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SS AMERICA ocean liner
The SS America was an
ocean liner ship built in the United States in 1940
for the United States Lines and designed by naval
architect William Francis Gibbs. Ship America
carried many names in the 54 years between her
construction and her 1994 wreck. She served most
notably in passenger service as SS America and the
SS Australis.
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When the SS America
ship began
her Atlantic crossings in 1946 some travel agents
questioned the ship's ability to attract affluent
passengers. Cunard lines offered bigger and faster
ships RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth. Curnard service
was also impeccable.
Yet the SS America met the
competition and over the years attracted many loyal
customers. This was accomplished by offering
luxurious First Class facilities with service that was superlative yet genuine and friendly. In
addition, ship America offered something no other ship had, a
piece of America at sea, a more democratic spirit; a
fresh new world appeal.
SS America possessed strikingly handsome lines. She presented a sleek and most
dynamic appearance as her tall prow was severely
flared and had a slight 'clipper' rake. Topping her well-proportioned superstructure were
two squat oval shaped funnels, both were equipped
with 'San-pan' tops. This 'San Pan' design
was featured upon her sister ship United States and
was in fact then duplicated onto the cargo ships of
the same line as a trademark.
As the country's ship
of state, ship America was a showcase for the best in American
engineering, art, craftsmanship, interior design,
and cuisine. The ship was an all
American product. From the Oregon pine decking to
the Rhode Island silverware on the tables.
Practically every State in the Union contributed
material and equipment. The interiors were
fashioned by American designers, architects and
decorators. It all came together to create a truly
First Class experience that would attract tourist,
diplomats, royalty and Hollywood stars.
The first
all-women design team to decorate an ocean liner Dorothy
Marckwald and Anne Urquhart created a ship that was
uniquely American in style and spirit. Marckwald/Urquhart
team stayed clear of the opulent ArtDeco style found on
the Normandie. They also avoided the confusing mixture
of French provincial, Elizabethan, Georgian. “For the SS
America interiors ”, said Marckwald, “it was decided
that this latest of our passenger ships should
distinctly and completely represent our own personality;
therefore, a simple, comfortable American style was
determined upon.” “Simple” meant comfortable yet
elegant. For “American style”, she chose contemporary
art and “Hollywood Modern” interiors. The cream-colored
walls, recessed lighting, and black linoleum floors with
white inlaid swirls shared a similarity with the slick
stage sets of a Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire film. The
ship was a hit with the traveling public and continued
to have a loyal following well into the 1970s.
Passengers sailed on a floating luxury resort
offering the refinement and conveniences of the
finest American hotel. They enjoyed expansive deck
space and elegant public rooms.
Military Service:
The day after the SS America was launched, Nazi
Germany invaded Poland. On 28 May 1941, after a
brief cruising career, ship America was called up to
service by the United States Navy. She was converted
to the troopship USS West Point. Her speed was her
most valuable asset.
In her 53-month life as a naval transport, SS
America and her dedicated crew carried more than
half a million military and civilian passengers, all
the while maintaining a perfect record of never
losing a passenger. As one GI put it “from the
moment you stepped on board… you had an overwhelming
sense of security. You felt certain that this ship
would take you to your destination.” Passengers and
crew together ran into their share of hell and high
water, including close calls with U-boat torpedoes,
Japanese bombers, and North Atlantic storms. During
her naval service, SS America carried a total of
over 350,000 troops which was the largest total of
any Navy troopship in service during World War II.
On one voyage in 1944,she was able to transport
9,305 people.
This primarily wood SS
America ship model features:
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Plank-on-frame hull
- Windows and portholes are cutouts (not black decals),
uniform, and on straight lines.
- Captivating
lighting, with and green/red navigation
light that will light up your special evenings.
A ship is not an ocean liner without beautiful
lighting.
LED light powered by standard 9v
battery for your convenience.
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Click
here to learn more about authentic ocean liner
models.
- 25"
long
(1/350 scale) $2,930 Shipping and insurance in
the contiguous USA included.
Other places: $300 flat rate.
- 43"
(1/200 scale) $5,750
Shipping and
insurance in the contiguous USA included. Other places:
$500 flat rate.
- 60"
(1/144 scale) $7,990
Shipping and
insurance in the contiguous USA included. Other places:
$700 flat rate.
Model is built per commission only.
We require only a small deposit to start the
process. Please click
here for
more details.
Learn more about the
SS
America ship here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_America_(1939)
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