QE2 Dubai Concept Models

[Rob Lightbody]

You'll want to be sitting down before you click this link!

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?from=salesummary&intObjectID=5204106&sid=1941c26b-7c33-4844-81c9-f6d36e76c4b3

<sigh>                    

Thanks to John Attwood for sending me this link.

I've decided that Christie's won't mind me posting this picture - seeing as its advertising something they're selling!  If they do, I'll take it down.

[Rob Lightbody]

As far as i know, this is the first realistic look at what she will become if the Dubai plans go ahead. How did nakheel let this model escape? The cat is out of the bag now. I do find it morbidly interesting though to see how the designer has worked with the existing structure. She has completely lost her sleek sporty elegance and is just a dumpy mess. 

[Mauretania1907]

Oh yuck QV would be laughing, this looks awful. I hope it DOSN"T go ahead, at least in that form. Dumpiness is the word!!

[ancoaster78]

It says in the text under the photo the this is number two of three models produced, surely that tells us that this design hasn't been chosen, thank goodness, and that maybe one of the other two options is under more serious consideration, but, what if the idea that actually goes ahead is even worse?

I am sure from the model they can see that doesn't look pretty?! Who would want that stuck in the flash development, its true even QV would be laughing. I think the only plus side is the hull hasnt been stretched or otherwise destroyed.

Agree with you Rob, there is a certain fascination in the way an attempt to work within the style of the original, but QE2 is just too short and narrow for any extra decks!

[Chris]

Oh please... this is ludicrous - that "design" iis a disgrace to QE2, to shipping and to all of us around the world who knew and loved QE2.

I very much doubt that it will end like that. If it does - the Queen is Dead...

[Chris]

PS: If the CONCEPT models of an un-launched project that has until now been shroud in secrecy are being sold ...I'd say these plans (if in fact they were ever the real plans) are finished with... Otherwise, the designers needed a few thousand pounds to make ends meet... Other issues here (aside from the obvious) include the "missing" two deck windows? Considering the hull colours appear consistent on the bow - how are they intending to lose a row of windows within the hull...

[Twynkle]

 
There are No pennants, No ensign, No radar things (the lovely big white 'globes' on top) No flagpoles fore and aft, No Tenders etc etc -
Importantly - there seems to be No personalty about this model - it looks very dead.
Bet it doesn't have lights that are on different circuits either!  Any good Model would need her Whistle too.


Just a thought, as the model is up for sale - could this mean that has been a change of plan?

[Richard Coltman]

And I thought the extra decks they added to the Norway (ex SS France) were the height of ugliness.

One point - if they (as we are led to believe) going to remove the engines and put in a lot of big open spaces (theatre, etc) and then whack all that on the top, she'll keel over.... 

[Waverley]

Oh dear.

Not nice at all.

However since it is for sale, it does suggest that this design has been rejected. Also as Andy stated that this is model 2 of 3. I wonder what the model prototypes look like for models one and three.

[Rob Lightbody]

I've added a photo at the start of this thread with a green line where I think the existing ship ends.

Some thoughts

• This exact plan may not be going ahead, but this shows what sort of a thing they're thinking of.
• Someone wanted to cause trouble with this model - either the modelmaker didn't get paid, or somebody wants to show the world what the plans are.
• The existing superstructure would need rebuilt too, to support this lot.
• Would FIVE additional 'Upper' decks not rise ABOVE the bridge?  I'm not sure what I'm seeing makes sense...
• Its extended back too, if you look closely.

[Dr. Edmund Carus]

A true nightmare! - sorry I'm speechless!

Edmund

[Bob C.]

Its grotesquely hideous AND I'm wondering just how they will structurally make this happen.  Like Rob said, 5 upper decks requires alot of support but even more, they will significantly raise the center of gravity and greatly increase her sail area (air draft) making her much more unstable.  One good Shamal (sand storm) and she runs the risk of capsizing at her berth, especially if her lower decks are stripped out for convention space, unless weight is installed in the bottom of the ship to counter her being so top heavy.  But weight up top added to weight below would make her draft really deep, probably add 2-4 feet in addition to the 32-34 ft (9.8-10.4 m) she draws now (i.e. the 6 Deck port holes would be barely visible or submerged).

• Would FIVE additional 'Upper' decks not rise ABOVE the bridge?  I'm not sure what I'm seeing makes sense...

Looks like the bridge and signal deck were sliced off and placed on top of the added structure.  The white paint starts at 1 deck on the model as opposed to 2 deck as it has since she was first painted.  All in all it is not QE2 and makes it very evident that Nakeel has no intention of preserving her heritage whatsoever even though they claim just the opposite.  Very disturbing.

I don't see where a 100 ft section would have been added amid ships.  Does anyone else?

[Kev]

YUK, YUK AND TREBLE YUK-ABOUT AS USEFUL AS A CHOCOLATE TEAPOT

A TYPICAL INTERIOR DESIGNER/ARCHITECT ON HIS OR HER OWN JOLLY WHOM I WOULDN'T TRUST TO SIT THE RIGHT WAY ROUND ON A TOILET SEAT

I DON'T LIKE THE GREEN STRIPES EITHER!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

... and all those windows and balconies at regular intervals... just what I dislike in so many other ships...   

Words are totally failing me... which is probably just as well...

[ancoaster78]

To get this to ''work'' they must have raised the focstle by one deck, which allows therefore the black pain to be taken higher so as to not make it look even more top heavy than it does. The bridge has been raised too, the whole thing is like a charicature of the QE2 designed to resemble it, made out of bits of bit, but bigger and hideous. it looks nothings like a transatlantic liner, a 1970's car ferry maybe.

Its obvious though that huge amount of thought has gone into it, which is encouraging, and this idea has been thrown out which is even more encouraging, but anything even similar is just not QE2. if Nakheel had wanted something much bigger they should have bought something much bigger, this looks worse than a lot of modern cruise ships, they could have had one of those for the money. Feeling more upset than ever about it all now :-(

[Andy F]

Words fail me (which is something of a rarity I know) and even sitting down hasn't helped! 

This is a total abomination and were it to proceed, then our worst fears would certainly be realised. Is it me or is the area above the existing Boat deck (currently Sun deck), cantilevered out over the hull as the windows below (in the area where the penthouses on Signal deck currently are), appear slightly in shadow?   Re Bob's point about the additional section, I cannot see where this would have been either but maybe this was shown on one of the other versions (number 3 possibly, being a relatively recent announcement). In fairness, the funnel looks better than expected (aside that is from the grey stripes, signifying the elevator I guess) but the fundamental question is WHY exactly has this model been made available now?  To do so after any conversion had been completed is perhaps understandable (although one would have thought it would have taken its place in the shore-side museum), but irrespective whatever she may finally look like post conversion, as Rob rightly says, the cat is well and truly out of its proverbial bag.  The fact this model has been released could certainly suggest the ambitious project is dead in the water; after all, why show your hand now?  Once she'd entered docking possibly, but now? It just doesn't make sense. 

In common with us all, I would dearly hope she will remain virtually untouched (at least as far as her profile is concerned), and would certainly be interested in seeing her again were that to be the case.  Time will tell but QV is starting to look more attractive it must be said (and I never thought I'd hear myself saying that!).

[Twynkle]

The fact is that she is still there without any firm plans being made public for her future.

If the Mary Rose, the SS Great Britain, the Victory, the HMS Belfast, Gypsy Moth etc can all be properly saved - then what can be done to save her? - She will become  a wreck if no-one tries to rescue her.  Something needs to be done very soon in the same way and tradition that has been afforded to the other famous vessels that have gone before.

Not quite sure why I'm ranting to the converted - Big apologies all round!



 

[NairB]

Why did they have to buy the QE2 to change her into that!!!

Surely they could have bought another old cruiser and do the same blooming thing!!!

Leave our Queen alone, infact, please sell her back to an investor here in Britain....PLEASE...£60 million and call it quits

-NairB

[Cunardqueen]

John Chillingworth was in the mid 80s the Chief Engineer onboard QE2, He was onboard for the Round UK voyage last year, and l believe on the trip to Dubai
He was project Manager for the QE2/Dubai project, but is now finished with it.  Perhaps this model found its way into his case as he left the office... 

[Rob Lightbody]

John Chillingworth was in the mid 80s the Chief Engineer onboard QE2, He was onboard for the Round UK voyage last year, and l believe on the trip to Dubai
He was project Manager for the QE2/Dubai project, but is now finished with it.  Perhaps this model found its way into his case as he left the office... 

Do you have contact details for John?  He will definitely have known my Dad...

[hollihedge]

Speechless and horrified...

[ancoaster78]

How about someone makes a new concept model showing the ship as we want it preserved and send it to Nakheel for their comparison, am sure if there were two models the same scale, showing their ideas and how it should look, side by side the project managers could see the error of their ways ;-)

[Kev]

How about someone makes a new concept model showing the ship as we want it preserved and send it to Nakheel for their comparison

Send them an Airfix model (early style) and Revell model (later style)- A very cheap bid indeed without wasting thousands on 'Designers' they should get the message

[Andy F]

How about someone makes a new concept model showing the ship as we want it preserved and send it to Nakheel for their comparison

No need to for all they need do is take a look at what they've already got and treasure her for what she is!

[Chris]

Agree with Andy F - anyone who appreciated QE2 would leave her as she is - a treasure!

[Mr B]

I wish it was all just a bad dream.   

I have built several model ships over the years, from trawlers to Cal Mac ferries, but I've yet to build a submarine. Suddenly I feel inspiration to begin work with my bits of plywood, rubber bands, clothes pegs and messy glue.

Let's put in a bid for that "concept" shall we.
I hope Rob will have his camera running for her maiden voyage...

[Mauretania1907]

I have pulled out all my dictionaries to find a word that describes what I think without resorting to swear words, and the word that comes to mind is VILE
VILEVILE
Vile, vile, vile
the meaning of which is abominable, wicked, shameful, ignoble, disgusting, foul, degrading, unpleasant or just plain bad.
VILE

[mrkpnh (Malcolm K)]

Dumpiness is the word!!

Is it really that bad? Admittedly it's not the QE2 we all knew and loved but then that QE2 has already died. At least it's still a lot better than Vicky!

[Twynkle]

Another blog!

http://malcolmoliver.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/qe2-dubai-hotel-concept/

[RMS Queen Elizabeth 2]

Oh god they should leave her as she is. If Nakheel want people around the world to see her they have to leave her as she is because thats whats made her loved and appreciated its her shape, interior and her treasure.

QE2 sells herself because of her style.

[Heather]

You'll want to be sitting down before you click this link!

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.aspx?from=salesummary&intObjectID=5204106&sid=1941c26b-7c33-4844-81c9-f6d36e76c4b3

<sigh>                           

Thanks to John Attwood for sending me this link.

I've decided that Christie's won't mind me posting this picture - seeing as its advertising something they're selling!  If they do, I'll take it down.

Rob
Just had a look at Christie's website that you directed us to.  Woke me up (especially as I have a signed limited edition of the Old Girl in the Clyde during her first visit back home).  Maybe I could retire after all and just cruise!!!!  Well I can dream!   

[ancoaster78]

On Ebay at the moment more Dubai concept models of QE2....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CUNARD-Queen-Elizabeth-2-QE2-Passenger-Ship-Model_W0QQitemZ130330721128QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Nautical?hash=item1e5850fb68&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CUNARD-QE2-QUEEN-Elizabeth-3-Foot-Ship-Model_W0QQitemZ130330847449QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Nautical?hash=item1e5852e8d9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Compare with previously discovered model further up this thread....

Very interesting!

[citrail]

Interesting yes! but I won't be bidding, not even if the take all the 00000's off

[luzparis]

the two project are very horrible but the solution without the life boat is the best in horrible concept!!

[Rob Lightbody]

DUBAI August 2008

CONCEPT 1

• Increase superstructure height by one deck
• Add new superstructure to existing upper decks, equivalent of one and a half decks, comprising 160 suites.
• New spa area at fore deck, starting at upper deck going down to 6 deck.

Pictures attached below...

[Rob Lightbody]

"The other one"

Pictures attached below...

[Rob Lightbody]

I think they are all ABSOLUTELY AWFUL although, if forced, I'd say these are better than the one we saw in April because at least you mostly make out her original beautiful lines (bridge deck is still there).

But I'd rather see her scrapped than any of these happen to her.

And the ebay seller expecting £2500 for these is off his head, why would anyone want a model of an ugly rejected concept?

[ancoaster78]

Maybe a true enthusiast with lots of spare money will buy them, and either destroy them or convert them into models of the correct form of the ship, ie unmodified. Maybe this would rid the world of the idea once and for all :-)

Credit where its due though, the colours remain correct! 

[Rob Lightbody]

As a matter of complete speculation, perhaps they also thought the models looked awful and rejected them because of that (in addition to the other reasons!).  However, they were daft not to destroy the models if the ideas had been rejected.

[Bob C.]

Scrap the idea or scrap the ship!  Sorry to be so harsh but that monstrosity is not QE2.

[Blue Bombay]

Scrap the idea or scrap the ship!  Sorry to be so insensitive but that monstrosity is not QE2.

I agree totally with you Bob.

Louis

[cos918]

That man on ebay talk about a dreamer £2500 . I will give him a can of petrol and a match that the best offer he is ever going to get. In to days market a good 3 foot QE2 model would not get £2500 or half that so who in there Wright minds want to pay that and own that pile of c##p .

It go,s to show how those mega rich people have on taste ,worst case of neuvo rich  I have ever seen.

John

[highlander0108]

Scrap the idea or scrap the ship!  Sorry to be so harsh but that monstrosity is not QE2.

With any of these concepts, the reworking of the ship is extensive and depending on the concept, significantly alters the look of the ship.  One has to wonder if it jsut would have been easier to build an entire new non-fuctioning fake liner.  Whatever the case, none of these concepts make any sense and if there is any good news about the economy, we can at least be thankful that the downturn has forced the owners to re-evaluate the renovations to the ship. 

I am also wondering why these models have even made it out in public.

Ken

[Queet-two]

I am not surprised the models are ugly. Nakheel are showing ther commercial hand. It’s as if our beautiful old lady has been on a binge and put on masses of weight.  Apart from looking top-heavy, her funnel is our of proportion and looks like a thimble. Also, the modelmaker seems to have lost the graceful curved line of the hull, which makes her look squatter. Adding so many new decks and 'rooms' (can't call the cabins or staterooms) seems ambitious to me.  Yes I fear it shows us exactly what Nakheel intend to do.  What I would give to see Nakheel's business plan for the QE2.

However, recession or no recession, Nakheel have got their sums wrong; fortunately at the moment they can’t afford to rebuild the ship.  But I also think they have got the concept (for QE2) wrong.  Given the mind-set of the current Dubai residents/tourists, I do not believe they will ever achieve a high QE2 room occupancy (in all those extra 'rooms' let alone the ones which  they may or may not leave from her present incarnation).  Let me explain what I think.

Over the last two decades, Dubai has become a gaudy, brassy, tacky overdevelopment.  Its tiny centre and small indigenous population has become swollen by ‘immigrants’ from various lands, to whom the recent boom had brought considerable wealth, but whose greed and consumerism lacks class and taste.  Dubai ‘s profit-hungry developers offered them what they sought: the opportunity to make a quick buck.  Dubai’s overdevelopment is staggering.  Property developers have competed to build the tallest, biggest, most unusual, apartments and hotels, including the world’s most expensive hotel (Burj Al Arab). Each development vied to be the latest in overkill, with each shopping arcade striving to display and to reel in this awesome display of new wealth.  
Suddenly at the end of 2008, and not a moment too soon for the QE2, the market crashed and all is not well in Dubai with property values, construction, employment taking a huge downturn.
Nakheel, for one cannot proceed with their plans. The QE2 is just one such plan.  Nakheel probably now want the Q2 like a hole in the head.  True they have shown some foresight by leaving the ship’s interior untouched and seemingly in working order.  It costs them to do so, but the alternative is literally to let their £50m investment rot.  

But supposing Nakheel’s plans for the QE2 had gone ahead? Would she suit the modern Dubai tourists, to whom she, like all that development was aimed at?  I doubt it.  Such people only want something new, something glittering, something trendy, something ‘expensive’. Whatever cretinous idea is applied to her, she will always be seen as old fashioned and unfashionable, and she'll be shunned.  

At least she lives to fight another day.  Do I have a solution for her future?   If I had won that €80m European lottery some months back I might have bought her myself!  
Joking aside, I do have a wee thought posted on <Where would "as is" Hotel QE2 work best ?>
http://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,1054.msg12120.html#msg12120

Pat

[MrT]

Ummm,

Missed these when they were posted.

Just say they did something like this, heaven forbid - what would the position be ref stability if she needed to towed anywhere.  All that new high up mass and potential removal of heavy plant below decks, might be her saviour if they couldn't even tow her to Alang without her falling over at the merest hint of a breeze!

Alex.

[highlander0108]

Didn't they have to resort to cement to correct the stance of the Queen Mary after she'd been gutted?

Ken

[Bob C.]

Concrete is such a bad idea.  No access to trapped moisture between the steel hull and concrete to prevent corrosion.