Queen Mary Propeller & Haunted History: A Long Beach Experience
Could a single, massive propeller be a portal to history and haunting tales, all while offering a unique glimpse into the engineering marvel that once dominated the seas? The RMS Queen Mary's propeller observation room in Long Beach, California, is exactly that a captivating blend of maritime engineering, ghostly lore, and a stark reminder of a ship's illustrious past.
The Queen Mary, a name synonymous with luxury, speed, and a touch of the supernatural, has captivated the imaginations of millions. Anchored in Long Beach, California, she stands as a testament to a bygone era, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in her rich history. Built in Scotland for the Cunard Line, the ship embarked on her maiden voyage in 1936. The vessel originally boasted four giant propellers, each a staggering 20 feet wide and weighing 35 tons. These behemoths, turning at approximately two revolutions per second, propelled the ship across the oceans. Today, only one remains bolted to its original shaft, a carefully preserved relic offering a singular perspective on the ship's mechanical heart.
The observation room, a carefully constructed viewing space, allows visitors to stand mere feet from the still-intact propeller. Two giant holes were cut out of the hull, and a watertight box was built around the propeller, enabling visitors to walk along a walkway and observe the engineering marvel. The lighting within the room, carefully curated, creates an illusion of looking deep into the depths of the ship's interior, adding to the unique experience. As one delves deeper into the Queen Mary experience, you are invited to uncover the secrets of this unique feature, a place where the past meets the present and the mundane intertwines with the mysterious.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | RMS Queen Mary |
| Type | Ocean Liner |
| Built | Scotland |
| Owner | Cunard Line |
| Maiden Voyage | May 27, 1936 |
| Current Location | Long Beach, California, USA |
| Propellers (Original) | 4 |
| Propeller Size | 20 feet wide, 35 tons each |
| Propeller Speed | Approximately 2 revolutions per second |
| Propeller Observation Room | A viewing area built around one of the remaining propellers |
| Notable Events | World War II service, luxury liner operations, haunted reputation |
| Key Features | Engine Room Maze, Haunted Encounters Tour, Historic Staterooms |
| Additional Information | The ship's aft engine room is all that remains. One propeller is on display near the Carnival Cruise Terminal and one is in storage. |
| Reference | The Queen Mary Official Website |
The Queen Mary's power train was a complex system designed to propel this massive vessel. It consisted of four primary boiler rooms, each housing six massive Yarrow boilers, which provided the steam necessary for propulsion. An auxiliary boiler room, with three Scotch boilers, generated electrical power for the ship's services. Adding to this intricate setup were two turbo generator rooms, two engine rooms, and a feed water softening plant. The entire setup was designed to ensure the Queen Mary could traverse the oceans with both power and reliability.
The forward engine room, no longer extant, originally drove the outer two propellers, while the aft engine room, still present, drove the inner two. This configuration provided the ship with the power and maneuverability needed for transatlantic voyages. These mechanical marvels propelled the Queen Mary at speeds that were impressive for their time, facilitating a new standard for ocean travel. The engineering that went into the Queen Mary was impressive, even by modern standards, and the fact that this ship is still intact today is a testament to its build and design.
Beyond the engineering marvel, the Queen Mary's history is entwined with the tragedies of war. During World War II, the ship served as a troop transport, and her role in the conflict is not without its dark chapters. It is widely believed that the ship was involved in an accident where it collided with the HMS Curacoa, resulting in the loss of many lives. It is said that, for those who remained in the water who didnt die of hypothermia, the current of the queen mary carried them into the propeller. This led to significant loss of life.
The stories and legends of the Curacoa members' demise add to the ships reputation for being haunted. It is said that to this day, you can hear the screams of the Curacoa members in the boiler room of the Queen Mary, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of tales that surround the ship. This history contributes to the ship's spectral reputation.
Adding to the ship's allure is the stateroom B340, which, after being entirely redone, reopened to guests on Friday the 13th of April. It is renowned for its paranormal activity, where visitors have reported ghostly occurrences within its walls. This room, known for its history, rents out at a premium, and accounts of ghost sightings are inscribed on the walls. Visitors come looking for this unmarked room every night, persistent in their search. This contributes to the ship's mystical draw.
The Halloween events onboard the ship capitalize on its haunted reputation. During the "Shipwreck" event, the propeller observation room is plunged into darkness, illuminated only by the eerie blue glow of the propeller light. This immersive experience, part of the larger engine room maze, is designed to heighten the sense of mystery and dread. The ship makes no attempt to hide B340's history, and these events capitalize on it.
The propeller observation room offers a unique perspective on the ship's mechanics. The lighting and design create an unusual visual experience, as it appears youre looking into the depths of the ship. This is a testament to the engineering innovation of its time.
The ship has a pretty illustrious history and has had a major role in various wars. The RMS Queen Mary and RMS Queen Elizabeth were both built to compete with the ocean liners built in Germany and France at the time. Both ships were used to transport troops during the Second World War.
The maximum revolutions for the RMS Queen Mary were 180. Imagine a giant bronze propeller spinning three times every second! Thats about as fast as a room fan. For those asking, there are two holes cut in the aft port hull, one just aft of and one just forward of this propeller, just above the waterline.
One can often visit the area and see a diver on the propeller. Three of the propellers have now been taken off the ship to be put on display, but this one is still bolted to its shaft. One is on display near the Queen Mary, at the parking structure for the carnival cruise terminal. One is still on the stern of the ship, with a viewing room accessible during tours. One is in storage near the ship, not open to the public.
The RMS Queen Mary represents a unique opportunity to explore an engineering wonder and discover its mysteries. This combination of history, engineering, and intrigue creates an unforgettable experience. The ship's legacy, still felt today, makes a visit to the RMS Queen Mary more than just a tour, but a passage into a bygone era.
