Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 7:48-9:44

Why Tosa's rear structure is not a second funnel

Several drawings identify Tosa's prominent rear feature as structural support rather than a hidden second funnel and show how silhouettes conceal major internal differences.

Capital Ship DesignJapanese NavySuperstructuresTosa Class BattleshipsWarship Silhouettes
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Question

Did Tosa have a second funnel inside the rear mast structure?

Short answer

No; the drawings show one funnel and a separate supporting structure, while important internal and protective differences remain less visible.

Notes

The comment claims that Tosa carried a second funnel within the supports around the rear mast. A comparison of several drawings distinguishes the ship's single funnel from a separate support or superstructure element. Similar-looking designs can still differ materially in boiler count, subdivision, hull proportions, and the extent of armour coverage. The exchange corrects a visual identification and shows that external profiles reveal only part of a warship's design.