Explanation of Recommendations for Main Deck


Click here to open our "as proposed" deckplan in a new window. It will then be available for quick reference with a single click during the reading of this article. You can also open deckplans of the ship as built and as she is now by clicking on the below links.

Deckplan as built
Deckplan as is in 2000


Forecastle Deck - requires teak deck repairs and functional restoration of the capstans and other docking equipment. 

The photo on the left shows the original appearance of the area. Some photos of the current condition of this area are seen below.

Docking machinery area today.

Docking telegraph 

The motors for this docking equipment are housed directly beneath it. While most remains in place, it is currently inoperable because of the conversion from direct to alternating current. Mr. Robin Jacobs developed a detailed restoration plan for the forecastle in the 1990s. We believe that a trained docent should be stationed here during scheduled touring hours.


The Well Deck - a well separated the forecastle from the remainder of the forward exterior Main Deck. This was constructed to allow waves that swept over the bow in heavy seas to drain harmlessly without impacting the forward superstructure. The well also separated the working forecastle area from the third class passenger exterior deck area.

In the Long Beach conversion a bridge linking these areas was installed (seen below). In the photo on the right the bridge is marked with an arrow for clarity.

This bridge facilitates tourist access to the forecastle and thus remains in place.


Exterior Deck Area around the Foremast - this area was a third class passenger deck area while the ship was at sea. The photos below show the deck in use in this fashion, and the same area today. 

 

This area was also the point of access for the hatch to Cargo Hold # 2 and the foremast. Passengers accessed this area from protected doorways leading out from the third class main entrance/staircase area.  

A series of electric cargo winches surrounded the foremast. At present a World War II vintage anti-aircraft is also found here. The teak decks, mast and equipment require restoration.

 

The hatch to Cargo Hold # 2, the main cargo hold for the ship, is now occupied by a elevator shaft recently installed for the "Ghost and Legends Tour" of the lower decks (photo - right)

We see this elevator equipment relocated to the shaft for Cargo Hold # 1 where it would serve as a means of entrance (from R deck forward) to the tank tops for a complete tour of the lower decks. The cleared hatch for Cargo Hold # 2 might once again serve as a functioning entrance to Cargo Hold # 2 – with the assistance of revitalized derricks and a crane on the wharf.


Third Class Entrance Hall and Stairwell – restored with pre-war linoleum pattern and upgraded lighting. The third class elevator is put back in functioning use.

Third Class Garden Lounge – restored to better reflects it original décor, particularly the lighting scheme.

First Class Suites and Cabins – most of this deck was reserved for first class cabins and suites. A restoration of both the passageways and the cabins and suites is in progress with new lights replacing those installed in the 1980s (photo - right shows new lighting).
  • We look forward to seeing the carpet replaced with a better selection.
  • We hope that the restoration of the suites will consider their original custom décor. Whenever possible, the original furnishings should be returned to these rooms.
  • In the mid-1990s the travel bureau was partially restored. We suggest it be shown on the guided tour.
  • We suggest that the vending machines placed in the passageways be relocated to a hotel guest convenience pantry in the center area of the ship.
  • We recommend that all original passenger elevators be restored to functional use.

The Second Class Main Lounge Area – we see the former second class main lounge, library, writing room and playroom located around the second class main entrance and grand staircase restored for use as a social center for hotel guests and Club Queen Mary members use. See the essay in the Alternative Visions series entitled, "A Ship Within a Ship" for a full explanation of this recommended adaptive re-use of this area. 


Aft Exterior Deck Area – the aft deck area, seen here becomes a reserved deck area for hotel guest and Club Queen Mary members’ use. If an outdoor pool were to be added to the Queen Mary, this is where it might best be located. Since the area would be reserved for hotel and club member’s use, the pair of original exterior teak stairs from Promenade Deck are fully adequate. 

We recommend removing the massive metal staircase added in the Long Beach conversion (below - left). The wooden enclosure to the covered verandah added after the Queen Mary came to Long Beach should be either be redesigned or removed (below - right).

The Docking Bridge – recently partially restored awaits replacement of the telegraph equipment.


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