In this episode, hosts Tad Fitch and J. Kent Layton are joined by Siegfried, Paul, and Colin from Project Vaterland—a fascinating digital reconstruction project bringing the Hamburg America Line’s revolutionary SS Vaterland back to life as she appeared in 1914. The team shares insights into the extensive research and the creative process behind the project, the challenges of building an accurate and detailed 3D model of both the ship’s exterior and many of her interior passenger and crew spaces, and what drives their passion for maritime history.

The conversation also dives into how the Vaterland and her intended running mates—Imperator and Bismarck (known as the Ballin Trio)—stack up against contemporaries like Titanic and the other Olympic-class liners, and Cunard’s Lusitania and Mauretania.

Things take a thought-provoking turn as the group explores a fascinating "what if" scenario: how might the competition for the transatlantic passenger trade between Cunard, White Star, and Hamburg America have unfolded if World War I had never occurred? Vaterland was bigger than Titanic, but learn why it was revolutionary, beyond just its sheer size.

Find the Project Vaterland website here:  If you have skills in computer modeling and are interested in volunteering your time, or if you’d like to support the project with a financial donation, visit: 
https://project-vaterland.de/

Listen on:
Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music

Subscribe to the Steam & Splendor Network on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SteamAndSplendor

Support the podcast and our channel and receive early access and perks:
http://patreon.com/TheSteamandSplendorNetwork

Or buy us a coffee!
http://buymeacoffee.com/steamandsplendornetwork

Find us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thesteamandsplendornetwork

Support the show