To celebrate the centenary of the first Danish railway, three stamps were issued on June 27, 1947. the values being 15, 20 and 40 ore respectively. The first two stamps depict locomotives, whilst that of the highest value shows a diesel train coming off the twin-screw motor train ferry Fyn, the fifth and largest of the Danish State Railways' ships crossing the Great Belt between Nyborg and Korsor. She was built by Messrs. Burmeister & Wain, of Copenhagen, and was commissioned on April 17. 1947. Her principal dimensions are: length overall 353 ft. 8 ins.; breadth over fenders 58 ft. 1 in.; depth moulded 21 ft.; gross tonnage 2,941. Many improvements and innovations were incorporated in her design. The upper forward portion of the hull is hinged, so that rail coaches can run on and off the ferry via the bow; the motive power for raising is compressed air.
The Fyn is able to carry three diesel-engined trains, each comprised of three or four railway coaches, the weights of such trains being respectively 152 and 196 tons. Alternatively, she can convey 13 four-axle or 30 two-axle railway cars which are secured by means of shackles and ring plates recessed into the deck. Variations in the amount and distribution of weight of the trains is speedily compensated by trimming and heeling tanks served by powerful pumps. The rail deck can also be used for private car stowage, and to allow for this the rails are sunk into the deck, the top of the lines being flush with the wooden deck's surface.
The vessel has both bow and stern rudders, each of which can be controlled from the forward or after navigating bridges, and both rudders can be simultaneously employed to secure maximum manoeuvrability in restricted waters. Her main engines are two Burmeister & Wain six-cylinder, two-stroke cycle, direct-reversible, single acting, trunk piston design, with airless injection of fuel oil, the total normal power of the engines being 4,400 i.h.p. at 152 r.p.m., with a maximum output of 5,450 i.h.p. at 165 r.p.m.
Although the sea crossing between Nyborg and Korsor is only 15 miles, the Fyn is equipped with all the latest navigation and safety devices to be found on the largest Atlantic passenger liners, including radar apparatus; provided by MetropolitanVickers Electrical Co., Ltd. The ferry's wheelhouse and foremast are made of aluminium to eliminate as much as possible the magnetic effects inseparable from steel structures. Her passenger accommodation was designed for 1,500 passengers in two classes, first and general, though provision has been made to allow an increase of up to 2,000 passengers on special occasions.
On the day of her intended trials, March 18, 1947, the Fyn was inspected by the present King and Queen of Denmark, then Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Ingrid, who took lunch on board with representatives of the Danish State Railways and officials of the Burmeister & Wain Company. The trials were delayed until April 15 when the Fyn attained a speed of 16.77 knots.
SG355 Sea Breezes 5/48