|
Bel Geddes, the man behind the General Motors
Futurama at the 1939 New York World's Fair, did more than make models
of urban utopias full of streamlined skyscrapers. In 1929, he
also put forward a serious design for a seaplane (yes, seaplane)
capable of carrying 606 passengers. |
|
Okay,
that sounds ambitious, but today's jetliners can carry about that.
True, but this little skylark had nine decks, a crew of 155, three
kitchens, two dining rooms, three private dining rooms, library,
gymnasium, barber, hairdresser, and deck tennis. Not to mention
suites, staterooms and promenades. |
|
Well,
given that this flying wonder had a cruising speed of 100 MPH and took
42 hours to cross the Atlantic, I suppose you had to do something to
keep the passengers amused. Having endured 17 hour flights over
the Pond trapped in a seat designed for a hamster while eating meat as
tough as the vegetables were soggy, I refuse to look down on this
design. I'm too busy banging my head against the wall. |
