OCEAN LINER DECK PLANS - CANADIAN PACIFIC EMPRESS OF CANADA AND EMPRESS OF FRANCE

[Montreal, Canada & Liverpool, UK]: Canadian Pacific, n.d. [ca 1948]., [ca 1948]. First edition. First edition. Double Atlas Folio. 30 3/4" x 41", folded to 5 1/4" x 10 1/4." Illustrated on recto and verso, with 6 large color deck plans delineating decks, amenities, cabins, for first class and tourist class passengers, together with black and white photo illustrations. Scarce deck plan for the Empress of Canada (SS Duchess of Richmond) and the Empress of France (SS Duchess of Richmond), after the two 20,400 tons ocean liners had been refitted following World War II. Initially launched as the "Mini-Empresses," but also referred to as the "Drunken Duchesses" as they tended to roll in heavy seas. They were designed to allow travelers to sail further up the St. Lawrence River to Montreal, as well as to those wishing to travel into the Great Lakes. The ships were fitted with enough capacity to hold 400 first class passengers and 300 tourist class passengers. The ships entered service from Liverpool to Montreal in July, 1947, and September, 1948, respectively. Sadly, the Empress of Canada caught fire in 1953, and after re-floating was scrapped in Italy the following year. The Empress of France was refitted in 1958/1959 and continued to sail until retired in 1960. Some age toning, slight closed tear at one fore-edge, and with creasing at folds. Very good.