Cruise Talk: Bridge wings of Normandie.

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»	Cruise Talk » Ocean Liners and Classic Cruise Ships » Bridge wings of Normandie.

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Topic: Bridge wings of Normandie.

Onno
First Class Passenger
Member # 3071

posted 08-19-2002 09:42 PM

Hello,

After 1937 Normandie had some alterations made to her like the enclosing the aft first class terrace another alteration was made to her bridge wings. First they where nicely curved like other curved lines in the ship, but then it was decided to give her more cornered shaped bridge wings. I know it must have a specific technical and logical reason to do this, can anyone tell me why the bridge wings where altered.

Thanks in advance, Onno

Posts: 3583 | From: the Netherlands (Berenbotje ging uit varen...) | Registered: May 2002 | IP: Logged

Britanis
First Class Passenger
Member # 2912

posted 08-19-2002 10:17 PM

I believe the alteration was made because the original wings were simply too short, her officers had a difficult time seeing behind them (I can relate to their frustration, my car has only one outside mirror). The extension of the wings did harm the ships appearance, but improved manouverability and safety. Another very streamlined ship of the period that had similiar troubles resulting from "form before function" was the American ferry Kalakala now being preserved in Seattle. The circular windows on her bridge were far too small, making it impossible to see over her bow.

Posts: 944 | From: Philadelphia, USA- former home of International Merchantile and Marine Co. | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged

nzmike
First Class Passenger
Member # 1308

posted 08-20-2002 09:48 PM

Britanis is correct. Frank Braynards Normandie book shows the "before and after" shots quite well. Ships often tend to have problems with the placement of the bridge. Aquitania had a second wheelhouse built on top of the original because visibility was poor. Likewise when Costa Rivera had her major rebuild the bridge had TV cameras installed because the Captain could not see the bow!

Posts: 186 | From: Auckland, New Zealand | Registered: May 2000 | IP: Logged

Onno
First Class Passenger
Member # 3071

posted 08-21-2002 10:50 AM

Thanks for the info Britanis and nzmike, I already had in mind that it should of been due to a technical reason. Come to think of it is actually strange that Normandie had no aft docking bridge as for instance Queen Mary did have. I bed it could be a tens situation back then docking the huge monsters that sailed the seas without all the measuring instruments we have nowadays, ship technologies is so advanced that they can dock the giants by correcting every little inch.

Best, Onno

[ 08-21-2002: Message edited by: Onno ]

Posts: 3583 | From: the Netherlands (Berenbotje ging uit varen...) | Registered: May 2002 | IP: Logged

titanicsteve
First Class Passenger
Member # 2142

posted 08-21-2002 05:40 PM

Here are some pics for you onno! Hope they help!

And this one for fun! What do you notice odd about this pic?

Posts: 510 | From: Ireland (near Titanic birthplace!!) | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Onno
First Class Passenger
Member # 3071

posted 08-21-2002 07:36 PM

Nice pictures, it’s amazing how fantastically that ship looked on pictures. It’s all because of the curved and streamlined lines that to getter with the perspective creates such wonderful images. About the last Picture what for odd thing should I see?

I’m not so great in detecting strange things in photo’s I always look over them. I only see the Normandie that is probably making a turn.

Best, Onno

Posts: 3583 | From: the Netherlands (Berenbotje ging uit varen...) | Registered: May 2002 | IP: Logged

titanicsteve
First Class Passenger
Member # 2142

posted 08-22-2002 05:05 PM

She appears to be steaming backwards!!....... so I was told!

Posts: 510 | From: Ireland (near Titanic birthplace!!) | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

BigUFan
First Class Passenger
Member # 1382

posted 08-28-2002 10:31 AM

No question one of the most breathtaking vessels ever constructed. Far ahead of her time. It is a shame that she was lost in as senseless a manner as which occurred.

Posts: 904 | From: Orlando, FL | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

titanicsteve
First Class Passenger
Member # 2142

posted 08-29-2002 03:05 PM

Yes one of the more beautiful ships! I love that gentle sloping bow! So symetrical and elegant!

Posts: 510 | From: Ireland (near Titanic birthplace!!) | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

cruiseny
First Class Passenger
Member # 2928

posted 08-29-2002 03:51 PM

I must concur with everyone about the sheer beauty of this ship.

Her external elegance has perhaps been matched only by her spirtual successor, France of 1962...

Posts: 4730 | From: New York, USA | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged

jeffrossatsea
First Class Passenger
Member # 2962

posted 08-29-2002 11:23 PM

correct me if i'm wrong but was'nt she lost due to the turf wars between the gangsters for the the profits from the piers.....from what i was told she was torched due to a lack of payments....jeff

Posts: 1118 | From: vancouver | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

cruiseny
First Class Passenger
Member # 2928

posted 08-29-2002 11:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jeffrossatsea:
correct me if i'm wrong but was'nt she lost due to the turf wars between the gangsters for the the profits from the piers.....from what i was told she was torched due to a lack of payments....jeff

You mean Normandie?

She burned because of a careless workman whose torch lit a bundle of kapok life preservers. She sank because FDNY, not knowing what to do, poured too much water into her.

She had super-sophisticated fire detection and fighting systems but nobody knew how to use them... And our own system wasn't up and running yet.

I've not heard any mention of sabotage, etc... But then again I may just never have heard this story... Generally these things aren't broadcast!

Posts: 4730 | From: New York, USA | Registered: Mar 2002 | IP: Logged

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