RMS LUSITANIA - 1907
As Lusitania appeared on her Sea Trials.
‘quadruple screw express steamer’
Delivered to Cunard in July 1907, Lusitania had been built in Scotland at John Brown and Co, earning her the nickname "‘The Scottish Ship”. (Mauretania, her sister and running-mate, was constructed in England at John Wigham Richardson.) This drawing depicts Lusitania on July 29, 1907 when she began three days of intensive sea trials; brand-new, and with her handsome but short-lived original paint-scheme.
Some changes were made to Lusitania following her sea trials; her aft-most vent, originally installed as a drum-type, was replaced with a more sturdy cowl vent while the white strip of paint extending to her prow was removed and painted over black as the rest of her hull to accentuate her sleek lines.
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“There might not be a prouder moment for shipbuilder or owner alike than the sea trials, that first running of the Ship’s engines at full power. Photographs show Lusitania belching an immense plume of smoke as she cuts through the waves like a knife for the very first time. You will note she is not flying any flags; it would only be after she was accepted by the Cunard Line that she could hoist the House Flag.”
- Michael C Brady, June 2021
This area at Lusitania’s stern had to be overhauled after sea trials revealed significant vibrations impacting Second Class public rooms and cabins. Vibration troubles would plague Lusitania and Mauretania for the duration of their careers.
Forward at the bridge - ventilation units and fans littered the top deck including the distinctive drum-shaped ventilators so unique to Lusitania.
Lusitania’s original three-bladed propellers were replaced in 1909, but they still drove the great vessel on to break speed records before then.
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