Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Building the Titanic-- Part 1

From the April 13th USA Today "Titanic's shipbuilders tackled an olympic task" by Genevieve Sexton.

In 1907, J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line, was losing business in US immigration from Southampton to New York City to Cunard's two new liners, the Mauretania and Lusitania. These new and fast ships could make the run in just four days.

That speed, along with the continuing drop in prices meant that most immigrants would go with Cunard.

Harland & Wolff shipbuilders were known for their speed and efficiency as well as engineering prowess.

The idea for a new Olympic-class of "bigger, better ocean liners" was born, featuring luxurious features for the wealthy.

More to Come. --Cooter

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