing being built that are completely souless
The QM2 has no character and in my opinion and is like one of those DAKOTA hotels
a black box with rooms

Colin
Logged

bobdoc

  • Guest
Re: QE2
« Reply #32 on: September 20, 2007, 11:01:34 pm »

I, too, saw the QE2 in the Forth on Tuesday. Unfortunately, by the time I realised which vessel I was looking at and rescued my ever-present camera from the luggage rack, I had missed the photo opportunity.

I first saw the QE2 in Cherbourgh in summer 1974 when I was a) startled by what I though was a human figure at a door low in the hull as she approached the harbour. Between my eyesight and the size of the ship, I was startled to find that it was Tansit-type van waiting to disembark.

The other memorable happening that evening was, in wandering forward to have a closer view, I had crossed a barrier and had to show my passport to get back into France - fortunately, we had not long arrived in France and I had not yet given my passport to my (now) wife for safe-keeping!

There has recently been a number of floating hotels/floating holiday camps in the forth. I agree with others on this forum - they may be efficient - even cost effective - but lack the design flare of the old liners.

Is this a sign of aging.....or what?!

Earlier this year one of the new Stena Bulk ice-breaker oil tankers was in the Forth estuary - would have dwarfed the QE2 had she been there at the same time!

Bob
Logged

Colin Bishop

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 12,171
  • Location: SW Surrey, UK
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #33 on: October 06, 2008, 12:04:47 pm »

This pic taken at the Kew show demonstrates the relative sizes (and shapes!) of QE2 and QM2. Models at 1:1200 scale by Jack Snary.
Logged

Tester

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 352
  • Location: Baughurst, Hampshire
Queens leaving New York
« Reply #34 on: October 16, 2008, 07:48:31 pm »

Hi

For anybody interested QE2 and QM2 are leaving New York at 18:00 NY time, about 23:00 tonight I think. It's the last visit of the QE2 before she is converted into a block of flats, oops sorry, an hotel. She's being escorted out by fireboats so sholud be a good show if we can see it.

Information and web cam links here.  http://www.digital-seas.com/fleet_tracking/reports/130108_ny_queens.html

and also http://www.kroooz-cams.com/cunardindex.html.
Logged

Tester

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 352
  • Location: Baughurst, Hampshire
Re: Queens leaving New York
« Reply #35 on: October 16, 2008, 10:22:27 pm »

Wow....

Just seen the QM2 pass in front of the Statue of Liberty live on a webcam.....

Sad eh,  %) %)
Logged

Tester

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 352
  • Location: Baughurst, Hampshire
Re: Queens leaving New York
« Reply #36 on: October 16, 2008, 11:35:09 pm »

quick picture, hopefully some more tomorrow..

Logged

Tester

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 352
  • Location: Baughurst, Hampshire
Re: Queens leaving New York
« Reply #37 on: October 17, 2008, 03:04:48 pm »

Another one, although the colour seems to have disappeared

Logged

Martin (Admin)

  • Administrator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 23,363
  • Location: Peterborough, UK
    • Model Boat Mayhem
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #38 on: October 24, 2008, 06:14:39 am »

Logged
"This is my firm opinion, but what do I know?!" -  Visit the Mayhem FaceBook Groups!  &  Giant Models

Sea Commander

  • Guest
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #39 on: October 31, 2008, 10:55:07 pm »



  Hi Guys,

 Got to have my say on this one,

This is my reccolection of her. I started an apprentiship in Nottingham in 1979, the company was part of the Trafalger House group who at the time owned Cunard. When the Fauklands crisis hit we were on stand by, to go to Sothampton and do remedial work to strengthen the decks etc. I never made it but some of the chaps did and had a good time. very long hours worked and on a very tight dead line. She was then a National tresure, painted in dull grey and taking troops to liberate the Falklands.

When she came back, she was taken to Bremahaven and the same crew went out and did more work. The work was not completed and they sailed to New York, working 14 Hour days. Missed that one to.

Anyway, revenge, my wife and I did a East bound transatlantic crossing form New York to Southampton in July 06. That was the best Holdiday ever, just brilliant.

We left the hotel in Manhatten mid morning and the consierge hailed a Yellow cab for us, The magic started at that moment. The cabby said in the American Drawn "where to Sir" I replied the Ocen liner terminal and gave the grid refference street detials that I can no Longer remember, "no kidding man". He thought we were some rich excentric English. Ayway we got there and there she was.

Goos bumps, pride etc etc etc, those massive bows rising up form the water dwaffing every thing around, I walked along the key side at the side of her,  I WAS IN HEVEAN. We went abord into the midships lobby and then had the most incredible 5 days. They crossed at 28 knots at that time and we did in inthe 5 days. We sailed out by Liberty and went into a heavy mist. We then had life boat drill and latter an Ice patrol plane flow over the ship for some time.

Regrets, yes, bloody fool me never asked to go into the engine room or bridge. I have a few quetsons, what was her maximum speed and woild it have been realistic to do a last, fast,  crossing of the water before the old girl finished - who knows. I WILL BE IN Leeds on 11th November when she finally sets sail for the last time FROM Southampton. Much much to my disgust and anoyance, but the mortgause has to be paid.

 A fond fairwell QE2  - Goodbuy & Good Luck - You will never be forgotton

  Sea Commander
Logged

BarryM

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1,701
  • Location: West Lothian
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #40 on: November 01, 2008, 08:48:05 am »

Quote -
The publicity in the popular press that the QE2 turbine problems caused at the time was a huge embarrassment and I certainly found it disappointing as so much had been expected from the new ship.
Unquote


The publicity at the time was no more accurate then as now. I well remember when the HP turbine gave problems on trials, a retired Master of the QM was wheeled out by the BBC to give his 'expert' opinion. He obviously did not know his resonant frequency from his stern gland and probably had not been in an engine room since his apprenticeship - and then briefly. However,he gave it as his opinion that probably a "boiler had burst".  Any engineer watching must have been crying into his beer.

Barry M
Logged

Peter Fitness

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7,376
  • Location: Wyrallah, near Lismore NSW Australia
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #41 on: November 02, 2008, 05:44:54 am »

Sea Commander, the published top speed of QE2 is 32.5 knots, but I was assured by a senior member of the crew that she could do 36 knots if necessary, using all 9 diesel engines. We reached 30 knots on a number of occasions during our trip on her earlier this year, both in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with 8 of her engines in use. The water goes past your porthole rather quickly at that speed, and the vibration was noticeable, particularly in the Grand Lounge. I have attached a photo of the ship's wake which I took from our cabin porthole on Deck 4. We were in the Caribbean Sea at the time.

Peter.
Logged

cos918

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2,278
  • Location: Abingdon
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #42 on: November 02, 2008, 11:22:28 am »

hi all the fastest QE2 has ever gone is 33.8 knots on sea trials on her way home from Bremerhaven were she had her new engines fitted. this happened in April 1987.

john
Logged

Colin Bishop

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 12,171
  • Location: SW Surrey, UK
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #43 on: November 02, 2008, 12:08:53 pm »

If it really could achieve 36 knots then it's a pity they didn't try and break the United States' 35 knot Blue Riband record. After all, it's not as if the enginges will be needed much longer. They will be removed when the ship reaches Dubai.
Logged

farrow

  • Guest
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #44 on: November 02, 2008, 01:31:48 pm »

When the QE2 was built, I thought god she is ugly compared to the QE, but as time has gone on and I when She passed me some years ago in the approaches to the solent, yes I changed my mind about her. In twenty years time, I expect a new generation will say how graceful the new queens are, after all it is all relative to the people of that time and tastes.
As to the present QE2, from the stories of people I have spoken to over the years, I am surprised she is still afloat. I expect bunkerbarge has heard tales from within the industry of the state of her frames etc under the engine plates out of sight. After all steel built ships are not built to last for ever, they do corrode in salt water quite well plus you have other types of corrosion which is just as fast as salt water. I am afraid to say it is her time and like all good ships, they are gas axed and the steel is used again after all a ship I served in for seven years was gas axed at twenty years of age.
Logged

Shipmate60

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5,800
  • You bark - I will bite!!!
  • Location: Fareham
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #45 on: November 02, 2008, 01:47:23 pm »

Dave,
The Arrochar.

Bob
Logged
Officially a GOG.

farrow

  • Guest
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #46 on: November 02, 2008, 03:57:55 pm »

Hello Bob,
Yeah that was the old girl I was thinking off, we had some good as well as bad although not that many bad times. Yeah treat a vessel as a lady, protecting her from all kinds of mistreatment and at the end of the day a fellah comes along with a gas axe and recycles her. By the way Bob I do not how my reply to indirect tows got onto this page, so as a moderator can you please move it to tugs/indirect tows, many thanks.
David
Logged

Peter Fitness

  • Global Moderator
  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7,376
  • Location: Wyrallah, near Lismore NSW Australia
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #47 on: November 02, 2008, 09:45:55 pm »

I was only repeating what I was told by a crew member. He claims that the speed of 36 knots was reached on her way to the Falkland Islands during the Falklands war, and was not publicised. Officially, the QE2's top speed is given as 32.5 knots.

Colin, according to the Popular Mechanics website, the SS United States could reach speeds of 44 knots, which seems incredible. The photo on the site shows her to be in a bad state of disrepair.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/transportation/4263478.html

Peter.
Logged

Bunkerbarge

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2,510
  • Location: Halifax, UK
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #48 on: November 02, 2008, 10:24:38 pm »

Sea Commander, the published top speed of QE2 is 32.5 knots, but I was assured by a senior member of the crew that she could do 36 knots if necessary, using all 9 diesel engines. We reached 30 knots on a number of occasions during our trip on her earlier this year, both in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with 8 of her engines in use. The water goes past your porthole rather quickly at that speed, and the vibration was noticeable, particularly in the Grand Lounge. I have attached a photo of the ship's wake which I took from our cabin porthole on Deck 4. We were in the Caribbean Sea at the time.

Peter.

Peter, because the speed increases as a function of the power cubed the ninth engine will have very little difference on the top speed.  The load on the running engines would be more relevent.  Top speeds quoted will usually be at a certain power ratingn not usually quoted at 100% so I'm sure the 32.5 could possibly be improved upon with perfect sea conditions, a clean hull, and very little house load so all available load is used for propulsion.  As to whether she could achieve 36 is probably open to debate.

Just to give you an idea, we have 5 'V'configuration engines and can achieve about 20.5 knots in perfect conditions with a clean hull using four engines.  The fifth engine, although adding another 25% available power would only take us to about 22-23 knots.  So the final ninth engine on the QE2, adding a considerably smaller percentage to the total available power would have even less effect on top speed.
Logged
"Dirty British coaster with a salt-caked smoke stack, Butting through the Channel in the mad March days"

Colin Bishop

  • Full Mayhemer
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 12,171
  • Location: SW Surrey, UK
Re: qe2 sold
« Reply #49 on: November 02, 2008, 10:27:47 pm »

Peter,

The 44 knots figure is open to question although I have seen it quoted before. It does rather seem to confound the laws of hydrodynamics. A more credible figure I have seen is 38 knots but who knows? I believe United States was fitted with the same power plant used for the Midway class carriers which had a quoted service speed of 33 knots.

The cruise line NCL own United States at the moment and, despite promises to return her to service have done nothing with her. Realistically, converting her to cruise service would be pretty impractical as her interior layout is entirely unsuitable but it is a pity that she couldn't be preserved in the same way that the Dutch have recently preserved Rotterdam.

Colin
Logged
Pages: 1 [2] 3 4   Go Up
 

Page created in 0.095 seconds with 22 queries.