Nauticalia

In the early 1980s, Cunard decided it was time to update their flagship, Queen Elizabeth 2. Her biggest problem was that the 19 year old twin steam turbines, of 55,000hp each, were very uneconomic to run; it was calculated that the fuel savings from fitting modern diesel electrics would pay off in just four years. So the old power units were removed - destined for the scrap heap - and QE2 thus ended the historic line of steam powered "Cunarders". Just a few of the turbine blades were removed intact, rather than melted down, and we have managed to get hold of them to commemorate the 40th anniversary of her launching, by HRH Queen Elizabeth, in 1969. They are from the low pressure, largest diameter units, with a radius of 20", and made from nickel chrome stainless steel with a special leading edge insert of stellite (to resist the high temperature steam). They have been re-polished to bright, and mounted on a black painted oak base with red leather panel to match the Cunard colours. ONLY 27 are AVAILABLE, individually numbered and certificated.