Me and QE2

I guess you'd have called me a ship spotter, but I was only really interested in one ship...

QE2 in Dubai - I was the only "passenger" on board - exclusive access granted.

In Late April 2011, a dream came true as I was granted exclusive permission to step back aboard the QE2 in Dubai, two and half long years after she arrived there.  You can read more about my adventure here - http://www.theqe2story.com/forum/index.php/topic,3156.0.html and you can see my videos here - www.youtube.com/theqe2story

QE2 on the River Clyde for the last time - October 5th 2008

Once again I was onboard the MV Balmoral on the River Clyde to Welcome, view and then Escort QE2 on her last ever visit to the Clyde.

QE2 "A Taste of the Mediterranean" - Cruise E813 - August 12th - 22nd 2008

I was on board for cruise E813 with my Mother for 10 nights as we travelled to Gibraltar, Lisbon, Barcelona, Cannes and Sardinia.  This was just a few months before the end of the QE2's in November.  I took extensive photos - .  If you also travelled on this cruise, please get in touch!  There is a 'roll call' for it on Cruise Critic here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=715867

QE2 "Festive Getaway" - E723 - December 14th, 15th & 16th 2007

Click link : I was onboard for a 2 night Christmas Cruise to Belgium (Cruise E723)

September 18th & 20th 2007 - QE2's 40th Tour of Britain

I visited QE2 in Queensferry on the 18th, and then had one of the most incredible days of my life accompanying her down the Firth of Clyde on her 40th Birthday.  Click here for a page with photos and videos of this momentous occasion.

2003 and 2005 - QE2 off South Queensferry

In 2003 and 2005 I visited the QE2 as she lay off South Queensferry in Scotland to take some photos. 

1994 on the Clyde for her 25th Birthday

 I was one of thousands to witness the QE2 return to her birthplace 25 years since entering service.

April 1987 - QE2's Trials with new engines.

In April 1987 I was aboard as the QE2 left the German shipyard for her trials with her brand new diesel-electric powerplant.  You can read about my experience here.  I've also produced a detailed page about this refit.

Early 1980s - Dad in the Caribbean with QE2

I found these on old negatives at Mum's house in 2008.  Click to enlarge.  More about Dad's close relationship with QE2 below.

My Dad - David Lightbody - And QE2

My Dad got me fascinated with the great ocean liners.  The pictures below shows him shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II as part of his job as Manager of Engineering Development for John Browns in Clydebank, who built the QE2. 
The other photo is of my Dad on one of his many "troubleshooting" trips to the QE2 steam turbine powerplant up until it was replaced in 1986.