02/10 2024 by MS & PS
This fictional submarine 'Neptune' is a small two-man submarine, which was used by the Havelocks for marine archaeological research owned by Melina's farther and part of the equipment of his research vessel and yacht 'Triana'. Melina and Bond uses 'Neptune' to dive down to the sunken spy trawler 'Sct. Georges'. There they retreive the ATAC machine and manage to disable the attacking Mantis X640 submersible before returning to the surface.
The submarine was designed by Peter Lamont, EON production designer. The production company and Perry Oceanographics inc. co. .made two units for the film (Perry had delivered submarines for 'The Spy Who Loved Me'). One was a wet submarine operated by a diver in scuba gear, the second was a lightweight version for hauling/lifting scenes. A mockup was made too, but without a bottom for the inside shots.
The submarine was donated to a museum in New York. There it was on display for some time. However, the museum didn't specialize in film or military history so the curator eventually decided to get rid of it. It was up for sale in 1992 and was sold for USD 3.000.
After the IFF acquisition of the sub and its restoration, the 'Neptune' is traveling around the world visiting different exhibitions and shows.
The submarine became the triggering factor in the establishment of the non-profit foundation the Ian Fleming Foundation (IFF):
In 1991 Michael L. VanBlaricum (collector and Bond Fan with a big "F") was contacted by Danjaq, proposing him to buy a submarine, which was up for sale and needed a real home. Mike immediately called friends and fellow collectors John Cork and Doug Redenius (former postal worker from Chicago, totally twisted Bond fan). The three came up with the idea of founding an organization with the purpose of cataloging and preserving Ian Fleming's legacy.
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