French Torpedoboat Destroyer SPAHI (1907) - Detail question

[PeterW]

Good evening,

once more i would like to ask for your help.
A fellow card modeller is currently building the "SPAHI", a french "Contre Torpilleur" of 1907.

Now, there are some parts on the model, which we cannot identify or even have a clue of the possible purpose of those things.
The items in question are 3 square shaped, boxlike "things" with a conical top., placed in a triangle close to the stern, just in front of the steering gear.
The white color of the top probably resembles kind of tarpaulin cover.

I found several historical images of the SPAHI in the web. On some these "things" could be seen but due to the low quality i couldn´t identify the items.

Having attached a pic of the model and the assembling drawings for reference.

Do you guys maybe have some idea of the possible purpose ?

thnks+brgds
Peter

[Blaydon]

In some images the white covers are off showing the metal framework on which they are mounted.

The only thing I can think of is stowage for hawsers with covers over to keep them dry.

[rivnut]

Hi, I've built a few of the ships from the plans that had been available at the French government website. The Spahi class, Ensigne Henri and the Aspirant herbert were one of those. Observing the many sets of plans, these canvas covers over steel frames were used as weather shields over all the many access ports or gangways leading to the lower decks. Most ships had them, in all navies.

Kevin

[rivnut]

I realize it's an old post, but when a question like this is left hanging it doesn't hurt to follow up. The french word for these stowable hoardings is a "Taud".

Kevin