Virtual QE2 Model

[Bob C.]

I've been working on a virtual QE2 - 1969 decor - using Sketchup 3D Design Software since May of this year.  Lots of fits and starts and do-overs in learning the software and guesstimating many unknowns (measurements, layouts, colors, etc.) but I think I'm finally on a roll.

Here are some screen captures of the progress to date.

[Bob C.]

I'm hoping to tap the knowledge base of Forum members in filling in the remaining gaps in my memory, deck plans and photos from 1969-1979.

[Bob C.]

Does anyone recall what color D Stairway was on 4 or 5 Deck in the 70's?  Did it retain its black and white color scheme all the way down or was it the whitish walls of 4 and 5 deck passageways?

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

It is really interesting to see you modelling the interior of QE2, and at a particular stage in her life too. All the other models are of the exterior, so you are doing something rather special. I am sorry I cannot help you with an answer to your question, but I shall be very interested to watch your modelling as you continue.

[June Ingram]

Great work, Bob, on your virtual model ! It is so interesting to see your work take shape, and I am especially interested in the model being of the early QE2 ! 

[Bob C.]

This took me about 45 min but I think I got the door knob shape.  This is a pantry door on 3 Deck and not a cabin door.  Many of those to come. 

[Bob C.]

Here's a reference for the above door - 3 Deck, Stairway D looking forward.  Also a side-by-side comparison of today's QE2 vs. yesteryear.  Still need some ceiling and wall details but its getting there.

[Lynda Bradford]

Bob, I am enjoying seeing the different stages of this amazing piece of work and looking forward to seeing more.  I would say that this is Technology put to good use!

[Bob C.]

Some more updates to the model.  Building this model is a long process, tantamount to building a scratch physical model but it brings just as much fun and satisfaction.

Below is a view of:
- an almost completed Stairway D on 2 Deck looking from the Midships Lobby
- a detailed view of the original elevator (lift) call panel
- early stages of Stairway D on the Quarter Deck looking towards the original Columbia Restaurant which in QE2's final days was the Caronia Restaurant

The model looks much better when animated via the software's "walk" function and in construction mode than these static pictures. At this point I can use the "walk" function to tour up and down Stairway D from 5 Deck to the Quarter Deck.  It brings back lots of memories.

Enjoy the photos!

[Lynda Bradford]

It just gets better and better, I almost feel like I am there ready to climb the stairs or press the button for the lift. 

Clever stuff!

[June Ingram]

Awesome ! Wonderful work ! 

[Cunarder Man]

Amazing! Cannot wait to explore her as she was in 1969. It’ll be wonderful.
I appreciate the amount of work involved.

[Clydebuilt1971]

A huge amount of great work has went into this already!!

Will the non pax spaces be receiving attention also?

Regards

Gavin

[Bob C.]

It may not look like much but if you use your imagination, this is the beginning of the Columbia Restaurant (currently Caronia).  I also posted a photo of a close up of the picture windows showing the interior detail which did not change much in QE2's lifetime. 

You may notice that the walls do not follow the Caronia Restaurant boundaries as depicted in the general arrangement plan seen in the photo.  To keep with the original features, I am using a 1968 deck plan for the perimeter and interior walls arrangement that differ from today's arrangement (e.g. the Britannia Grill was galley space originally).  I'm hoping it will look like a nice and cozy restaurant when I get the ceiling on.  then on to the tables and Race chairs - that will take some time.

Yes the windows are transparent and a bit tinted.

[Twynkle]

Hi Bob
Only just catching up here - this is a superb work of art...
We just so fortunate to have members of the QE2 Story to show us fantastic work which are the best reminders of QE2.
You, and Lachlan and Michael with his magnificent archive - are all Stars!
Better add Rob, the Mods et al in here too
Thank you, Everyone.

[Bob C.]

Will the non pax spaces be receiving attention also?

Unfortunately I'm not sure if the software can handle the potential file size - I'm almost at 70 mb so far with about about 25% of the detail I want to add.  Also, I am relying heavily on personal photos, QSF photos and others from the internet where the availability for non-pax spaces is very limited.  I could probably do general arrangement but certainly not to the extent of the detail in the pax spaces.

[Rob Lightbody]

Amazing progress Bob!

We should restart the Zoom calls, and you could take us for a tour of your model??

[Bob C.]

I’d be happy to anytime!

[Lachlan]

What a phenomenal undertaking this is Bob! I could picture the ship's external shapes and arrangement to make a model, but attending to details of interior doors, balustrades, bulkheads, spaces etc etc is in another league altogether. Congratulations on this project - it is fascinating to watch.

[Bob C.]

I did some work on the Columbia Restaurant doors.  Here are two pictures of closed doors and open doors to get some perspective.  I may have to take a week or so off to clean up the model and reduce the file size.  I'm approaching an unstable size with a lot of the ship and details to go.