UPDATE U-552 Tower. What is This ??? Follow on from previous post

[Raymic1]

BUMP

Please see the added photo below of a Split screen between U552 on the right and U776 on the left.

FINALLY U776 shows us the Tube like device that is often obscured on all VIIC photos.

It is DEFINITELY not physically connected to the MG34. It looks like a waterproof container.
And note that on both photos it seems to slowly mold into the bulkhead.

My theory is that it is either
1. MG34 storage or
2. Flag storage as its close to where they run their flags up on the air intake.Anyone else have any thoughts? Or insights?

[tore]

May be a closer look on an enlarged image would help.
Tore

[SG]

Looks like a watertight container for an MG34 spare-barrel to me, but I could be wrong, the naval version of:
http://www.zib-militaria.de/WH-MG34-barrel-container-org-1


The length of the container in the uboat pics matches with the barrel length. It could be.

Cheers,
SG




 

[Raymic1]

Yep SG.
 I think Ill settle for it being a waterproof container of sorts. Until we can confirm it I think based on its proximity to the MG34, that it would most likely be storage for the gun/barrel etc..
I'm going to model it onto my U552 under that assumption cheers


Ps. Its a shame that even on the U505/U570 reports They state that an MG was used for anti aircraft but the US never found one on board. Nor did they mention how it was stored. Shame.

[Raymic1]

Made a call and this is my best interpretation. Looks good enough to me at this scale and looking at the real pictures it seems to fit the Waterproof tube theory

[SG]

Excellent work, very much resembling the real thing. Congrats!

[Raymic1]

Finally found confirmation of what this tube was.
[/size]AA gun barrel storage.
[/size]
[/size]From U570 Capture report.
[/size]
[/size]"View on bridge looking aft: showing top of attack periscope sticking just above top of periscope support, gyro repeater mounted on and forward of periscope support, barrel of 20 mm. A.A. gun in background, and A.A. gun barrel stowage cylinder at left"
[/size]