The museum's collection of model liners and research ships includes the following:
Liner RMS Titanic (Britain, 1912)
Probably the most famous liner ever launched, she sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic during her maiden voyage.
Liner SS France (France, 1962)
She was sold in 1979 to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and renamed SS Norway. She was sold for scrapping in 2006, and was finally demolished in 2008.
Research Ship RV Calypso (USA, 1941/France, 1950)
Originally built as the BYMS (British Yard Minesweeper) HMS J-826 in Seattle, Washington, USA. In 1949, after the end of the Second World War, she was sold, and for four months she operated as a ferry between two of the Maltese islands. She was then re-sold to a (then) unknown buyer, who leased her to the underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. He had the ship modified and rebuilt into an expedition vessel that could support diving, underwater film-making and oceanographic research.
Liner RMS Titanic (Britain, 1912)
Probably the most famous liner ever launched, she sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic during her maiden voyage.
Liner SS France (France, 1962)
She was sold in 1979 to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and renamed SS Norway. She was sold for scrapping in 2006, and was finally demolished in 2008.
Research Ship RV Calypso (USA, 1941/France, 1950)
Originally built as the BYMS (British Yard Minesweeper) HMS J-826 in Seattle, Washington, USA. In 1949, after the end of the Second World War, she was sold, and for four months she operated as a ferry between two of the Maltese islands. She was then re-sold to a (then) unknown buyer, who leased her to the underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. He had the ship modified and rebuilt into an expedition vessel that could support diving, underwater film-making and oceanographic research.
Thanks for posting. The note about the Calypso was particularly informative.
ReplyDeleteCeltic Curmudgeon,
DeleteI'm glad that you are enjoying these blog entries.
The Calypso has had an interesting history, and one hops that she will continue to do excellent research work for many years to come.
All the best,
Bob
Excellent. I have the Revell model of the Calypso somewhwre in the loft and I remember seeing the SS France in Cherbourg or Le Havre back in the sixties...
ReplyDeleteLegatus Hedlius,
DeleteI had the Airfix model of France many years ago as well as the Revell Calypso, but they are both now long gone.
Ah! The fondly remembered days of one's youth!
All the best,
Bob