MBT Pass.ship ss "Normandie" (1931) - Comp. Gen. Atl. - Construction Drawing Scale 1 : 200 (10.10.135)

The SS Normandie from 1931 was an iconic French passenger ship, famous for its luxury, speed, and avant-garde design. It was one of the most impressive ocean liners of the interwar period and a symbol of French pride and technological advancement.

Technical Specifications

Shipyard: Chantiers de l’Atlantique, Saint-Nazaire, France

Launched: 29 October 1932

Entered service: 1935

Length: 313.75 metres

Width: 36 metres

Gross tonnage: approx. 79,280 GRT

Speed: Average 30 knots (maximum 32 knots)

Propulsion: Steam turbines, 160,000 hp, four propellers

Passenger capacity: approx. 1,972 (in 3 classes)

Features & Innovations

Art Deco design: The ship was known for its luxurious Art Deco interior, designed by renowned artists and designers.

Speed records: The Normandie was the fastest passenger ship on the transatlantic route and won the Blue Riband for the fastest crossing from Europe to New York.

Largest ocean liner of its time: With its enormous dimensions and advanced technology, the ship was a true feat of maritime engineering.

Service and Fate

Transatlantic voyages: The Normandie primarily made voyages between Le Havre (France) and New York.

Second World War: At the outbreak of the war, the ship was in New York, where it was requisitioned by the US and renamed USS Lafayette.

Fire and sinking: In 1942, during its conversion into a troop transport ship, a severe fire broke out on board and the ship sank in New York harbour.

Scrapping: The wreck was salvaged in 1946 and eventually scrapped in 1948.

Specifications :