QE2 Whistles

[Andy F]

Curiously - the blue, white and red flag, stbd on QE2's great mast - it doesn't seem quite right for Southampton water, or does it?!
Is it a nautical 'call sign'?

Looks like the French tricolore to me but quite why it would be flying while alongside in Soton is beyond me 

[Andrew Collier]

Great video but it's deffinatly the French tricolour, I'm sure there is no other nautical use for the flag, I don't know but I suggest that part of the clip isn't filmed in Soton at all but added seperatly to the video, just a thought....

[Louis De Sousa]

That is the French flag which means the ship is in a french port, it can only be like Andy says two clips in one.Great video though.

[Andy F]

I have to agree Andy C and Louis as there is no nautical flag to my knowledge with that combination (just goes to show that things are not always quite as they seem!). 

Returning to the whistle, we were indeed treated to many an extended blast during her final 18mnths in service but whenever it went on for any length of time, it's resonating sound was not unlike a didgeridoo I always thought.  Listen again and see what you think... 

[Twynkle]

QE2's Whistle Blowing and Blowing Passing Northumbrian Quay 17 Sept 2007

Thanks to magwaus

[Barrie Evans]

Hi Rosie, Did you know that the  Q E 2  has three whistles,  audible  for ranges of up to 2 miles. !  On the mast there is one air whistle and one electric whistle,  used for making sound signals when the ship is manoevring. There is also one on the foredeck for use when the ship is in restricted visibility ( this whistle being sounded every 2 minuets by an automatic timer).  As you know all whistles are tested at noon each day. It always used to make me jump out of my skin, when we were having a drink at the funnel bar.
Barrie

[Twynkle]

Hi Barrie - Thank you!
I did know
Strictly speaking - she has two whistles and a fog horn!
(It was the latter that caused one or two unsuspecting guests in the Grand Suites to have sleepless nights whilst she courageously made her way as she passed the Grand Banks off Newfoundland!)
You'll find lots more here about her great Whistles if you start on the link below to the first page of this topic:
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,206.0.html
Rosie


 

[Barrie Evans]

Hi Barrie - Thank you!
I did know
Strictly speaking - she has two whistles and a fog horn!
(It was the latter that caused one or two unsuspecting guests in the Grand Suites to have sleepless nights whilst she courageously made her way as she passed the Grand Banks off Newfoundland!)
You'll find lots more here about her great Whistles if you start on the link below to the first page of this topic:
https://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,206.0.html
Rosie


 

Hi Rosie,Thanks for the link for the Q E 2 whistle. It made very interesting reading. I noticed on one of your posts that it quoted on November 2nd 2008 , that the Q E 2 was in The "Pool"on her final visit.  I know on that date, she actually was in the port of Messina, Sicily
Barrie

[Rod]

Actually, ALL the whistles could be set off automatically, or manually. Turn the switch on the bridge to what you want to blow then push the button or set it for timed!

[Twynkle]

Actually, ALL the whistles could be set off automatically, or manually. Turn the switch on the bridge to what you want to blow then push the button or set it for timed!

Might this be the switch here?

Ok, admit it!

Put your hand up those who have deafened everyone on deck by pushing this button (top right)

Just give me time to find my ear muffs first.

Cheers

Skilly

There a photo on Skilly's post - bit like an egg-timer!
That's so cool.

[Rod]

One thing I never did was blow the whistle. Repaired it many times...but never blew it!

[Disco747]

I miss the wonderful deep throbbing bass blast of QE2's whistles! QE2 has the most awesome whistle sound of any ship!

[Isabelle Prondzynski]

Great picture of her foghorn here in 1985 -- and some human figures to show off its impressive size!


And here, the approach to New York, with the twin towers looming ahead :


With thanks to paul8622.

Photos no longer available on the link

[Peter Mugridge]

Very impressive, yes - though I must say from that angle the appearance reminds me of the "Hoot" from "The Clangers"!

[Adam Hodson]

Very interesting pictures. The people show you just how big that foghorn is! It would be great to see people stood next to the tyfons to see how huge they are!