QE2 launch photos

[Malcolm]

The comments with the pictures are well worth reading as well

I'd never heard that the thin black bands round the funnel "represent the pitch seals between the rivetted plates of his original steamers". Is that correct?

[Twynkle]

Superb pictures, Robert.
Thank you.

Your 'Sherlock Holmes' method is working wonders!

[Chris]

Superb find Robert!

I love how they have included the shots of QE2 in 2008 - she really appears to have "grown up" when you compare her from 1969 to 2008 - the extra decks and fatter funnel make her appear more matured, interesting comparison!

[GoldenHandSpaBoy]

Oh my goodness.. those are so fantastic.. What a great perspective.  Seeing the ship slide down the ways.. Just glorious.!!! Thanks for sharing.. ;-)

[Fairfield]

As this is the anniversary of her launch, a scan of the cover for the Daily Express 20th and 21st September issues in 1967.

[Louis De Sousa]

She was build with love and loved by everyone from the begining.

Louis

[Jem]

Seeing these wonderful pictures of her just makes you think what ever happened to our ship building industry and what a shame no British ship yard won the contract to build QM2. I think Harland and Wolf were offered the contract but lost out.

[Fairfield]

If I remember rightly Swan Hunter/ Vickers, Harland and Wolff, Fairfield, and John Brown all tendered. Fairfield pulled out because it would have meant lengthening their biggest berth and they could not take the risk of going to that expense and not getting the contract.

[Michael Gallagher]

 

[highlander0108]

Was this the photo that was also on display in one of the stairways.  I can't believe I can't remember which one it was. 

[Michael Gallagher]

Was this the photo that was also on display in one of the stairways.  I can't believe I can't remember which one it was. 

Yes it was - Boat Deck G Stairway.

[Chris]

Thanks Michael, brings back memories of the G Stairway!

[Bob C.]

Great illustration of the tight quarters in which QE2 was launched.  Not a lot of room for error which just goes to highlight the expert craftsmanship and professionalism of Clydebank shipbuilding.

[Clydebuilt1971]

Some pics taken on launch day by a member of the forward morring team. Copyright remains with the holder J G McLennan although he was not the photographer.

Gav

[Clydebuilt1971]

Final one taken as the vessel was manouvered into the fitting out basin.

Hope these havent appeared before. 

Gav