QE2 Starboard High Pressure Turbine Pattern

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3D Model

One of the few remaining three-dimensional representations of large turbines which originally powered the famous ship QE2. Wooden shapes like this were essential to marine engineering: they were used in casting, which is the process of turning molten metal into a specific shape.

A pattern is a replica of the object to be cast. Patterns are made by a patternmaker to the dimensions on the engineer’s plans. It is a very skilled trade which requires precision: the better the pattern the better the casting. Sand is poured around the patterns and compacted. The patterns are removed and molten metal is poured into the gaps left by the removal of the pattern and left to cool. This results in the finished object.

In this case the finished object was the Pametrada steam turbine fitted to Queen Elizabeth 2. QE2 was built by Clydebank shipbuilder John Brown & Co in 1969. Its turbines were removed when it was re-engined in 1986/87, and they were replaced with a more modern and efficient diesel power plant.