EJFoeth wrote:
There's a ladder on the front of B turret between the guns and similarly for X-turret, to the left of the guns and left sightport. A ladder was initially installed on the back of B-turret, slight off center, with a ladder suspended from the turret's bottom plate. It was removed while HMS Hood carried the aircraft platform on B-turret and was certainly gone prior to installing the UP launcher platform. A rope ladder is sometimes suspended from B-turret though. X-turret's roof could also be accesses by a small walkway from the boatdeck (also in 1941). I cannot see a ladder on the rear of X-turret from Hood's moment of construction to late in her career.
Mr Foeth,
Very many thanks for your prompt and authoritative response - I have been seeking the answer to this for weeks on the web and with reference books.
Might I trouble your patience with a further question please. I am trying (after a 45 year break from model ship building) to construct the Mighty Hood as she would appear on the early morning of 24 May 1941, in rough weather and at action stations. I understand from the Hood association website that the 4 quarterdeck and 2 fo'c'sle ladders would be dismantled and stowed, which is a shame since they add detail. There is, however, a structure (kit part F12) proud of the hull amidships, extending vertically from the battery to the boot topping, and I can't fathom what it is! To me it looks a bit like the gash shute ships would put out to protect the paintwork from tipping rubbish before these more eco-friendly days, but surely that cannot be the case. It is present in many pictures, but not all as far as I can tell. Can you tell me what it is, and more importantly, whether it should be there with the ship going into action in these conditions please? May I add what an inspiration your work is - and others at this website - but it makes one realise how limited my abilities are in comparison!