S.A.M.#8: Let's Travel!

Want to travel in style? No problem! Take an Empire Class flying boat!

Actually, "flying boat" is a clear understatement: the Empires, built by Short Brothers for Imperial Airways, were a class of flying luxury liners. They carry a crew of five, 17 passengers, and 4,480 lb (2,035 kg) of cargo at a maximum speed of 174 knots (320 km/h).

The name of the class is a perfect choice: Short S-23's and their derivatives connected Britain with her distant colonies and dominions. The fleet, built to an Air Ministry requirement, was capable of fast mail delivery, very important in 1930s:

The Empire Class boats provided their passengers with a level of comfort rivaled only by PanAm Clippers. Just look at this diagram:

As you see, here the capacity is slightly different: 24 passengers on day stages and 16 on night journeys. OK, ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats, we're taking off!

Now when we're airborne you can take a nap in the Passenger Saloon:

or enjoy a refreshing cigarette along with a hearty drink in the Smoking Saloon:

And when you go to sleep be sure you'll awake to a delicious breakfast served by a starched-collared steward:

A cup of tea will help you to come to your senses:

Oh boy, we've landed! A stop en route to far places:

See of Galilee, I presume?