Bizarre new concept/dream for QM1

[Rob Lightbody]

Robert, I recently came across your website and thought I would shoot you
over an email, I would welcome you to visit our website at
www.thequeensproject.org , we are in the
plans for the complete preservation and restoration of the Historic Liner
the RMS Queen Mary.

Sincerely,

-Robert Sides, III

President / CEO

The Queen's Project

[Rob Lightbody]

This sounds COMPLETELY stupid.

Has anyone heard anything else about it?

Read this:-

http://www.thequeensproject.org/project.htm

It would be a better plan for QE2 methinks?

[Andy F]

Yeah, thanks for your kind offer Mr Sides but I think I'll pass on that one!  Agree Rob this is certainly bizarre.  Let's face it, she's never going to sea again and I for one certainly have no intention of making a donation.  I suppose I'm going to have to live with the fact I'll never have a stateroom named after me though lol! 

[singlemalt]

Oh I don't know Rob & Andy.....

To quote:

For a donation of $1,000,000 or more, The Queen’s Project will name a 1,200 sq. ft. Royal Stateroom/Suite after donor, who will also receive periodic up-to-date information about the project, a beautifully inscribed glass plaque, and an opportunity to be among the first to sail on the Queen Mary by being presented with tickets for 4: 1 for donor and 3 other passengers (limit: one suite). Trip expenses, excluding taxes and port fees, will be paid by The Queen’s Project. (Restrictions apply; see Terms and Conditions for details.)

I'd be happy to part with a spare $1,000,000 for the honour of having the "Singlemalt_Ali" suite bearing my name 

Might even be kind enough to offer up the 3 spare places to anyone willing to beg 

[Andy F]

Oh, now I don't know what to do.  Do I spend my £1m on this or on the QM2 T/A next year?  Hmm, I shall have to hone my begging skills methinks 

Welcome back btw!

[Richard Coltman]

I read it and was a bit stunned when I read they want to return her to sea, rather than just restore her.  I just think it would be prohibitively expensive.

Perhaps they should try and save the SS United States from going to the scrapyard.

[highlander0108]

At first I thought this was an April Fools post.   What happens to the money people are crazy enough to donate if the project never is accepted?  While I'd love to sail the seas on Queen Mary, this sounds too far fetched to even consider.

[Rob Lightbody]

This was my first reply from Robert, after I told him I thought he was off his head.... (not in so many words)

Good Afternoon Rob,

Well First Off, its safe to say that Queen Mary as a “tourist attraction” will never work, she was never marketed correct, never taken care of, and nothing even happened with her. The purpose of our project is to secure her future to be around for many, many generations to come, because of Queen Mary’s condition she is far too gone to just “fix” but instead we will be forced to take the ship apart and put her back together replacing her bulkheads, supports, and even a great part of her hull. For the last 40 years she has been neglected, and no amount of “fixing” will work. When it comes down to it would cost the City of Long Beach more than $750 million dollars to complete the repairs, I think you can understand, that kind of money is not easy to come by and for a struggling attraction such as Queen Mary, the City would rather sell her to a scrap yard.

The Queen’s Project is taking the next step, to secure her future once and for all, and ensure she is not left to fall into disrepair again, we will spend more than $1.3 billion dollars to complete the restoration, thus bringing her to full sailing condition. Though you may not agree with taking that step, it is the only feasible option to ensure her success.

I will personally ensure you myself and my company will take very good care of the Queen Mary and that she will be truly the Queen of Seas once again sailing the world over bring her magic and grandeur back to life. Stories are currently bring written about our Project, we are working with major newspapers here in California in addition to some in England who are following our project. We are gaining speed and soon we will outline in great detail some more exciting news that will also include the S.S. United States.

With regard to the Contact with Cunard, the contact states “AND WHEREAS City intend to use the Vessel as a Maritime Museum and Hotel and/or Restaurant and/or Tourist Complex and not to employ her for trading at sea” This is exactly as it is phrased, and the only mention accordingly. There is no contact and no requirement that states that if upon the succession of the Queen Mary that the Succession (Queen’s Project) CAN NOT employ her for trading at sea, then we would be bound to that agreement, as it states what it does, the Queen’s Project nor any other “successor” from the City of Long Beach can sail Queen Mary again. Technically speaking from a legal stand point, the City of Long Beach could even sail the ship, because there was nothing that states it could not, but simply described the use of the vessel. This was unfortunately a myth that has been passed on and rumored, it’s simply not true and has no barring.

I wish to thank you for your writing us back, we wished to ensure the world is aware of who we are, and to ensure they understand that we are here to secure a legends future. Should you have any questions please let me know, I am always but happy to assist you further.

Sincerely,
-Robert Sides, III
President / CEO
The Queen's Project
 
(866) 974-9995 phone
(866) 313-3423 fax

16580 Harbor Blvd, STE J
Fountain Valley, California 92708
 
www.thequeensproject.org

[Rob Lightbody]

Then I told him he should be doing QE2 and SSUS instead, OR at least taking QE2s powerplant from the scrapyard to which he replied :-

Rob,

It is a very large undertaking and I know when someone reads our outline there at a loss for words, in the end it really is the best thing for the Queen Mary.

We will not run out of money, we will ensure all funding is in place before we even consider dismantling the ship, it is just unfortunate that its come down to this and having to take such drastic measures to ensure the ship is preserved. Yes you will loose a little of the original Queen Mary, but in the end everything original to Queen Mary will still be there, she will be Completely Restored back to how she first appeared in 1936. We will add new features however they will be in areas of the ship that were originally used for crew or off limit areas to the passengers.

The only real change will come to Queen Mary's staterooms that will be expanded and re-configured. Her outer appearance with not change one bit.
Her smoke rooms, pools, restaurants and lounges will be completely restored and we will even dress our staff is era uniforms. No detail has been overlooked and we will ensure Queen Mary remains to be the Most Luxurious Ocean Liner in the World.

As to the QE2, its not something we are considering, perhaps in the future we may look at her, but right now our priority is of course the Queen Mary, we are also in talks for the purchase the S.S. United States, but that is another story and again only after Queen Mary is complete.

QE2's propulsion systems would not work for Queen Mary, they are just too aged with comparison to new systems, in addition they would just not provide enough power that Queen Mary will require, this option has already been talked about with my engineers. 

We welcome you to post information about us, if you would like we can create something for you, or if you would like to write something we can assist you with information. Please let me know, I will be happy to work with you.

Sincerely,
-Robert Sides, III
President / CEO
The Queen's Project 

(866) 974-9995 phone
(866) 313-3423 fax

16580 Harbor Blvd, STE J
Fountain Valley, California 92708

www.thequeensproject.org

[Andy F]

Hmm, interesting.  Sure it's possible to strip her right back and completely rebuild her but just how feasible would this be in all honesty? The cost would be prohibitive and with the best will in the World, unlikely to achieve anywhere near the return on investment (sorry donation). Don't get me wrong, it would be wonderful if they could pull this off but I'm not holding my breath!

On a related note, as a regular reader of the Southern Echo, whenever mention is made of QE2 or other Cunarders, one particular correspondent makes regular postings about 'exciting news' re QM and that she will be brought back to the UK.  Everyone (me included), has treated this with suitable derision amusement but this story does at least add some kudos to his ramblings. I remain of the opinion that the only journey QM is likely to make when the time finally comes to depart Long Beach, will be to the scrapyard.  I'd be delighted to be proved wrong of course.     

[highlander0108]

Rob,

QE2's propulsion systems would not work for Queen Mary, they are just too aged with comparison to new systems, in addition they would just not provide enough power that Queen Mary will require, this option has already been talked about with my engineers. 

Indulging this fantasy a bit, the above comment does not make much sense if one thinks things through.  The QE2's 9 MAN diesels are in fine shape as have been reported many times.  Perhaps a few other diesels would need to be added if the ship is to be driven at her former hull speeds.  In fact, the MAN units are still in production and they have updated cylinder heads for state of the art diesel emissions technology.  It would be quite an engineering feat if a heart transplant could be pulled off and would be a dream to market; QM gets a heart transplant from her sucessor.  Of course, there is the 4 vs. 2 propellers to deal with.  What was done with the S.S. France comes to mind.  The ship would probably have to have conventional shafts since there is no flat stern sections to accept the newer pod propulsion.  Somehow, bow and stern thrusters would have to be fitted to aid in maneuvering in port. Also, the large main electric motors would have to come out of QE2, no small feat either or new ones would have to be buil, if there is anyone out there still capable of doing that.

Thinking about all of there stated plans, does it really make sense to spend over one billiion to do this?  Why not just build a replica with completely modern construction and equiptment right from the start.  I've already spent way to much time thinking about this......sadly, it is just sounds like people are just going to get fleeced with their "donations".

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

On a related note, as a regular reader of the Southern Echo, whenever mention is made of QE2 or other Cunarders, one particular correspondent makes regular postings about 'exciting news' re QM and that she will be brought back to the UK. 

Well spotted. I was going to say that I've never seen reports that the QM would be put back into use before this thread!

[Andrew W]

A billion is a mere trifle these days. Our Congress is dishing up TRILLIONS these days - a trillion here, a trillion there, who will notice a paltry billion. Maybe Pres. Barrack could throw a billion towards the QM. Probably it might be a better use for it than it could otherwise be put to ?

[stowaway2k]

I've been looking over this website for some time now.   
It's good for a laugh.   
It is, at best, a well-done hoax .  More than likely though it's simply dilusional, and possibly a fraud as they're asking for donations and financial aid. 
So much of it is outlandish.  What isn't outlandish is impossible, and a good deal of it is false.   
I havn't made up my mind if it is more funny or more sad. 

[Mauretania1907]

Sad, if these people got their hands on poor old Mary, she deserves better than this hoax. Might be cheaper to build a completely new ship from original hull plans and equip her with modern engines and navigation equipment etc (dream on, why not even Maury 2 if not Maury 1) If this chap is not delusional, even more sad. Monies donated to refurbising the present Queen Mary and keeping her there a while longer, may be more feasible. I don't think she could move anymore, not even under tow.

[Kev]

Whilst we may all dream of seeing all the Queens back in action doing what they do best I really think the SSUS is in need of the most urgent help.
Meanwhile I am bringing forward my plan to rebuild Noah's Ark using original parts that I bought off an internet auction site and have stashed in a council lock up near Billericay
Please send your donations to www.theanimalsanddoshcomemywayformy2x2hoorahhhoorah.com

 

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

www.theanimalsanddoshcomemywayformy2x2hoorahhhoorah.com

I've seen this link before Kev and have been going to make a considerable donation to whatever good cause is under discussion at the time (If you've got the genuine bits then I'll quite happily finance reconstruction of the ark). I would make a donation unfortunately the page always comes up as "not available" Can you help?

[Kev]

Thanks!
see you at Wickes for some 2x2. Cash only-anything left can go to 'General Funds'!

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

some 2x2

A short plank? Are you comparing me to that? I only invest in schemes that sound sensible  (I wonder why I can't invest in yours? )

[Ocean Liner Fanatic]

I wonder which is more bizarre? This plan for the QM1 or this plan http://www.sstitan.org which is a plan to build the world's largest ocean liner that would look like the Titanic and the ship would be named S.S.Titan.In all probability both plans are nothing but pie-in-the-sky. Regards,Jerry 

[Andy F]

The way things are going, one can only hope QE2's planned conversion will soon be added to the list of fanciful maritime pipedreams.

Btw Kev, I've got some No 8 countersink screws and a couple of tins of white emulsion knocking around in the shed if it helps.   Might have to peel the skin off 'em first but should be fine for touching up if nothing else lol!

[Kev]

Would'nt want to sail on a ship that sounds like and looks like the Titanic thanks

Thanks for the offers of material support for my Noah's Ark project but what I really want is cash and lots of it but funnily enough this has not been forthcoming!

[stowaway2k]

This sounds COMPLETELY stupid.

Has anyone heard anything else about it?

Read this:-

http://www.thequeensproject.org/project.htm

It would be a better plan for QE2 methinks?

This site is now off-line.   
Probably couldn't deal with the questions...   

[highlander0108]

This sounds COMPLETELY stupid.

Has anyone heard anything else about it?

Read this:-

http://www.thequeensproject.org/project.htm

It would be a better plan for QE2 methinks?

This site is now off-line.   
Probably couldn't deal with the questions...   

I hope that is the case.  Interestingly, the Los Angeles NBC TV station has picked up on the story.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/around_town/the_scene/The-Queen-May-Sale-Again.html

[mksmith]

I just tried clicking on link to the website Rob included in the first post and see this message:

Our apologies, the site you are looking for is not currently available.
Please check back soon.

I guess the game is up.

[Scott]

QM has been here almost my whole life. Over the years, especially in the 90s, there have been numerous attempts to remove the ship - under different pretenses.

The reality is that the real estate where she sits is too valuable. I personally believe the City of Long Beach would love to get rid of her. Build Hotels, a footbal complex, etc that has been being talked about now for a while.

None of these ridiculous plans have anything to do with restoring her, just getting the property.

QM is all that puts LB on the map in my opinion. When they get rid of her, they will have made the biggest mistake of their careers.

With that said she is in serious trouble structurally. You can actually stand in the wheelhouse, look through a hole in the cieling to blue sky! A mushroom vent on the bow has collpased in on itself because of rust. The superstructure is the most serious part.

The 'restored' decks are actually laid over plywood. No marine materials used. During heavy rains water pours into the main lounge on the promenade deck. It even gets the carpet wet way down on 'B' deck.

She needs serious work. I could go on and on.....

[Richard Coltman]

Hmmmm, the old site redirects here:

http://www.islandoflongbeach.com/

Not a lot of information, except the text below the banner which states "The Queen's Project" but interestingly now also says "The American Liner Project".

Don't tell me they are going to buy up the SS United States and return her to service as well?  Clearly they (thin) have deep pockets(!)

Also I did smile when I read they said they won't be responding to public comments.  I wonder why.

[Xiaoshan Sailor]

Looks like one of those Nigerian lottery schemes to me...

Regarding the SS Titan Foundation, I remember coming across a similar proposal twelve years ago when the movie Titanic was all the rage.  Perhaps Mr. Ricker can convince a Chinese billionaire who still has the Celine Dion ring tone on his phone to come in as an investor.