QE2 Interesting fact.

[peterandjeanette]

Only being a mere youngster, ( cough cough ) I hadn't realised that the QE2 was NOT named after our present Queen.

It was named after Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and the 2 was used to show that this was the second Queen Elizabeth vessel in the fleet.

I suppose this is why we refer to the Queen Mary 2 and not Queen Mary the second.

Even at my age, I learn something new every day. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Geoffs]

That's right, being an oldgit (not THE Oldgit!) I remember the launch very well, can't believe it was 40 years ago. She originally had steam turbines, which were nowt but trouble and were replaced. Can't remember when, not that long after commissioning.

 

[Woodlouse]

Interesting. Although, I thought she was named after Queen Elizabeth Tudor.

Incidently, there is rather a good story as to how the Queen Mary became called such. Apparently those landed with the task of naming the vessel had decided that Queen Victoria would be a splended name. So, when the time came to ask the King what he thought about it, Victoria after all being his Gran, they said they intended to name the ship after the greatest queen the countries ever seen. And the King replied, "well, I'll have to ask Mary, but I'm sure she'd be honoured."

And that as they say, was that. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[powerskipper]

By the way , well done on passing your cruising instructor ticket, and nice to see you again as well.

 

[peterandjeanette]

Thanks J. Thankfully I DID miss the Bramble Bank.

 

[coliholic]

[ QUOTE ]
That's right, being an oldgit (not THE Oldgit!) I remember the launch very well, can't believe it was 40 years ago. She originally had steam turbines, which were nowt but trouble and were replaced. Can't remember when, not that long after commissioning.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually the engines were replaced in the late 80's, probably about '87. I remember going on board in Soton and doing a survey to quote for the removal of the old engines and gearboxes. The work was done in Bremen (I think) and the steam turbines were replaced with MAN diesels. We didn't get the job, Cunard wanted a fixed price and we did'nt feel clever enough to price it so declined to quote.

 

[Geoffs]

Gosh, was it as late as that, she struggled on nearly 20 years with the turbines. I can remember loads of news reports of cruises being cut short due to 'engine problems'. Was excessive vibration from what I remember.

Must have been quite a job the get the turbines out and put diesels in. Something like 7 or 8 wasn't it? Driving generators and two 45 'ish MW electric motors on the shafts. That's getting on for 120,000 hp. No wonder she went well.