1969: Maiden NYC arrival. Configuration (more or less) as depicted by the Airfix 1:600.

Please refer to the QE2 model review for a detailed description of the optional fixes recommended to accurately render the 1:600 model to represent her as she was introduced into service, May 1969.

1972:

First block of penthouses added, eliminating the ‘Signal-Deck’ open well and glass screens / P&S, of the enclosed sports-deck below.

Kitchen extension added to forward superstructure. Plate windows of the Lookout Bar blanked over.

Expansion forward of the original Columbia Restaurant, starboard on Quarter-Deck. 9 additional windows provided.

It is this period, 1972-1977, that is represented by the Revell 1:1200 offering, with one notable exception: the model’s painting instructions and decal sheet (the funnel casing was not painted traditional ‘Cunard Livery’ until 1982, and the ‘racing stripe’ came much later).


1977: QM / QE deluxe suites added forward of 1st penthouse block, Signal-Deck


1978: 1st radar dome added.

It is this post-1977 configuration that is represented by the Gunze 1:450 model.


1979: Blue anti-foul ‘self-polishing’ paint replaces red boot topping.


1981: Red boot topping restored. Stem anchor removed, anchor recess plated over.


1982:

May: Called up for Falklands service. Modifications for MOD service include: Forward helipad added; Aft screens, Upper / Quarter-Decks, sliced away to install aft helipad.

August: Returns to commercial service. Modifications include: Aft deck screens restored to original design / configuration; Hull pebble gray / funnel casing red c/w black bands introduced.


1983:

Magrodome fitted over Quarter Deck pool, eliminating p/s aft screens on this deck to ‘bank’ sliding roof panels when in the ‘open’ position; Two 45 foot cruise tenders (Alpha and Beta) fitted, aft; Penthouse block roof painted white; Hull painted Slate (dark) gray.


1987:

Major midlife refit: Diesel refit ~ 6 bladed props replaced with 5 blade VP props; Original funnel replaced by new fatter funnel (present version), funnel base modified; Davits replaced, portside crane replaced by larger unit; Final penthouse block added, Signal-Deck, aft of the 1972 installment; Jacuzzis (and lion) added to One-Deck pool; Shopping Center extended aft, eliminating Boat-Deck enclosed (open-air) 1st Class deck;
Sports-Deck extended aft; Above bridge roof painted white.


1994:

Magrodome and Quarter-Deck pool removed, creating Lido Restaurant below and sports area c/w raised central section aft of the Yacht Club;
Yacht Club extended aft, and to the sides, modifying glazing; The Pavilion Café, forward of the remaining One-Deck pool, added; Two 45 foot cruise tenders (Alpha and Beta) removed; Two lifeboats converted into tenders (#13 & #14 c/w catamaran hulls); 3 radar domes added topside, satellite aerial atop of mast (5 feet) removed; Red / gold / blue speed stripe and gold lion added; Blue hull / Yellow boot topping stripe.


1998: Lion removed; Yellow boot-topping stripe removed, reverts back to white.


1999: Speed stripe removed


2004: Black hull.


Questions:

When was the ‘H” painted on the Sports-Deck, aft of the funnel?
When was the remaining (smaller) starboard crane removed?
When was Boat-Deck khaki eliminated, in favor of ‘all white’?
When was the ‘blue’ anti-foul eliminated?