Hi all,
at U-Boot im Focus 12 is a very good picture of that.
You can clearly see that the rods are stowed on the side of the opening for the Torpedo hatch.
For me it is also posible that the other stuff is also stored there.
I will not post that picture, because this is a brand new publication and Editor also is not luky about "photo theft" (See Editional).
To buy this publication will be a very good deal for al enthusiast of German Uboats WWII.
It is more than worth the Money. You will get never seen photos and well researched storys.
Regards,
Uboatfan
Edit: The picture looked familiar to me. So i checked my Links and Pictures and found it:
I know it from U-boat Archive!
Here is the link:
http://www.uboatarchive.net/U-249A/U-249PhotosPortland.htm (Picture #14)