September 1st, 1985.

29 years ago today, the mighty RMS Titanic was found by Robert Ballard. If she wasn't found, many things would still be a mystery like if she split in two or not. Because she was found, we have learned many things from the wreck such as that she split in two. To this day, we still learn many things from the wreck.

My Titanic Artwork!

Yesterday, I commissioned artwork from Tony Strublic, who is a very talented artist that can draw many things like Great Lake Freighters and Ocean Liners! The artwork I commissioned from is a drawing of the glorious RMS Titanic being launched, and I am very excited and cannot wait for it to be done. I will post artwork update here on this blog, and work on the artwork will start tomorrow. Yay!

                                              A Rough Sketch Of My Drawing

                                    More Details Will Be Added In The Final Drawing!

                                             All Credit Goes To Tony Strublic. 

The Titanic Belfast Grand Staircase.

            

In the words of the amazing Kyle Hudak: "I'm not sure "exact replica" is the correct term."

And he's 100 percent right. The Belfast Museum Grand Staircase is not a exact replica at all. The museums in Branson and Pigeon Forge have a really accurate Grand Staircase, with only minor inaccuracies. 

My Titanic Facebook Group

First of all, before I start talking about my new Titanic Facebook Group, I would like to say sorry to everyone who tunes into this blog. For the past couple of days, I haven't been posting stuff. Why? First of all, my computer has been having technical issues. Second, life is getting more stressful and time-consuming. And third is, honestly, I have been running out of ideas. But don't worry! This blog will never die. Even though I may not post very often, I will still post.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I have my own Titanic Facebook Group now called the Titanic Discussion Group. On there, you can talk about anything Titanic. The construction, technical details, the wreck, the maiden voyage, mysteries about the ship, the passengers and crew, etc. Talking about the movie and talking about the whole switch theory is not allowed though. If you would like to join, here is the link: My Titanic Facebook Group!

When Did The Power Go Out?

The common belief is that the power went out a minute or so before the ship broke in two. However, Thomas Ranger stated that when she broke, the power in the bow failed but remained on in the stern until the stern sank. Joshua Noble, a Titanic expert, believes this because it comes from a survivor who was there. However, Roy Mengot, also a Titanic expert, says the power would go out when she split because when the ship split, it would cut the steam to the dynamos. Obviously, there is a ton of debate about when the power went out. Honestly, you can pick whatever one you want. They are all acceptable at this point, since we don't know for sure.

Awesome Titanic Facebook Groups

On Facebook, there is a lot of really awesome Titanic Facebook Groups. Today, I will list some of them so that you can join them and learn more about the Titanic. Enjoy!

• The Titanic Passengers and Crew Research Group. This group is only about the passengers and crew. Here, you can ask questions about the passengers and crew, post things about the passengers and crew, etc. If you would like to join, click this link: Titanic Passengers and Crew Research Group.
• Wreck of the SS Titanic. This group was created by my good friend Parks Stephenson. Here, you can talk about the wreck, technical stuff, the maiden voyage, mysteries, etc. If you would like to join, click this link: Wreck of the SS Titanic.
• The Death Of The RMS Titanic 11:40 PM - 2:20 AM. Here, you can talk about the sinking from the moment she hit the iceberg to her final plunge. If you would like to join, click this link: The Death Of The RMS Titanic 11:40 PM - 2:20 AM.
• Titanic Historical Society Inc. Here, you can discuss the RMS Titanic and her passengers and crew and honor their memories. If you would like to join, click this link: Titanic Historical Society Inc.
• The Titanic Bibliophile Page. On this page, you can discuss Titanic books and post pictures of your Titanic books. If you would like to join, click this link: The Titanic Bibliophile Page.

Jason King's Titanic Models

Jason King, a very talented man, has created 2 very accurate models of the Titanic. Here, I will post some information about both of his models, and show you the two videos he made about his two models.

• His first model is a model of the Titanic as she appeared when finished completely. This model has everything! From all the rigging to the coaling outriggers, this model is really accurate. If you want to see the video of this model, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OItF_qwd9Qk&index=5&list=PL8cjhShLfaA-nyk38UidgJIN2y2pzdFb1/

• His second model is a model of the Titanic's bow on the ocean floor, showing what it might have looked like on the day it sank. Thus, all the paint is on, but the mast is collapsed, the rigging is gone, things are broken, etc. This model is accurate and interesting. If you would like to see the video for this model, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds4MniQ7Rh8&list=PL8cjhShLfaA-nyk38UidgJIN2y2pzdFb1&index=4.

I hope you enjoy watching the video! 

How Titanic's Engines Worked

Today, I will explain how Titanic's engines worked. If you are confused about how the engines work, this is for you!

• First, firemen would shovel coal into the boiler furnaces, which created steam. 
• This steam powered the two reciprocating engines, which turned the two side propellers.
• Leftover steam went to the turbine, which powered the central propeller.
• Leftover steam went to the condensers, which turned the steam into water and sent it back to the boiler rooms.

Titanic had 24 double ended boilers, which means they have 3 furnaces on the front and back. The double ended boilers were in Boiler Rooms 6-2. Titanic also had 5 single ended boilers, which means they only have furnaces on one side. The single ended boilers were only in Boiler Room 1. Boiler Room 6 had 4 boilers, all the other boiler rooms had 5 boilers.  

What A Double Ended Boiler Looked Like.

Interesting Video of Olympic Being Built and Launched.

While we may never find the footage of Titanic's launch, we do have footage of Olympic being launched and constructed. This video shows the Harland and Wolff drawing office, the laying of Olympic's keel, The Launch, And A Lot More! Want to see the video? Click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLY-ZESyXkA&index=6&list=PL8cjhShLfaA-nyk38UidgJIN2y2pzdFb1. Enjoy the video!

Titanic's central propeller: 3 bladed or 4 bladed?

Now, mostly EVERYONE believes Titanic's central propeller was 4 bladed. A picture of Olympic shows 3 bladed wing propellers, and a four bladed central propeller. This picture is often called "Titanic's propellers." Well, it's Olympic's propellers. Not Titanic's. This is most likely why people say that Titanic had a four bladed central propeller. Oddly enough, Harland and Wolff documents from 1912 state that Titanic's central propeller was... Wait for it.. 3 bladed. Now, most people would say this: "Olympic was Titanic's sister, if Olympic's central propeller was four bladed, Titanic's was!" Well, those people are quite wrong. Harland and Wolff, at the time, was experimenting with different propellers. If Titanic had a 3 bladed central propeller, it was understandable. When people are asked what evidence they have to support the claim that Titanic's central propeller was 4 bladed, they don't really list evidence. Anyway, if it was 3 bladed, that would render a lot of artwork and models inaccurate. Now, what side do you choose? The 4 bladed side, or the 3 bladed side?

What Titanic Would Have Looked Like With A Three Bladed Central Propeller

Note: Kyle Hudak made this, I did not. All credit goes to Kyle Hudak.

Titanic Exhibit Review (3)

On Saturday, I visited the Titanic exhibit in Las Vegas, at the Luxor! When you enter, you get a boarding pass. At the end of the exhibit, you see if the passenger on your boarding pass survived. You can also have a picture of you taken on the bow, or in front of something else, like the Big Piece. The exhibit is really neat. You can learn how she was built, walk the promenade, see the Grand Staircase, see a 1st class cabin, see the Big Piece, and more! The passenger on my boarding pass perished in the disaster. The exhibit also has a Gift Shop, where you can buy a lot of Titanic things. I got a White Star Line Titanic Hat! The Big Piece, in case your wondering, is a HUGE piece of Titanic's hull, and it has a heck of a story! The Grand Staircase is also neat, and you can have a photo of you taken on the Grand Staircase, which is awesome. They also have a Titanic model at the Luxor, which I checked out. It has some inaccuracies, but it's still neat. Overall, the exhibit is really interesting, and if you can go, you should go. 

        My White Star Line Titanic Hat! 

Titanic's Barber Shop

Titanic had 2 barber shops. One for 1st class on C Deck, next to the Aft Grand Staircase and one on E Deck for 2nd class passengers. 3rd class did not have a barber shop, so they had to get a haircut before or after the voyage. Both Barber Shops could you give you a haircut, and sold souvenirs. There were also pennants with the name TITANIC on them hanging from the roof of both barber shops. 1st and 2nd class had to pay for a haircut or a souvenir.

Olympic's Second Class Barber Shop

                                 

The Mystery of Titanic's Distress Rockets

During the sinking, Distress Rockets were fired to try to catch the attention of a ship. However, there is a lot of debate about the rockets. First of all, we have no clue how much were fired in all. Some say 6, 8, more than 12, a dozen, etc. Most people believe it was 8, but other people disagree. Second, we don't the intervals at which they were fired. Some say it was every 5 minutes, some 6 minutes, some say 1 minute, etc. Roy Mengot, a Titanic expert, believes it was every 1 minute. Third, we don't know what color the rockets were. Most people say that they were white, and exploded into white balls. Others say that they were white, and exploded into colored balls. Parks Stephenson, a Titanic expert, believes the rockets were white but exploded into colored balls. When I talk to people about the rockets, this is what I say: "Distress Rockets were fired while she was sinking, to catch the attention of a ship." I never mention the color of the rockets, I do not mention how much were fired, and I do not mention the intervals at which they were fired. When people ask about those things, I say "It remains a mystery, and certain people believe certain things."

Titanic's Whistles

Titanic had whistles on each funnel, but only the ones on the 1st and 2nd funnel worked. The ones on the 3rd and 4th funnels were just for show. The whistles were very loud, and were powered by steam from the boilers. The whistles signaled the ship's departure from port, and were tested every day at Noon while the ship was at sea. To hear one of Titanic's whistles, click on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7BLGibGUTA&index=6&list=FLz2hdAmxqhAyH1EhiawkWgw.

One Of Titanic's Whistles

What the whistles looked like on the funnels.

Differences between Olympic and Titanic

Today, I am going to list some of the differences between Olympic and Titanic. Let's start!

• Olympic had an all open A Deck Promenade, But Titanic's was half enclosed. 
• The 2nd class promenade on B Deck is bigger on Olympic, and smaller on Titanic.
• The B Deck windows on Titanic are arranged differently than Olympic's.
• Olympic had a promenade on B Deck, but on Titanic these were replaced with cabins. 
• The Turkish Bath on Titanic was laid out differently from the one on Olympic.
• Olympic had "3 Class Open Berths" near the bow on G Deck. On Titanic, these were all separate cabins.  

They're are probably a lot more differences, especially if you got into really small details. But these are just the basic differences. 

Some awesome things about Titanic Branson.

Today I am going to list some really cool things about the Titanic Museum in Branson, MO. It was one of the BEST exhibits I have seen, and I just had to do this. 

• 1st of all, people say this a money-making tourist attraction. Not true. It's a way to honor the passengers, the crew, and the ship. 
• They did an amazing job with the Grand Staircase. Sure, it has railing, but let's all be safe here.
• I love how the giftshop is modeled after the Verandah Cafe. Amazing!
• I loved how they payed tribute to the musicians who helped calm the passengers down, even though they knew they were going to die. 
• What's better than a Titanic museum inside a huge replica of the Titanic?
• On cold days, they have heaters in the line area outside and when it's warm they have fans. Yeah, Disney, I am looking at you.
• Their giftshop has really awesome merchandise. Really cool. Perfect for any Titanic fans.
• They came up with the term Titaniac. Which is the best thing ever, and clever. 
• Their staff is really nice, and can answer any questions you may have.

Sure, they made mistakes, but all exhibits do. They are still a awesome, wonderful, and amazing exhibit that I will come back to. Cheers to the Titanic Museum Attraction!

The Titanic Museum In Branson, MO.

50 Posts!

Today, we passed over 50 posts. Why I am saying we passed over 50 posts? Because this counts as a post. But YAY! We passed 50 posts! I never thought I would make it this far, and I just want to say thank you for the people who read my blog posts and learn more about Titanic. Thank you everyone!

Were the rivets weak?

There is a new theory going around that the rivets on Titanic were weak, and that they popped on impact because that they were weak. However, Parks Stephenson, a Titanic expert, conducted a rivet test using near exact replicas of Titanic's rivets. He finds that the rivets were not weak. But, if the rivets weren't weak, how did the iceberg flood 6 compartments? Well, on impact, rivets did pop. Not because they were weak, it was because the force was simply overwhelming.

Hard A Starboard!

When the iceberg was spotted, the order Hard A Starboard was given and the engines were stopped. But, in the movie Titanic, why does Hichens turn the wheel to port, not starboard? First of all, this is correct. You may ask, why? Because they were using older style tiller commands. That's why. You may ask yourself, what in the world are tiller commands? Well, it can get complicated and it's hard for me to explain. If you look it up, you will find your answer. 

I'm Going To The Titanic Exhibit In Las Vegas!

First of all, I am still going to Orlando. I'll just be going to Orlando when it's not so hot. But, I am still going somewhere at the end of June. Where? The Titanic Exhibit In Las Vegas! I will have a review when I'm back home, of course. I always write reviews when I go to a exhibit. I am really excited because this exhibit has a promenade deck replica that you can walk on which looks really awesome. Plus, the Grand Staircase there looks really cool. It also has the legendary Big Piece, which is a big piece of Titanic's hull. I can't wait to go! There is also a model near the Main Entrance which looks pretty accurate and neat.

Titanic's Launch

May 31st, 1911 was a very special day for Harland and Wolff. The RMS Titanic was being launched. A large crowd gathered at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast to watch the launch. Just before noon, a red rocket was fired high into the sky from the shipyard, announcing to the gathered masses that the launch was imminent. Fifteen minutes later, another rocket soared skywards, and the assembled crowds all stared intently at the hull, waiting to see it slip majestically into the water. Workers had used 22 tons of soap and tallow to lubricate the slipway for the launch. Then, beneath the mighty hull, all of the supporting timbers were knocked free, and it was now 'every man for himself' as the workers leaped from under the hull, scrambling clear as the hull began it's short, graceful journey down the immense slipway and into the River Lagan. Just over a minute later, Titanic was floating for the very first time, riding high in the water due to her unfinished condition. The launch was now over, and Titanic had been brought to a standstill by huge clumps of of anchor chains fastened to her hull. Once these chains had been detached, tugs from Liverpool's Alexandra Towing Company, namely Alexandra, Hornby, Herculaneum and Wallasey, warped Titanic into the fitting out basin, assisted by Harland and Wolff's own tug, Hercules.

Titanic Before Launch

Titanic Being Launched

Titanic After Being Launched

Oh, and I forgot to mention: This happened 103 years ago, on this day in 1911!

Titanic's Final Angle

There has been debate about Titanic's final angle. Some believe it was 11 degrees, others think it's 45 degrees or higher. Some people think her final angle was about 23 degrees. I personally just leave this subject alone, since we will probably never find out. However, if you want to believe one of those theories, go right ahead. When I describe the sinking to someone, I never mention the angle. That's because, like I said before, I just like to leave this one alone.

2048: Titanic Edition

I made a little game called 2048: Titanic Edition and it really helps when you're bored and want to do something involving Titanic. The game also uses real Titanic photos and some other photos from accurate museums. My high is 272 because I'm not that good, but hopefully you can beat me! Want to try it out? Here's the link: http://games.usvsth3m.com/2048/titanic-edition-2/. Enjoy the game!

Exact Titanic Replica?

A couple days ago, I was thinking: What if someone made an EXACT Titanic replica? Not just a model, but a  real sized replica of the ship with correct rooms and everything. People could walk in and see what life was really like aboard the ship. You would see every room, the boilers, the generators, the parlor suites, the swimming pool, everything. All the  little details like the types of paint really used will be included too. And, the ship would be in the water, with only 20 lifeboats. You may ask yourself "How in the world can we do this? The law restricts that!" Well, the ship will be in water, but not in the middle of the ocean. It will be in a dock. So, people would travel over to the dock and get their tickets in. Upon entrance, they would get a book telling you about rooms on Titanic. So, if you went into a room and wanted to learn more about it, you would would flip through the book until you found info on it. Also, smoke machines would be in the funnels so smoke would come out of the 3 funnels, and make it look realistic. And, sound effects would be included in certain rooms. For example, if you're in the engine room you'll here the engines moving. As much as I wish this could all happen, it was all a dream. But we can dream, right?

Collapsible Boats A and B

Titanic had 4 collapsible boats, 2 located behind the emergency cutters and 2 located on the roof of the officer's quarters. The two lifeboats were launched minutes before Titanic's final plunge. On the port side, some of the crew tried to fasten Collapsible B to the davits, but somehow it fell from the roof of the officers' quarters and fell down to the boat deck, on it's back, shortly before the sea washed over that area and Collapsible B floated off with people clinging onto it.

 On the starboard side, crew tried to fasten Collapsible A to the davits but there was no time. It floated off half submerged, because the canvas sides were not put up. People climbed into Collapsible A, but it must have been tough to survive in there considering it was half submerged.

One Of Mackay Bennett Lifeboat's Picking Up Collapsible B

The Carpathia

The Twin Screw Cunard steamship Carpathia was laid down at the Wallsend-on-Tyne works of Swan & Hunter in 1901. She was launched on August 6, 1902 and, after fitting out, registered a gross tonnage of 13, 603. She was 558 feet in length with a breadth of 64 feet 3 inches and depth 40 feet. Her eight cylinder quadruple-expansion engines installed by the the Wallsend Slipway Co. gave her a service speed of 14 knots. On May 5th, 1903 Carpathia left Liverpool on her maiden voyage, travelling via Queenstown to New York. She could carry 100 first class passengers, 200 second class passengers, and 2,250 third class passengers. On the night of April 14th, 1912 Carpathia received a distress call from the RMS Titanic. She raced toward the location of the Titanic, and arrived there well after the ship sank. By that time, anyone in the near freezing water would be dead. She rescued the survivors of the RMS Titanic. However, on July 17, 1918 Carpathia was travelling in a convoy, bound for Boston, when she was struck by two torpedoes some 120 miles west of Fastnest. A third torpedo hit the ship as the lifeboats were being manned. Five of the crew were killed by the explosions. The remainder of the crew and the 57 passengers aboard were picked up by H.M.S. Snowdrop and safely brought to Liverpool. The Carpathia sank at 12:40 AM that day.

How to make a accurate Titanic model

Making a accurate Titanic model can be very, very hard. For example, finding the correct paint can be hard. However, there is a website that can help you. It's called the Titanic Research and Modeling Association A.K.A. TRMA. I recommended you use it, here is the link: http://www.titanic-model.com/. Hope it helps!

SS Titan

You have all heard of the new RMS Titanic II coming out soon, but have you heard of the SS Titan?  The SS Titan will honor the legacy of Titanic, travel the world and provide an educational platform to Titanic and the age of Trans-Atlantic ship travel, while benefiting the health and well being of sick and needy children worldwide. She is also planned to be the world's largest and fastest ocean liner once constructed. It is hoped that Titan will be designed by Harland & Wolff, ltd., Titanic's Original Builder, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. SS Titan's interiors will boast all of the famous areas known to Titanic; the Grand Staircase, Palm Court, Cafe Parisian, Turkish Bath, and much more. She will also incorporate subtle modernized attributes of other great ships of the golden age of trans-Atlantic steamship travel, including the French Liner Normandie, among others. It is estimated that construction of Titan will cost approximately $1.6 billion (US), and take up to three years to complete, making her the most expensive ship ever built as well, far surpassing the $800 million price tag for the Queen Mary 2. She will look and feel like Titanic, but behind her bulkheads it would be ultramodern, safe, efficient, and cost effective to run. To find out more, click on this link: http://www.sstitan.org/Home.aspx. They also have their own Facebook page, which you can check out here: https://www.facebook.com/sstitan?fref=nf.

It's Offical, I'm going to Orlando!

In 7 weeks, I will hopefully be at the Titanic Exhibit in Orlando Florida. Expect a review of it in 7 weeks as well!

The Titanic Exhibit In Orlando Florida.

Titanic's Coal Bunkers

Titanic had 11 coal bunkers, located in the front and back of each boiler room. However, Boiler Room 1 did not have a coal bunker in back of it because it contained the single ended boilers. The coal bunkers were basically big bins full of coal. Trimmers would take some coal out of the bunker, break it up, put it in a wheelbarrow, and then cart it over to the firemen.

                                                    Firemen shovel coal into the boilers.
                                                   

Titanic Book Review (1)

First of all, welcome to my new series. In this series, I will review Titanic books and rate them. My first book I will be reviewing is the RMS Titanic Manual by Haynes Manuals. It's a really great book, it goes over the technical facts about Titanic and explains the history and construction. The only problem is that the technical facts are really, really technical. It even confuses me because I am not a really technical person. I am just a little bit. Still though, even if you aren't really technical, it's still a great book and probably could teach you something you never knew.


Before I rate this, I would like to explain the rating system. 1 means it's a really bad book, 3 means it's decent, and 5 means it's great. I would personally give this a 4. It's a good book, it just has really, really technical facts and some people might not understand it. Still though, this book is worth a try.


If you would like to purchase this book or check it out, click on this link: http://www.amazon.com/RMS-Titanic-Manual-1909-1912-Workshop/dp/076034079X. Enjoy the book!

A little Titanic fact.

You may have seen a picture of Titanic being launched or fitted out, but you look at the promenade and see it all the way open and go "That's Olympic, look at the open A Deck promenade!" Well, you are incorrect. A thing most people do not know is that Titanic had a all open promenade until February 1912. In February 1912, her promenade became half enclosed. So how could you tell the difference between the two ships before February 1912? Well, you would look at the size of the second class promenade on B Deck. If it was small, it was Titanic. If it was long, that was Olympic. However, Titanic did have a long 2nd class B Deck Promenade at the time of launch, but it was eventually made smaller in or around September 1911.

                                                               Olympic Being Launched

                                                               Titanic Being Launched

Also, if it was Olympic being launched she would have a light grey hull and Titanic would have a black hull. The reason Olympic's hull looks white is because of the sun, it makes light grey look white. The reason Olympic's hull was painted light grey was for photos. Her hull would later be painted black, like Titanic's.

Just Some Advice

Always look at the promenade on "Titanic" blueprints. I found this out the hard way. If your blueprints show the promenade open all the way, you have Olympic's blueprints. Yes, they gave you Olympic's blueprints and named it Titanic blueprints. This is happened to me just a few days ago. If your blueprints show the promenade half enclosed, no need to be sad! You have Titanic's blueprints!

Happy Birthday Nomadic!

On this day 103 years ago, the SS Nomadic was launched. The SS Nomadic was built as a tender for the White Star Line and her keel was laid down December 22, 1910. On April 25th, 1911 she was launched from Slipway No. 1 in Harland and Wolff shipyard, Belfast. On May 16th, 1911 she completed her sea trials. Then, on May 27th, 1911 she was delivered to the White Star Line. You may be going, "Ok, what's so cool about a tender ship?" Well, when Titanic was in Cherbourg on April 10th, 1912 Nomadic transferred 172 1st and second to the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Nomadic was designed to be as luxurious as could be for such a short journey. Although the journey to the awaiting liner may have only taken up 30 minutes, passengers would've loaded up to an hour or even two hours earlier. The Nomadic was powered by 2 compound steam engines and two single ended boilers, Nomadic had a working speed of 12 knots which was ideal for the environment she worked in. The best part about the Nomadic is that you get to still step aboard the ship and feel what it was like on the ship. In fact, you get to see all 4 decks! Now you may be going, where is the Nomadic? Well, she is located in Belfast, Ireland where Titanic was built. I am guessing you want to learn more, so here is the link to the Nomadic website: http://www.nomadicbelfast.com/. Happy Birthday Nomadic!

Heart of the Ocean Replica

You've probably seen many Heart of the Ocean replicas, but this one is special. This replica of the Heart of the Ocean is only 15 bucks. Yes, that's right, 15 bucks for a Heart of the Ocean replica. It also comes with a sparkling custom chain. Of course, if you are rich, you can get a crystal Heart of the Ocean for 90 dollars. Both of these make you look very rich and fancy though, so consider buying them. I am guessing you want to buy it, so here are the links:


15 Dollar Heart of the Ocean: http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/cart_detail.php?sku=766802586349&i=11207&q=0&tf=.


90 Dollar Heart of the Ocean: http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/cart_detail.php?sku=766802586356&i=11262&q=0&tf=.


Enjoy making yourself look fancy and rich!

In Memory Of Edward S. Kamuda

On April 13th, 2014 Edward S. Kamuda, Founder and President of the Titanic Historical Society, passed away after a long illness. He was 74. On July 7th, 1963, what would become the Titanic Historical Society was founded by Kamuda and 5 other men in Indian Orchard, a neighborhood of Springfield, Massachusetts. To find out more, click on this link: http://www.titanic1.org/people/edward-s-kamuda.html. May Edward S. Kamuda Rest In Peace. 

An Awesome Titanic Podcast

Titanic: Honor and Glory hosted a podcast on April 14th, 2014 in honor of the 102nd anniversary. I was there for the whole 3 hour and 24 minute podcast, and it was awesome. They talked about the game, answered some questions, and they discussed the ship. But best of all, is that they told us when something important or interesting happened in the sinking at the time it happened. They also had a chat box, where all the listeners could chat about the game, the sinking, and the ship. A lot of people listened to the podcast, but some people missed it or couldn't finish it. Well, Titanic: Honor and Glory now has their podcast available  on their website, and no downloading is required. I am guessing you want to listen to it, so here is the link: http://www.titanichg.com/archives/. Enjoy the podcast!

Accurate Blueprints of the Titanic

Yes, I know, you can buy Titanic blueprints at a Titanic Exhibit gift shop. They are pretty accurate, but the only problem is some of the words are really small or you can't find the specific room you are looking for. Well, a website named Encyclopedia Titanica provides very accurate blueprints. Plus, they are on the web and you don't need to buy it! Best of all, it provides a Zoom In/Zoom out button. Not only that, but it shows a Cutaway/Profile view of the ship! Im guessing you want it, so here's the link: http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-deckplans/profile.html. Enjoy the blueprints!

April 14th, 1912.

Passengers are still enjoying the ship's luxury. Titanic has received many ice warnings by now, but continues to steam on. This was not unusual in 1912, it was actually normal for a ship to full speed ahead through a ice field. That night, a iceberg is suddenly spotted right ahead. Lookout Fredrick Fleet, up in the crow's nest with Reginald Lee, rings the bell 3 times, and picks up the phone. In the bridge, 6th Officer Moody picks up. He says "What do you see?" Fleet replied "Iceberg right ahead!" Moody then said "Thank you" and hung up. Moody tells Murdoch, and Murdoch ordered "Hard-a-Starboard!" and ordered the engines stopped. Slowly, Titanic's bow starts to swing to port, but it isn't enough. The Titanic hits the iceberg. The iceberg puts 6 slits in the hull, which floods 6 compartments. Titanic can survive with any 2 compartments, or her first four compartments, flooded. However, 6 forward compartments are flooded. Titanic is doomed. Over time, Titanic's bow slowly continues to sink. Captain Smith orders the lifeboats to be lowered. Murdoch is charge of the starboard side, while Lightoller is in charge of the port side. Murdoch had the rule "Women and Children first",  but Lightoller has a stricter rule: Women and Children only. One by one, lifeboats are launched. Overtime, people start realizing Titanic is sinking. Panic starts breaking out. Distress rockets are also fired into the sky, to try to catch attention of other ships. If these rockets were white or colored remains a mystery. In the wireless room, distress signals are sent out. A ship named the Carpathia responds, and starts racing toward Titanic. However, they will reach there too late. The bow is now completely underwater, and the ship continues to sink. Water has now reached the boat deck, and complete panic breaks out. People are jumping off the ship, hoping someone will rescue them. The first funnel collapses, crushing John Jacob Astor and lots more people. Then, the second funnel collapses, crushing even more people. Then, the ship splits in front of the 3rd funnel and the power fails. The 3rd funnel collapses when the ship splits, and the bow sinks first. The stern floats at the surface for a minute or so, then sinks. The fourth funnel collapses when water reached it's supporting wires. People in the lifeboats are stunned, and hundreds, maybe thousands, of souls are left in the water. Only a few lucky ones are saved from the water, the others perish. May all those who died rest in peace, and may they never be forgotten.

Ever wanted to see the Titanic being built? Now you can!

So, I was looking at Titanic stuff on the internet and came upon a interactive timeline that shows you how Titanic was built. I am guessing you want to see it, so here is the link: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/titanic-100-years/interactives/building-titanic-an-interactive-timeline/. Enjoy seeing how the Titanic was built!

What Titanic Movie To Watch

First of all, there is a lot of other Titanic movies that exist. I just chose these 2 because they are both my favorites. Anyway, the two movies I recommend is A Night To Remember and James Cameron's Titanic. First up, A Night To Remember. Yes, it is in black and white but it is still awesome. First of all, the sets are made to be near exact replicas of the rooms on the actual Titanic. Second of all, it shows what passengers did on the ship depending on the class. Third, to make this movie they tracked down a lot of survivors to make the sinking as accurate as possible. Bottom line, this film is accurate and still full of action and drama. However, the ship does not split in two. This movie was before they found the wreck, so they didn't know. Second up, James Cameron's Titanic movie. First of all, it's full of romance, drama, and action. Second of all, like A Night to Remember, the sets are near exact replicas of the rooms on the actual Titanic. So is the giant replica of the ship that was used to film the movie. Third, it's in color. Fourth, the sinking is a bit more accurate. For example, the funnels collapse and the ship splits in two. However, the sinking theory is also incorrect. For example, the order full astern was not given when the iceberg was spotted. Second, the ship didn't split between the 3rd and 4th funnel, it split right in front of the 3rd funnel. Still though, they didn't really know this in 1997. Bottom line, it's a movie full of romance, action, and drama but still is accurate in some ways. Bottom line for both movies is that they are both great movies. It just depends on want you want to see. Honestly, I've seen both and I like them both.

April 10th, 1912.

On this day in 1912, Titanic sets sail from Southampton at noon. Her next stop is Cherbourg, France and she will arrive there at 6:30 PM on April 10th, 1912. After Cherbourg, her next stop is Queenstown, Ireland. She will arrive there on April 11th, 1912 at 11:30 AM. Passengers are enjoying Titanic's luxury for the first time. 

What exhibit will I visit next?

You may be asking what Titanic exhibit I am going to next. Well, I am for sure either going to the Titanic Exhibit in Pigeon Forge, the Titanic Exhibit in Belfast, the Titanic Artifact Exhibit in Las Vegas, or the Titanic Exhibit in Orlando. I will probably go to the one in Las Vegas soon, the others may happen later.

April 4th, 1912.

On this day in 1912, Titanic sits in Southampton Dock. She has completed her sea trials, and is being stocked and prepared for her maiden voyage on April 10th, 1912.

Did the band really play till the end?

Lots of people say Titanic's band played till the end, but did they really? First, imagine yourself being one of the musicians. Now, imagine yourself trying to play a Cello, at a angle of 23 degrees, and listing 9 or so degrees to port. I certainly could not play a instrument like that! So, the band probably played as long as they could. Therefore, we should say "They played as long as they could."

Titanic's Musicians

Titanic had 8 musicians aboard, who all boarded at Southampton and were all 2nd class passengers. Here is a list of all 8 musicians, their age, what they played, and their hometown.

• Wallace Henry Hartley, Age 33, Bandmaster and Violinist. Hometown: Colne, Lancashire, England. 
• John Frederick Preston Clarke, Age 30, Bassist. Hometown: Liverpool, Lancashire, England. 
• Roger Marie Bricoux, Age 20, Cellist. Hometown: Cosne-sur-Loire, France. 
• Theodore Ronald Brailey, Age 24, Pianist. Hometown: London, England. 
• John Law Hume, Age 21, Violinist. Hometown: Dumfries, Scotland. 
• Georges Alexandre Krins, Age 23, Violinist. Hometown: London, England. 
• Percy Cornelius Taylor, Age 32, Cellist. Hometown: London, England. 
• John Wesley Woodward, Age 32, Cellist. Hometown: Oxford, England.

On the night of the sinking, the band got together and played music to calm the passengers. They played as long as they could, and all went down with the ship. Out of 8 musicians, only 3 bodies were recovered.

What was the last song played?

Everyone asks the question "What was the last song played on Titanic?" Well, we know for sure it is either Nearer my God to Thee or Autumn. A lot of survivors said it was Nearer my God to Thee, and only 1 person said it was Autumn. Wallace Hartley reportedly told a friend that if he were on a sinking ship, he would play Nearer my God to Thee. All evidence we have points to Nearer my God to Thee. But what version? There is the Horbury version, which is British. Then we have Propior Deo, also British. Last but not least, we have the Bethany version, which is American. Now, Wallace Hartley was British and probably wouldn't play the Bethany version. So it's either the Horbury version or Propior Deo. His parents are certain he would play Propior Deo, and therefore I say it was Propior Deo. However, there is even more evidence to back up the idea that he played the Propior Deo version. Wallace Hartley was a Methodist, and Propior Deo is the Methodist version. Therefore, again, that's why I think the Propior Deo version was played. However, you can believe either version or song because there is no definite answer to this question.

Titanic Exhibit Review (2)

I visited the Titanic exhibit in Branson Missouri and boy was it cool! First of all, the museum itself is a half replica of the ship. Right next to the ship is a iceberg, and a pool of water. Then you get a boarding pass and wait in line. After you get through the line, you enter the lobby. The lobby itself is awesome. On the roof is a replica of the center propeller, and on the wall is chart which shows you just how big Titanic really is! After you get through the line in the lobby you get your ticket. After you get your ticket, your free to go! In the exhibit you get to learn a little about the dogs on Titanic, send your own SOS, see a first class cabin, walk the grand staircase, see a actual sized third class cabin, steer the ship, and more! Oh, and when you first enter the exhibit you see a huge Titanic model! The whole exhibit is amazing. You really get to feel what it was like on the ship, and learn a lot about the ship. Overall, this exhibit is well worth coming to and is very fun and interesting.

Titanic Short Films

Some of you might be looking at the title and going "I've seen everything from A Night To Remember to James Cameron's Titanic movie, what's next?" Well, some really awesome guy named Tom Lynskey made 2 short films of Titanic. Here, take a look at them.

• "Belfast Air" This short film is a short story about Thomas Andrews, and is very well done.
• "The Last Signals" This film is the story of the sinking of the Titanic from the point of view of the Marconi Telegraph Operators. Harold Bride, the Junior Operator, is the focus of the film. John Phillips is the Chief Operator.

Interested? Here, have the link: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZetj_NBrP_MNCEuS6GqVg9IZiCCLgIPX.

Titanic Honor and Glory Website!

Remember when I told you guys about Titanic Honor And Glory? Well, they have a website now! I am guessing you want the link, so here: http://www.titanichg.com/.

Full astern or Stop?

A lot of you (Maybe even you) believe that when they spotted the iceberg, the order full astern was given to the engines. However, this is probably not true. First of all, at the time of impact Titanic was at "Full Ahead" If they were to suddenly reverse the engines (Called a crash stop) it would cause a shudder no one could miss. No survivors reported such a violent shudder. Also, about 3-4 people in the engine/boiler room says the order was Stop. Also, reversing the engines doesn't make sense. What if the stern hits an iceberg? Another theory is the order was stop, then reverse. Why bother reversing when you just stopped the engines? Also, wouldn't reversing the engines complicate the order hard a starboard? With this evidence, I can now say this: Murdoch ordered "Hard a starboard" and the engines stopped. Why? He was attempting to steer away from the iceberg and stop the ship, so they don't hit anymore icebergs. What does this mean? No full astern order was given. But hey, this is still a debatable question. But I, and hopefully you, now believe the order Stop was given.

Titanic Exhibit Review (1)

First off, welcome to the new series. In this series, I go to different exhibits then write my experience on this blog. Today, I will be reviewing the exhibit in Buena Park. This exhibit is really interactive and fun. Before you enter, you get a boarding pass. The boarding pass gives information about an actual passenger aboard Titanic. When you enter, they show you a quick video. Then, you walk into "Harland and Wolff Shipyards" Here, they show you some facts about the construction of Titanic. Then, you walk into a room that takes place on sailing day. In the middle of this room is a huge Titanic model which is very accurate. The next rooms allow you to see a first class room, along with some facts. Then the other room allows you to see a third class room, which is way different than a first class room! The next room shows you how big a boiler would've been, and trust me, it's massive! Then, you get to touch an iceberg and sit in an actual sized lifeboat and watch Titanic sink. Then, you get to go to the memorial room. Here, you check your boarding pass and see if your passenger survived. Then, you go to the "wreck room" where you get to see pictures from the wreck in 3D! Finally, you get to go to the gift shop! What makes this exhibit really awesome is the actors. In some rooms there are actors, and you get to ask them questions about the ship. The actors really know a lot about Titanic, and they are very helpful. Overall, this exhibit is really educational and awesome.

Fine Art Models Titanic Model

You've seen Titanic models, but the one I am about to show you is very special. Here, let me tell you what is so special about this model.

• It is over 18 feet long
• It was built from original plans
• The decking is real wood, as is the deck furniture. 
• The telegraph in the bridge is internally lit
• Its lighting is so complex that it required the installation of more than 8 miles of fiber optic cable
• The model weighs 1,500 pounds.
• Harland and Wolff approved.
• All exterior windowed rooms are to scale, including the furniture and decor inside each room.
• Probably the most accurate Titanic model there is.
• Very awesome

What's that I here? You want the model? Then fork over 2,500,000 dollars! That's right, if you want this model you have to pay 2,500,000 dollars. Now I see why nobody has bought this model. Here is the link if you want to check it out: http://www.fineartmodels.com/RMS_Titanic/RMS_Titanic.html.

Raise the Titanic?

Ever since the ship sank in 1912, lots of people have tried to raise Titanic. They failed mostly because of money reasons, of course. Here is a list of ideas:

• Fill the ship with ping pong balls and let it float up to the surface. Why doesn't it work? Because, think of this. How do we get them INSIDE the wreck? We can't open a door in a submersible that far down, we'll drown to death and die from water pressure. And we can't drop them from a ship, because they will just float away. Even if we somehow do fill it up with ping pong balls, the pressure will crush them. Plus, the ship is in 2 pieces. The ping ping balls will just float out of the ship. 
• Someone came up with a idea to pump the ship full of molten wax and wait for it to harden, then let the ship float to the surface. Now, wax freezes at 45 degrees Fahrenheit and we know the Atlantic ocean is WAY colder than that. So the wax hardening part is correct. But think of this. First, how are we supposed to pump wax into the Titanic anyway? Second, the Titanic is in two pieces. The wax will just float out into the ocean. 
•  Now, back in the day when they thought the ship sank in one piece someone had the idea of turning the Titanic into an iceberg. How? Well, it was a bit complicated. First, they would wrap the whole ship in a strong wire mesh, creating a gigantic basket of sorts to hold her. Liquid Nitrogen would then be pumped throughout the entire ship, which would presumably cause her to freeze solid. Titanic would then float up to the surface. Of course, this theory can never happen. Why? Because the temperature of the water at the Titanic's wreck site is believed to be 28 degrees. Liquid nitrogen freezes at -346 degrees Fahrenheit. The moment they pumped the liquid nitrogen into the ship, it would just dissolve. Plus, the ship is in two pieces.

All these theories are crazy. Of course, there is a lot more. Just look it up. But why try to raise it when you have a virtual map of the wreck site? Here, have the link: http://www.rmstitanic.net/expedition/.    

Titanic: Honor and Glory

So, some really awesome guys are making a game called Titanic: Honor and Glory. They also have really important people on their team, including Ken Marschall. The game is going to have 2 modes. The first mode, story mode, is quite is interesting. In story mode, your character is accused of stealing jewels by Scotland Yard, and you know the actual person who did it is on Titanic. You board the Titanic, and try to find the person who did it. Of course, she hits the iceberg and sinks in real time. The 2nd mode, is purely for exploring the ship. Time is not a factor, and she never strikes the iceberg. You can go anywhere you want, including the boilers! The whole ship is accurate, including the color of the wood, the rooms, the cabins, EVERYTHING. Characters will be placed in the ship for you to interact with. For example, you can visit the boilers and see firemen shoveling coal into the furnaces. Want to check it out? Click this link: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/titanic-honor-and-glory-phase-2.

White Star Songbook

The White Star Line Songbook is full of really calming music. The music is really pretty, and is perfect after a long day at work. Just turn on the music, and calm yourself. The music in this songbook would be played by the band on White Star Line ships, and all of it is original. Want it? Here's the link: http://rms-titanic.wix.com/titanic#!__il-disastro. Enjoy the music!

Couldn't it break AFTER it sank?

We all can't stop from asking: Couldn't Titanic break UNDER the water? Pretty much everyone believes it broke at the surface, but some people say it broke underwater. They say the people who saw the ship sink intact were right, and the people who saw it break in two were "seeing things." Now, here's this question: Who in the world can miss a giant ship, sticking up in the air, and splitting in two? Nobody really knows, all survivors are dead. But, just imagine being in the icy water and panicking. That might have been a problem for them. Anyway, the theory goes like this: The ship sinks intact, under the water it's moving around a lot, ripping things off, then SNAP. The hull breaks in two, in front of 3rd funnel, and hits the bottom of the ocean. But wouldn't all of this cause even more damage to the bow and stern? Probably so. Anyway, another theory says it broke when it hit the sea floor. Again, wouldn't this cause more damage to the bow and stern? These 2 theories are a maybe, but are probably not true. In fact, I say it's a 1 percent maybe and a 99 percent no. Why don't I say 100 percent no? Because, some survivors do say she sank intact. But, I bet you THEY were seeing things and missing some details, and the ship did actually break at the surface.

A contact form!?

So, you may have noticed there is a "contact form" now. Why did I make this? Because some of you Titanic buffs have urgent Titanic questions, and look it up on the internet in a flash but get inaccurate answers. Now, if you have a urgent question you can ask me, and I'll reply with a accurate answer! I might even turn it into a post...

Should artifacts from the wreck be taken?

There has been a long debate about 1 thing: Should we take artifacts from the wreck site of Titanic? Many people believe it is robbing a grave site, while others think it's good to take them before they rust. Personally, I say we should take the artifacts. I understand it's a grave site, but we should take the artifacts before they rust and put them on display in exhibits, so when Titanic rusts away we will have the artifacts, to remember her. What do you think? Should we take artifacts from the wreck site, or leave them be? 

Top 3 Titanic Exhibits

There are a lot of Titanic Exhibits. There is one in Missouri, one in Las Vegas, one in California, etc. But, which ones are the best? Which ones are the most interactive? This list features some of my favorite Titanic Exhibits, and will help you choose which one you want to go to.

The Titanic Museum In Branson, Missouri: By far the most interactive and interesting Titanic Exhibit.  You get to walk on the Grand Staircase, tap out your own SOS message, steer the ship, and a lot more! Interested? Check out their website: http://www.titanicattraction.com/. 

Titanic The Artifact Exhibition: Located in The Luxor Hotel and Casino, this amazing exhibit will bring you back to 1912. You will be able to view extensive room re-creations and view lots of artifacts, including perfume, china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, and pieces of the ship itself - All recovered from the wreck site. Interested? Check out their website: https://www.luxor.com/entertainment/titanic.aspx.

Titanic The Experience: Located in Buena Park, CA this amazing exhibits features full scale recreations of famous Titanic rooms, including her Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite and Boilers. Exceptionally trained actors dressed in period costumes portray famous Titanic notables, such as Capt. Smith and Margret Brown. The actors are always there to answer any questions you may have. Interested? Check out their website: http://www.titanictheexperience.com/buenapark/the-exhibition.html.

All these exhibits are truly amazing, and tell the story of Titanic very well. 

White Star Buff

All of you guys have seen those inaccurate Titanic paintings with mustard yellow colored funnels. Guess what? WRONG. They weren't mustard colored. Just imagine how ugly that would be. I mean, really. So, what color were they? We will never know. But let's take some guesses. The first guess is the color of the Nomadic's funnels. Now, the Nomadic is the only remaining White Star Line ship remaining. The funnel color on the Nomadic is a really light yellowish/tan. Mostly tan. Now, you may be going "THAT IS WHITE STAR BUFF IT'S ORIGINAL!!!" Well, sure you may be right that it's original, but it has been restored of course. I mean, the ship was built in 1911. So, when we repainted it we might have done it wrong. James Cameron's Titanic movie shows the funnels with a color similar to the Nomadic's. Another depiction of White Star Buff is a really light tan. I seriously doubt this color, it just doesn't make sense to me. Another depiction of White Star Buff is orange and yellow mixed together. I personally like this color, and the Titanic Exhibit agreed this is the best we can get. So, what depiction of White Star Buff do you think is the most accurate? Nomadic Style, James Cameron Style, Really Lame Mustard Color Style, Tan Style, Or Orange And Yellowish Style?

Titanic's Breakup

Many people say "the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank, the end." Or they say "It sank and split between the 3rd and 4th funnel, the bow dragged the stern up and then let go. Stern then sank" Well, those people are...WRONG. First, let's look at the wreck site. On the bow you can see 2 funnel shafts, where the funnels used to be. On the stern...only one funnel shaft. Where is the 3rd? It probably got ripped off when the stern was rapidly falling down to the bottom of the ocean. Also, on the bow wreckage there is a huge piece that folds downward behind the 2nd funnel shaft. What is this? The piece in between the 2nd and 3rd funnel, which now shows that not only did it break between the 2nd and 3rd funnel, it specifically broke right in FRONT of the 3rd funnel. So, now we know that Titanic broke in two right in front of the 3rd funnel. Now, let's pretend were in a lifeboat, and we see the power go out and the ship split in two in front of the 3rd funnel. This is the part were a lot of Titanic Controversy has taken place. What happened when she split. Now, a lot of the Titanic Rookies (That's my way of saying Titanic Noobs) believe (Mostly because of James Cameron) that the ship split in between the 3rd and 4th funnel, and the stern fell back and was then pulled vertical by the bow, then the bow let's go of then stern and let's the stern sink. Well...FALSE. First: We know the split happened between the 2nd and 3rd funnel, right in front of the 3rd funnel specifically. Second: She had list to port, and I doubt it happened this way. So, let's cross that one of the list. The next theory is a bit complicated, so just click the link to the video. It'll be explained better there, trust me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWzU-z1p1ro. Anyway, if you watched that theory you saw that it broke between the 3rd and 4th funnel. Which, by now, we know is false. Plus, this theory just seems too far fetched. However, the mangling together makes sense, in a way, but we'll get to that later. The next theory is also a bit complicated, so just click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSGeskFzE0s. The next theory, is Jack Thayer's drawings. They indeed may seem to make no sense at all, but maybe it did happen the way he shows it. If you want to see the drawing, here it is:

 Now, he says the bow was visible, and was pointing up out of the water and the stern was in a pretty high angle. He then says the bow sank, and the stern moved where the bow sank a second or two ago. Then, the stern sank. Now, this gives proof that maybe Titanic did indeed mangle together. I mean, it makes sense. Think of it: The ship is sinking, and it mangles together to the point where the bow (Which was underwater) is now visible and is pointing up. The stern (Which is mangled into the bow) gets into a high angle. The bow then sinks, and the stern moves where the bow just sank a second or 2 ago. This is the part that doesn't add up. How did the stern move around? Since we probably won't know, we'll just call this theory a maybe. The other theory comes from a History Channel documentary. Here, have the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_09XR-P86nw&list=UUHdlAcrNTTYkwzkNIXSuFMA&feature=c4-overview. Ok, if you actually watched that video that I just sent you, it seems pretty good. I mean, it shows the keel holding on to the stern, and it shows the split in front of the 3rd funnel. I am calling this theory and the Nat Geo theory a maybe. Now, those are the top 4 theories. There are a TON more theories of how the ship split. Now, since we will probably never know how she really sank, or split to be specific, let's just say the stern floated there and sank. Sound good? Ok then.