Original Q4 Design

[Michael Gallagher]

This is how Q4 looked at contract signing in December 1964 - long before James Gardner got his hands on her and gave us the 1969 QE2. Enjoy!

[Beardy Rich]

Now look at those pictures and put your thumb over the funnel and see what it looks like

[Bob C.]

Looks a lot like Q3 but Q3's funnels were more of a traditional design departure than this Q4 rendition.

[Michael Gallagher]

It is interesting to see that from an external viewpoint just how backward thinking Cunard's Naval Architects were as this December 1964 Q4 seems to be an update of Cunard's March 1961 renderings of Q3. The October 1961 renderings of Q3, after James Gardner had got his hands on it, were quite different - just as the April 1967 unveiling to the world of Q4 (after Gardner's influence) showed a radically different profile for Q4.

However backward looking her exterior may have been in December 1964, inside she was a revolution with restaurants on the upper decks and every cabin with private facilities. But the design was living in a past age with its fixation on three classes.

[Clydebuilt1971]

The very top one looks very similar to the Saga & Vistfjord designs.

Gav

[Michael Gallagher]

I agree. The images somewhat do not fit in with how you'd imagine a 58,000-ton ship.

[bulkheadstop]

Thank god they came up with a new funnel design, that was key to her having individuality and has helped her to stay modern and like concorde a design that is close to perfect.

[Bob C.]

Found what seems to be another rendition of the original Q4 design.  The photo below is taken from this website:  http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/passenger-comp.htm

[Michael Gallagher]

Bob - that image is Q3. You can tell by the open and enclosed promenade design in the superstructure.

[Bob C.]

Thanks Flagship.  This version is much different than the Q3 model depicted in Potter and Frost's "QE2".  That Q3 version looked more like the 1969 QE2 with a few differences in the funnel(s) and mast.  The above photo looks more like the original Q4 concepts you've posted above.   

I'm constantly tempted to scan that Q3 photo and post here but I am unsure of the copyright rules and don't want to get Rob or this fourm in trouble. Sure would help to display the photo though...

[Michael Gallagher]

Bob - the image you posted above was the original March 1961 (Cunard designed) look of Q3 - with a funnel added later. The Q3 in the Potter and Frost book was the how Q3 looked in October 1961 (and about to be canceleld) after James Gardner had got his hands on it.

Just like the very top image I posted was how Q4 looked in December 1964 and we all know we got a totally different Q4 in the
end after Gardner had weaved his magic.

[Bob C.]

Thanks the Lord for Mr Gardner!!!  He really had a talent for his craft, at least moreso than those responsible for the original Q3 and Q4 concepts.

[Michael Gallagher]

But Gardner did also give us the Cunard Adventurer and Cunard Ambassador Bob!!!!

[Bob C.]

Nobody's perfect. 

[highlander0108]

But Gardner did also give us the Cunard Adventurer and Cunard Ambassador Bob!!!!

Wow, the Adventurer is an "interesting" looking ship.  I had to Google it.  Yeeks!  I'd file that one under "what were they thinking."  Why the prominent appendages off the strangely forward sloping QE2 inspired funnel?  THey look like minature cranes.
http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/CunardLine.html