LINER ORION

Evening Star, Issue 22414, 11 August 1936, Page 12

LINER ORION

FINE MODEL ON DISPLAY EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP Claimed to be fcbc largest model of a vessel ever to be exhibited in New Zealand, an exquisite piece of craftsmanship at present is on display in the D.I.C. window. It is a model of the Orient Steam Navigation Company s 11.M.5. Orion. In order to place it in the present position removal of the middle plate-glass window was necessitated, the case in which the model was enclosed being of such large dimensions, The model was placed in the ivindow yesterday, and will remain there °Built by Messrs Victors, Armstrong, of Barrow-in-Furness, the new 24-000-ton Orient Line Royal mail steamer Orion made her first public appearance when she was launched by wireless from Brisbane by H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester in December, 1934. The largest liner serving Australia, the Orion’s dimensions are: Tonnage, 24,000: length, 665 ft; breadth, B'2ft; draught, 30ft; speed, 21$ knots, with provision for 486 first saloon and 653 tourist class passengers. The first class cabins are principally one and two-berth, with some three-berth for family convenience. Many of them have intercommunicating doors, and the number of special state rooms and private bathrooms has been substantially increased. The tourist class accommodation comprises some single-berth, with a majority of two, three, and four-berth cabins. The Orion’s engines are of the highpressure twin-screw single reduction geared turbine type, designed to give 24,000 horse-power and a, speed of 21$ knots. The electrical installation will provide not only the auxiliary machinery, but also the lighting and heating throughout. The hull of the Orion is painted com coloured over green boot topping, her superstructure is white, and her funnel buff. She has but one funnel, and for a vessel of such size and horse-power this innovation has been possible only by overcoming great engineering difficulties for the sake of the space gained for passenger accommodation and added deck space. The single funnel is kept company by a single mast, a striking departure from existing practice. The slope or rake cf tho funnel and mast are intended to give an appearance of speed, though the only practical effect of the rake is to introduce a slight complication in design. The vessel is scheduled to leave Sydney on September 7 on her next trip Home.