[Payoff]

Thanks for the kind words and I agree, she is beautiful.

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Here is a question for you. The pictures that show the aft of the sail, there is a cylinder welded on the sail and there is a door that is open. What is this cylinder? From what I can see it looks like it might contain the shells for the cannon? I have not seen this structure before. The USS Torsk has her guppy sail and the cannon was removed after the war so this structure is not there. Let me know if you checked this out and what it is

You are correct sir. As JSF stated they are ready ammo stores for the 4" deckgun.

Here is a better view of the canisters and the ammo shuttle from below decks.

Torpex752
Did they cut her pressure Hull and install stairs for access?

Unfortunately there is a Coast Guard regulation that prohibits visitors from climbing any vertical surface on board. There are two staircases installed, one at the bow & one at the stern. The aft stairs actually go through an existing torpedo loading hatch. The forward stairs lead into the bow torpedo room and this is the only place the hull had to be compromised.

Here is a shot of the pressure hull below decks, above the forward torpedo room, showing the emergency escape hatch. (I didn't get a shot of the cut away)