Dutch colonial liner MS Johan van Oldenbarnevelt.

[John van de Pavoordt]

Hello fellow modellers,

First of all let me wish you a happy new year with lots of new models to build.
I do'nt mind the corona, as long as its in a bottle.

No, I'm not new, but my computer was down and had to start all over again with a new name and a new email address. I used to post my threads as Hans van de Pavoordt.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt.

The keel for both the "Johan" and her sistership the Marnix van St. Aldegonde were laid down at Amsterdam in 1928 at the Dutch Shipbuilding Cy.
The ships were ordered by the Netherland Line (SMN) for service on the Dutch East Indies.

As a result of the second world war the histories of both liners was eventful. From 1941 onwards both ships were chartered by the british Ministry of War Transport (BMWT). The "Marnix" played the most important role. Serving the Royal Navy as a Landing Ship Infantry she took part in the North African Campaign (Operation Torch), the Sicilian invasion (Operation Husky) and the invasion of Italy (Operation Avalanche). On November 6 1943 the ship was attacked by German torpedo bombers. She sank the next day within sight of the North African coast.

The "Johan" served as a troop transport vessel from 1941 to 1943. She was laid up in Liverpool with engine trouble from June 1943 to May 1944. After the end of the war she was used to take troops to the Dutch East Indies and to repatriate citizens on the return voyage. After 1950 she was refitted and used to take Dutch emigrants to Australia and South Africa.
Major modernisation and alterations took place in 1958 (new funnels and masts), after which the ship served as luxury cruise liner. Sold to the Greek Line in early 1963 and was renamed Lakonia. On December 22, 1963 she caught fire during a cruise off Madeira. The burnt out hulk, having been taken on tow for salvaging, sank on December 29, 250 miles west of Gibraltar.
With all these changes the "Johan" had a rather "colourful" life. Her hull was originally black; then war-grey; then light grey; then beige and finally
white.

The pictures are as she was as a colonial liner.

[shipbuild]

Beautiful work John. Very attractive classic liner.

[Don Boose]

Outstanding work!

Ships built during this period seem especially attractive to my eye.

Don

[Tapcho]

Fine looking ship and good work with the model. Pleases my eyes.

Tappi

[martyr366]

nice job. I am impressed.

[Seascape]

Sailed on her from Amsterdam to Melbourne in the summer of 1952. Six week journey. Can't remember much only being 2. My mother traveled with 4 young kids and from what I've been told it was quite an adventure.

It's in my collection to be built.

Fred

[Joe711]

Great structure, looks very detailed.

[Erik Zwaan]

Beautiful work Hans! I hope you are doing fine. How many JvO's have you built by now??

Do drop by somewhere in the new year, it would be nice to catch up again.

Cheers,
Erik

[abhovi]

A very fine model of a beautiful ship. Excellent job. Nice to present her history as well.

A remark: Isn't is a bit odd to put a waterline model on a stand? I my view one builds a full hull model to be presented on a stand, or a waterline model to be put on a 'water-like' surface. This calls for questions like: was there no depth in hold? Where are the propellors? And the rudder?

Or is this 'insignificant ground for argues" (Translation of a Dutch proverb: Spijkers op laag water zoeken)?
It's mainly a matter of presentation (I think).

[John van de Pavoordt]

Thank you all for your possitive remarks. That gives me the kick to go on.

Mr. Abhovi: the stand was not a part of the model. I was requested to deliver her with a stand and as I had something left from the Chevron Tanker I used this stand to satisfy my client.

As you might know no underwater details are provided in this series. Only the Willem Ruys, The Rotterdam and the surprise ship that I'm currently working on come with a full hull.

To me the stand seems quite chique with the Johan and I like it.

Regards Hans.