The plates near the funnel are smoke-control devices rather than doors. They guide airflow upward so funnel smoke is less likely to obscure the ship's guns and working positions. Steam locomotives fitted with deflectors around the front of the boiler use the same principle to keep exhaust away from the cab. The small modeling detail shows how superstructure and funnel arrangements affect visibility aboard a warship.
Notable Point · 1:56:45-1:57:38
Funnel smoke deflectors and visibility
Funnel plates guide airflow upward to keep smoke away from guns, using the same principle as smoke deflectors on steam locomotives.