Oceanliner Cristoforo Columbo Cutaway, 1955

Behold, in all its gigantic 2500 x 1060 px glory, the oceanliner Cristoforo Columbo from 1955. This 29,100 ton Italian Line ship provided 703 tourist class, 225 first class, and 320 cabin class cabins. It’s a Rolf Klep masterpiece, part of a larger LIFE double spread that included an Super-G Constellation in the upper left. … Continue reading Oceanliner Cristoforo Columbo Cutaway, 1955

Super-G Constellation Cutway, 1955

A fine cutway from 1955 by famed illustrator Rolf Klep, of a Super-G Constellation. This is actually part of an amazing double-spread from a LIFE magazine, showing both this aircraft and the oceanliner Cristoforo Columbo. Accompanying text notes that the Constellation had a flexible seating arrangement.  In this drawing, tourist class passengers occupied the forward… Continue reading Super-G Constellation Cutway, 1955

Consolidated Vultee Clipper (PanAm) Cutaway, 1945

I’m not certain when this Rolf Klep cutaway was produced, but the magazine text mentions that V-E Day was upcoming, so I’ll put it at 1945. This 160 ton aircraft was expected to be able to take 200 passengers from New York to London in 9 hours. Consolidated ventured that it would build about 15… Continue reading Consolidated Vultee Clipper (PanAm) Cutaway, 1945

Atomic Submarine Engine Testing Sphere Cutaway, 1952

This cutaway, drawn by Rolf Klep in 1952, is of a $2 million, 225 foot diameter steel hull built in Schenectady, NY. Essentially, it was a spherical proving ground for an atomic engine that would be installed in a submarine.  GE scientists would have: Built the engine. Encased that engine in a section of submarine… Continue reading Atomic Submarine Engine Testing Sphere Cutaway, 1952

New York World’s Fair 1939 Perisphere and Trylon Cutaway

New York World's Fair 1939 Perisphere Cutaway

The symbol and centerpiece of the 1939 New York World’s Fair was its combination trylon and perisphere.  The trylon was a 610 foot tall tower, whose bottom section provided entrance for the adjoining 190 foot diameter perisphere. This circa 1938 cutaway was drawn prior to completion of the trylon and perisphere.  It shows how visitors… Continue reading New York World’s Fair 1939 Perisphere and Trylon Cutaway