Lachlan's model of QE2

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Twynkle, Lynda, you've talked me into it. Today I cleaned up and lengthened the table on which I built the Oriana model as the first step in building a model of QE2.

It will be a bit of a monster and will take a long time to build at the rate I go with these things but, hey, you have to have a go, don't you. The QE2 should be easier to build with fewer open deck spaces and a much simpler stern structure. And the ship's sides go right up to the boat deck. And there are far fewer compound curves. And QE2 doesn't have that difficult chine near the bow or a crest on the bow. That makes it sound easy - it might only take three or four years compared to Oriana's seven! Still, it's not a rush job. So off I go.

So, here we have another model of QE2 to look forward to! Don't keep us waiting for four years, Lachlan, but show us your work in progress from time to time please .

[Lachlan]

Ok, I'll put up some pics from time to time. First job is to draft and cut out frames before it even goes three dimensional.

[Twynkle]

Ok, I'll put up some pics from time to time. First job is to draft and cut out frames before it even goes three dimensional.

Thank goodness!
One dimensional will do fine....can't wait.
Might we get a sneaky peek of the drawings?
Seriously- hats off to you, doing something like this from scratch  ranks right up there at the top
Just like QE2 herself  :-)

[Lachlan]

Last weekend my model went 3D. I have cut out some of the frames and fixed them in place on the longitudinal profile. Getting everything square and stiff is important and saves heaps of time later, hence the straight edge and the squares. Things like marking out where the sheer changes occur and allowing for the after ends of three and two decks and their bulkheads have to be done now. I also reassure myself that the key dimensions are right at this stage.
I apologise in advance for the sea of mess the model will appear to float upon; it will gradually emerge as a recognisable facsimile of QE2 and as the carpentry diminishes and the detailing starts, things get tidier.
I should also say firstly that I'm building the model of QE2 in her final form which was as she was when we travelled in her in 2008, and secondly that when I build these models precise accuracy is about 90% of the exercise and producing something that passes, for me at least, as a work of art is the other 10% of my motivation.
Anyway, see what you think and be patient with me because it's going to take a while.

[Lachlan]

That R/C model is impressive and as Rob noted, very nippy. I have enough trouble making models without making them float as well!
The 1/96 scale static model I am making is progressing much faster than my model of Oriana did, but I need help please.
I thought I was going to be able to get deck plans for QE2 but I now find the source I was going to use is too complicated for reasons I won't bore you with.
What I need is, for the ship in her 2008 guise:

1. A plan showing just the after end of 3 Deck where the machinery for the stern anchor and the small open area that was the female staff promenade were/are located;
2. A plan showing just the layout of the after end of 2 Deck with the mooring equipment shown;
3. A plan showing the after end of 1 Deck including the swimming pool and the after bulkhead of the The Pavilion;
4. A plan showing the after ends of the Quarter Deck from the Lido bulkhead aft and the Upper Deck from the Yacht Club bulkhead aft;
5. A plan of the whole of the Boat Deck, and
6. A plan of the Foredeck showing the layout of the anchor handling equipment and other fittings.

I have plans for the decks above the Boat Deck. When we were on the ship I took lots of photos in anticipation of making a model but I am now surprised to find I haven't got these plan details.

I woulde be grateful for any help anyone can offer.

[Lynda Bradford]

Thanks for the update on your model building Lachlan and hope that someone can help with the plans. 

Also loved the video - thanks Alan! 

[Twynkle]

Hi Lachlan

Just saw this and thought of you!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shipyard-Find-32-Original-QE2-Blueprints-Covering-All-Decks-I-SHIP-WORLDWIDE-/111033879274?hash=item19da228aea

Rosie

[Alan Snelson]

I am fairly sure Cunardqueen has some deck plans but don't know how extensive they are. There are also some on www.rmsqueenelizabeth2.com but can't remember exactly where on the site they are. Hope this is of some help.

[Lachlan]

Thankyou Lynda, Rosie and Alan for your kind replies. I have had an exchange of messages with a forum member today which has been very helpful and I anticipate the assistance that has been offered will solve my difficulty.

I am again reminded of the generosity and shared interest of the people who are brought together through this web site by their affection for this remarkable ship. I worked in the shipping industry for many years and met many people who were fond of lots of different ships - but in  my experience the devotion to the QE2 is unique. And rightly so!

[cunardqueen]

Just discovered these posts

I am fairly sure Cunardqueen has some deck plans but don't know how extensive they are   

I do have have and to say they are extensive is an understatement, have attached a photo below

I have plans for the decks above the Boat Deck. When we were on the ship I took lots of photos in anticipation of making a model but I am now surprised to find I haven't got these plan details.

I would  be be grateful for any help anyone can offer.   

Feel free to get in touch and lets see what can be done

[Lachlan]

Cunardqueen offered assistance with ship plans in a post on 20 October. The quote was from a post from me.

I had an exchange of emails with a forum member about six months ago in which I was provided with all the plans I need for the 1/96 model I am making. If "improvements" to my computer had not resulted in a whole lot of emails being lost I would know who helped me. It may have been you, Cunardqueen, but I'm not sure now. The forum member who helped went to a lot of trouble on my behalf and I am very grateful - as I told them at the time.

Anyway the help I received was of enormous value and my model is coming along nicely if slowly. I will put a few pics up soon.

[QE2forever]

I had an exchange of emails with a forum member about six months ago in which I was provided with all the plans I need for the 1/96 model I am making. If "improvements" to my computer had not resulted in a whole lot of emails being lost I would know who helped me. It may have been you, Cunardqueen, but I'm not sure now. The forum member who helped went to a lot of trouble on my behalf and I am very grateful - as I told them at the time.

Hi Lachlan,

No trouble at all, my pleasure. 

Nice to hear your model is coming along nicely.

[Lachlan]

My apologies QE2 Forever.
My model is coming along but I'm having trouble getting the hull shape right. What happens is that using different sets of plans seems inevitably lead to discrepancies one way or another. I correct arithmetically for scale differences but even when everything should match perfectly, it doesn't always work out that way.

These are not big issues. I will get them sorted and it's part of the fun of model making in the end.

[Alan Snelson]

That looks to be coming along very nicely. What is the overall length of your model?

[Lachlan]

Alan,
I am building it at 1/96 scale which means it is about 3.1 metres or 10 feet in length. I recently finished a model of Oriana at that scale which is about 2.7 metres or 8'4". I have attached a photo of that in its case; I hope it's not intruding in this part of the QE2 forum.