SOM 013 Fairsea

New 1/1250 scale model of the Italian passenger ship Fairsea by Solent (SOM 013).

Specifications:

Built by:                             Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co, Chester USA.

Tonnage:                            11,678 GRT as built.

                                           13,432 GRT as Fairsea after 1958 refit.

Length:                               492ft / 150m.

Width:                                69.2ft / 21.1m.

Draught:                             24.ft.

Engines:                             Doxford Geared Diesels by the builder - 9,000 BHP.

Screws:                              Single.

Service speed:                   16 knots – 17 max.

Passengers:                      1,800 One class.

                                          40 First & 1400 Tourist for 6 voyages only in 1953 to Canada.

                                          1,460 after 1958 refit.

                                          1,212 after 1961 refit.

                                          Fully air-conditioned.

Originally designed as a C3 class passenger freighter to be named Rio de la Plato ordered by Moore-McCormack Lines. Launched March 1, 1941 but before completion taken over for conversion into an escort carrier. She was to be handed over to the Royal Navy as HMS Charger. However with the US entry into the war the transfer was rescinded and the ship commissioned as USS Charger in March 1942. This version of the ship is available from Neptun (NE 1325).

Charger was released from naval service on March 15, 1946, and returned to Moore-McCormack. The flight deck removed and ship deployed to carry returning troops from overseas. 

In 1949, she was purchased by Alexander Vlasov, founder of Sitmar Lines. Re-named the Fairsea she was reconstructed om Genoa as an austere emigrant ship with accommodations for a massive 1,800 persons.

Operated three refugee voyages under contract by the IRO - "International Refugee Organisation" from Naples to Melbourne via the Suez Canal. After IRO service commenced regular passenger service from Bremerhaven to Sydney.

Refitted in 1958 and 1961. Started cruise service in between liner runs in 1966. Suffered engine room fire January 14, 1969 in the Pacific 900 miles west of Panama Canal while in route to Southampton. Towed to Panama it was decided to scrap her rather than repairing the ship. Arrived La Spezia, Italy for breaking August 6, 1969.