Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - S.S. United States, one of my favorite big ships

BadNick · 07-30-2007, 07:27 AM

As a young boy, I started building models of all sorts including cars, airplanes, boats, ships, etc., a hobby which continued into my adulthood. One of my favorites was a model I built of the S.S. United States. I took a lot of extra time to finish this model with lots of hand painted details. At that time, I also studied the history of this ship, so I've always felt a "special connection" with it. It's a beautiful ship imo, very nicely proportioned. It's the largest cruise ship ever built in the U.S. As a kid, I also felt pride, since on its maiden voyage the S.S. United States captured the "Blue Riband" for the fastest transatlantic crossing on record, which was the first time a U.S. flagged ship held that prize. It's top speed is around 38 knots, which is pretty ripping fast for a huge ship. Its nickname is "The Big U".

Here's a wikipedia page with some more facts and links if you're interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_United_States

A few years ago, the S.S. United States was parked at a dock in Philadelphia and I see it quite often driving through town. I always planned to get photos of it so yesterday I drove by with my two boys and took the two photos immediately below. I tried to get closer by talking to the security guard, but he couldn't let me through the gates. I still read that the owners are planning to rebuild it and put it back into service, but I'll believe that when I see it. I get sad feelings when I see it in such a dilapidated condition. I think it's even taken on some symbolism in my mind, related to things like getting older and obsolete.

And some other historical photos I found of interest:
In NYC, the S.S. United States in the background with its smaller sister-ship, the S.S. America, in the forground:

An interesting cutaway view:

Here are some interesting photos of celebrities onboard, including Princess Grace (another beauty from Phila) and Prince Rainier (they could at least spell his name right!); Ozzie Nelson & Family; plenty of Dukes, including the Duke & Duchess of Windsor and the more famous Duke Ellington. ...I didn't want to violate the site's/owner's stated copyright notice so here's the link to their celebrity photo page: http://www.ssunitedstates.org/celebritycontents.htm

07-30-2007, 07:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	S.S. United States, one of my favorite big ships As a young boy, I started building models of all sorts including cars, airplanes, boats, ships, etc., a hobby which continued into my adulthood. One of my favorites was a model I built of the S.S. United States. I took a lot of extra time to finish this model with lots of hand painted details. At that time, I also studied the history of this ship, so I've always felt a "special connection" with it. It's a beautiful ship imo, very nicely proportioned. It's the largest cruise ship ever built in the U.S. As a kid, I also felt pride, since on its maiden voyage the S.S. United States captured the "Blue Riband" for the fastest transatlantic crossing on record, which was the first time a U.S. flagged ship held that prize. It's top speed is around 38 knots, which is pretty ripping fast for a huge ship. Its nickname is "The Big U". Here's a wikipedia page with some more facts and links if you're interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_United_States A few years ago, the S.S. United States was parked at a dock in Philadelphia and I see it quite often driving through town. I always planned to get photos of it so yesterday I drove by with my two boys and took the two photos immediately below. I tried to get closer by talking to the security guard, but he couldn't let me through the gates. I still read that the owners are planning to rebuild it and put it back into service, but I'll believe that when I see it. I get sad feelings when I see it in such a dilapidated condition. I think it's even taken on some symbolism in my mind, related to things like getting older and obsolete. And some other historical photos I found of interest: In NYC, the S.S. United States in the background with its smaller sister-ship, the S.S. America, in the forground: An interesting cutaway view: Here are some interesting photos of celebrities onboard, including Princess Grace (another beauty from Phila) and Prince Rainier (they could at least spell his name right!); Ozzie Nelson & Family; plenty of Dukes, including the Duke & Duchess of Windsor and the more famous Duke Ellington. ...I didn't want to violate the site's/owner's stated copyright notice so here's the link to their celebrity photo page: http://www.ssunitedstates.org/celebritycontents.htm