Douglas Aircraft Matson Cruise Ship--Jet Powered Cruise Ship Catamaran

[Richard N]

This model auction ended April 19, 2010 on EBay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330423502234&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
There are a dozen images on the listing so you might grab them while they are still up.

From the listing:

Douglas Aircraft Matson Cruise Ship Line Factory Model
Cruise Ship Jet Powered Catamaran Lurline Matsonia 60's

Rare Original Matson Cruise Lines Proposal Model

Model: Jet engine powered Cruise Ship Catamaran.

Manufacture: Douglas Aircraft Factory Model.

Description: This one off model, is from the estate of the late R. J. Pfeiffer who was the the CEO and later the Chairman of Matson Shipping. The model was created by Douglas Aircraft in the early to mid 1960's (prior to the merger with McDonnell) as a Proposed Jet engine powered Cruise Ship Catamaran for Matson Cruise Lines. Each hull is named after two other historic cruise ships that once flew the Matson Cruise Lines Flag.. the Lurline and the Matsonia. This model was a gift from Donald Douglas to Robert Pheiffer. For more information on R. F. Pfeiffer click on: http://www.matson.com/press/press_release.cfm?id=106

Dimensions: The length is 10.5 inches long with a width of 7.25 inches

Condition: Excellent - original paint and decals, with a few light scratches and tiny chip out of the wing. The model is made out of cast resin and mounted on a plexiglass custom base. The model is complete with its original Douglas Aircraft wooden carrying case. This model is a rare find!!!

Location: Los Angeles, CA USA


This would have been quite a ride and something to see coming into port.

Does anyone know more about this?

Richard

 

[Stargazer]

Here is a selection of the most interesting pictures:

 

[Orionblamblam]

One aspect of this design is grade-A stupid: putting one jet engine directly behind another.

 

[XP67_Moonbat]

Well, my "WTF-meter" is twitching good on this one altogether.

 

[Richard N]

One aspect of this design is grade-A stupid: putting one jet engine directly behind another.

The presentation of your diagnosis seems strikingly similar to that of a well known TV doctor

Possibly one in the middle and two on the sides or two staggered asymmetrically ala Rutan?

 

[Orionblamblam]

The presentation of your diagnosis seems strikingly similar to that of a well known TV doctor

Everybody lies.

y one in the middle and two on the sides or two staggered asymmetrically ala Rutan?

It would seem to me that the best approach would be to have the two jets on the same wing, either fore or aft. Anything else is asking for trouble. And putting one in a position where it'll be directly inhaling the exhaust of another is just ridiculous. That makes me question the whole design as being a real Douglas design. If it is a product of Douglas thinking, it seems likely that they didn't exactly put their engineering A-Team on the job. Or the design was driven by the customer, management or sales.

 

[Just call me Ray]

I'm wondering why does it need engines and turboprops/pistons?

 

[Richard N]

Jets for high speed between destinations and props for low speed maneuvering near ports and at destinations.

 

[Stargazer]

We have a topic on this forum on a related design, the Douglas-Weiland ground effect machine:

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2378

I'm attaching a photograph of it from Aerofiles.

 

[mz]

Ah so they're not jets, but some high lift devices, putting air to the wing...

 

[Mark Nankivil]

Greetings All -

Now this is something different:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Douglas-Aircraft-Matson-Cruise-Ship-Line-Factory-Model-/330436138478?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cef8755ee

Description:

Rare Original Matson Cruise Lines Proposal Model


Model: Jet engine powered Cruise Ship Catamaran.

Manufacture: Douglas Aircraft Factory Model.

Description: This one off model, is from the estate of the late R. J. Pfeiffer who was the the CEO and later the Chairman of Matson Shipping. The model was created by Douglas Aircraft in the early to mid 1960's (prior to the merger with McDonnell) as a Proposed Jet engine powered Cruise Ship Catamaran for Matson Cruise Lines. Each hull is named after two other historic cruise ships that once flew the Matson Cruise Lines Flag.. the Lurline and the Matsonia. This model was a gift from Donald Douglas to Robert Pheiffer. For more information on R. F. Pfeiffer click on: http://www.matson.com/press/press_release.cfm?id=106

Dimensions: The length is 10.5 inches long with a width of 7.25 inches

As a 6 year old, I was on the original Lurline when our family move to Oahu, Hawaii back in 1963 when my Father was posted to VU-1 at NAS Barbers Point.

Enjoy the Day! Mark

 

[Orionblamblam]

Greetings All -

Now this is something different:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Douglas-Aircraft-Matson-Cruise-Ship-Line-Factory-Model-/330436138478?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cef8755ee

This exact same item (or at least exact same photos) was up on eBay back in April:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,9843.0/highlight,douglas+cruise+ship.html

Looks like a different seller, though.

Buying something on ebay and then trying to sell it on ebay to make a profit seems like a potentially iffy prospect, unless the buyer got it for dirt chip the last time.

 

[Triton]

Artist's impression of Douglas concept for the United States Navy.

Source:
http://glostransporthistory.visit-gloucestershire.co.uk/Air_More%20Aircraft%20Blow%20In.htm