Posted by Bob Read on May 29, 1999 at 15:53:52 in 208.142.225.120:
Every once in a while some small find causes a reexamination of some other area of the Titanic that we thought we had adequately described. This question relates to one such area.
First, the seeminly unrelated piece of information:
Sirocco ventilators with cowl attachments (used for suction) had only two apparent methods of connection to the ship's ventilation system. They always ducted opposite the motor, but the connecting duct either went straight into a bulkhead or had a right angle elbow down to the deck.
Here's the question: What was the configuration of doors/windows on the starboard side of the deckhouse under the fourth funnel? The aft group of 3 windows is
clearly visible in the Cork Examiner photo. There is a hot air unit (Sirocco fan with thermo-tank) visible in the photo. Forward of this unit is a cowled Sirocco. I contend that this Sirocco connected to the bulkhead. If that is the case, where did the windows/doors go in relation to it? This forward area of the deckhouse is one of the photographic "black holes" of the Titanic.
I would be interested primarily in answers based on primary sources relating to Titanic and possibly Olympic. Marschall has painted it several ways but never with a ventilator connection to the bulkhead.
This isn't an easy one so good luck!
Regards,
Bob Read