Billing Boats USA

African Queen Decals – Decals for African Queen Model Kit

The African Queen was an iconic English steam pinnace that played a significant role in World War I and became even more famous through its portrayal in literature and film. This vessel was built in 1912 by the famous shipbuilding company, Thornycroft & Company, and was initially named the Livingstone after the famous explorer, David Livingstone. However, the vessel gained its enduring name, the African Queen, when it was purchased by the East Africa British Colonial Service in 1915 and was used for patrolling and transporting troops on the treacherous African rivers during the war.

The African Queen was a small but mighty steam-powered vessel, measuring 30 feet in length and 6 feet in width. It was designed to navigate through the narrow and unpredictable waterways of East Africa, making it the perfect vessel for the colonial service’s needs. The boat was equipped with a powerful 25 horsepower Thornycroft steam engine, which allowed it to reach a top speed of 8 knots. Its hull was made of strong oak and teak, making it sturdy enough to withstand the rough waters and potential attacks from the enemy.

The most distinctive feature of the African Queen was its unique design. It had a flat-bottomed hull, which allowed it to navigate shallow waters and avoid getting stuck in the riverbed. The vessel also had a low profile, making it difficult for the enemy to spot and target. It was armed with a single machine gun for defense, but its main purpose was to transport troops and supplies.