Probably one of the best milsurp in the world, ever!

I wonder who they will rent an aircraft carrier from, when they need one? To bad, that was a decent ship. I somehow doubt she is fully servicable or the bidding would only include international bidders, that are qualified. At this stage in the world's economic downturn, there won't be many bidders.
Those ships are utilitarian as far as living standards go and would require an extremely expensive refit. Even for an extravagent oil magnate, it would be cheaper and easier to build from scratch.
I am also willing to bet, spares are a nightmare and special purpose built. Again extremely expensive. There must be several million pounds($) of scrap in her though. Her generators alone, would provide enoung power to run a small city.

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

If you recall, John Wayne owned a battleship which he used frequently. I could see this happening but the crew must be staggering...

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Actually it was an ex-minesweeper. Still got to be Captain though.:D

Well if you can't afford to buy the whole thing you can have a piece of her. In the catalog for Deutsche Optik the are selling of the china from the officers mess in lots. I passed because the china itself has no actual marking on it tying to to the Ark Royal the just have pictures of the boxes that it was purchased in with label on it reading supply officer Ark Royal.

Michael

This thread reminds me of a very funny story I heard from an Ex Naval contact I used to know.
This is true!Two Frigates were in a minor collison when entering Harbour. One signalled to the other: 'What is your next move?'
The other replied: 'Buy a Farm'! LOL. I guess the captain knew that was the end of HIS career!

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Originally Posted by Brit plumber

HMS Ark Royal (R07) on eBay (end time 28-Oct-10 18:25:34 BST)

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It's a conterovercial win for the Government either way really.
If they sell her, they make money, if they scrap her, they make money.
The public lose an Iconic item of History though.
It would make a splendid museum. BUT, the upkeep of a vessel this size would most likely be cost prohibitive, sadly!

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Originally Posted by tankhunter

It's a conterovercial win for the Government either way really.
If they sell her, they make money, if they scrap her, they make money.
The public lose an Iconic item of History though.
It would make a splendid museum. BUT, the upkeep of a vessel this size would most likely be cost prohibitive, sadly!

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Then "mothball" the bloody thing! Park up in the frozen north somewhere where it won't rust away and forget about it until it's needed.

:banghead:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by browningautorifle

If you recall, John Wayne owned a battleship which he used frequently. I could see this happening but the crew must be staggering...

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To be specific, he purchased a converted minesweeper according to a book published about it by the skipper Wayne hired.

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Originally Posted by Surpmil

Then "mothball" the bloody thing! Park up in the frozen north somewhere where it won't rust away and forget about it until it's needed.

:banghead:

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Sadly, that couldnt happen! If the ship were put into preservation (Mothballed) it would STILL cost a fortune with it's upkeep. A vessel of this size would have to have a fultime crew doing absolutely nothing but routine maintainance. Things rust/corrode/seize up with lack of use! As the vessel would be floating, hull observation & maintainance/rust removal would be an ongoing thing also. It's different with small arms as Peter & myself can attest! Grease 'em up & pack 'em in wood crates! Even then, they are taken out on a ratio of approx 10 percent on a yearly basis & inspected to ensure no deterioration! :thdown:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tankhunter

Sadly, that couldnt happen! If the ship were put into preservation (Mothballed) it would STILL cost a fortune with it's upkeep. A vessel of this size would have to have a fultime crew doing absolutely nothing but routine maintainance. Things rust/corrode/seize up with lack of use! As the vessel would be floating, hull observation & maintainance/rust removal would be an ongoing thing also. It's different with small arms as Peter & myself can attest! Grease 'em up & pack 'em in wood crates! Even then, they are taken out on a ratio of approx 10 percent on a yearly basis & inspected to ensure no deterioration! :thdown:

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Well, all I can say is, the USA does it, so why not the UK?

I think the Brits should just give it Canada, after all we bought those wonderful "subs" at a bargain basement price...LOL????