QE2 Technical Trials -- 23 December 1968 to 2 January 1969

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Technical Trials - Monday, December 23, 1968

I hope this brings back some memories for some people.

Happy Christmas.

Lisa

[Bob C.]

Absolutely brilliant!  Thaks for posting this unique piece of QE2 history.  The radio program does bring back memories.

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Good. I'll try and remember to post them for the rest of the week !

Lisa

[CAP]

Excellent, thanks for sharing.  It would be great to see any others you have.  Also interesting to note that she is referred to as RMS Queen Elizabeth 2.

[Youngesteverpassenger]

And...Today's programme for Christmas Eve 1968

Interesting how it was referred to as Tuesday 24 December and not Christmas Eve.

Lisa

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Christmas Day...1968

[Youngesteverpassenger]

And...a quiet Boxing Day

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Hello Lisa,

Thank you for these amazing sheets!

This series of daily programmes on the technical trials is becoming very intriguing.

Just a few questions for starters :

1. Where did these technical trials take place?
2. Who were the passengers?

It looks like the passengers had the duty to join in various activities. Did they have to write up any reports?

Afternoon tea, for instance, is marked as "voluntary" for adults, but "compulsory" for children aged 1 to 12.

I'd love to hear some more...

[Davina]

Now thats a piece of paper worth a fortunate.Great stuff.

[Alistair]

A fascinating insight to life on board on Xmas day 1968. Thanks for posting.

Alistair

[Youngesteverpassenger]

The day after Boxing Day and my first Christmas was over.

3 weeks old and a good proportion of my life spent 'on the water' !

A few more of these to come...

Lisa

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Hello Isabelle,

As I understand these trials took place en route to and from the Canary Islands.

The passengers were a complete mix of Cunard staff, shipbuilders and the like.

These passengers did have duties and I have attached 2 pages of instructions which clearly shows their 'guinea pig' status.

Hope this helps.

Lisa

[Youngesteverpassenger]

I almost forgot todays !

Lisa

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Another day of events on the water...

[Youngesteverpassenger]

And another year almost over...

[CAP]

Wasn't this the day that she anchored up at Las Palmas after things had gone from "chug chug" to "clang-clang" as aptly put a shortwhile after?

[Youngesteverpassenger]

It may well be.

I am sure I have seen in my collection of papers reference to and the instructions as to what needed doing on the return on 2 January 1969 - I'll see if I can dig that out and post !

Lisa

[Youngesteverpassenger]

New Year's Eve - I almost forgot...

Lisa

[Rob Lightbody]

New Year's Eve - I almost forgot...

Lisa

Fantastic Lisa, thanks!  (for this and all the other ones!!)

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Happy New Year 2012.

Lisa

[CAP]

Another gem - thanks Lisa.

Interesting to note on this programme it refers to those persons who boarded in Las Palmas (predominantly members of the press) but none of the previous documents suggests that she was anywhere near there!

[Youngesteverpassenger]

And last one in this series is tomorrow's.

Technical Trials were definitely to the Canary Islands.

HNY

[Youngesteverpassenger]

Technical Trials - Thursday, January 2, 1969

LAST DAY at sea on this trip

Lisa

[Youngesteverpassenger]

1 Jan '69

BOARD OF TRADE - ESSENTIAL SURVEYS (for guidance)

HP TURBINE
Both port and starboard rotors lifted out; both to be dynamically balanced to BOT Survey.

Examination of rotors, bearings etc before final boxing up.

Casing alignment check before lagging is replaced on casing or piping.

No alteration, welding etc of Cr. Moly. Vad. piping etc must be carried out without my approval.

TAILSHAFT
Muff couplings to be surveyed.

BOILERS
Steam Purge System
All non-return valves to be replaced (present design not acceptable).

"T" pieces in piping to be strengthened and piping to be properly supported.

Oil Fuel System
Any alteration to pumps or system must be with my approval.

Electrical arrangements - Surveys as per my letter of 24 Dec 68.

Abandon ship alarms and other items as referred to in my letter of 29 Dec 68.

B.O.T. - Essential surveys (Cont'd)

C02 Holds
------------
Gas detection system to be tested

Galleys
Ham boiling pans - 15lbs psi - reducing and relief valves to be fitted.

Oily Water Separators
Tests to be arranged and carried out to BOT Survey.

C.A. CREBER
Senior Engineer & Ship Surveyor.

[Rob Lightbody]

The "Unseen QE2 box of QE2 slides" acquired by myself for the forum in March 2019, include many photos of this trip, including many of events for the children.

Attached is one showing the Queens Room - with the Christmas tree up (looking very 60s!) and the kids maybe playing a-ring-a-ring-of-roses ?

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Great picture! I wonder whether QE2 ever had as many children passengers again... they all seem to be much of an age.

[Lynda Bradford]

The "Unseen QE2 box of QE2 slides" acquired by myself for the forum in March 2019, include many photos of this trip, including many of events for the children.

Attached is one showing the Queens Room - with the Christmas tree up (looking very 60s!) and the kids maybe playing a-ring-a-ring-of-roses ?

Good photo: Looks like late early 70's. The silver Christmas tree was very 60's/70's.  Three of the woman have the same uniform light green dress, so they could be the children's club staff. Maybe it was the children of officers and crew which could explain why there were so many children. 

[Rob Lightbody]

I've just had a bit of fun.

A mystery singer on one of the slides from this trip - I've managed to link her up with a daily programme (above) - and then discovered that she went on to great success after QE2 ... all will be revealed on Saturday!