Posted by Bob Read on May 30, 1998 at 19:22:20 in pm3-1-085.apci.net:
I wonder how many of you who have modeled or are modeling the Minicraft Titanic have included the square cross section (conduit?) structure that extends from the aft mast directly forward to the deck level of Promenade "A" deck. It is painted white and it is easy to lose it in the background of white bulkheads but look at aft photos and Marschall's paintings. Of all the "fixes" I've never seen anyone talk about this one.
Any speculation as to what purpose it might serve? I doubt if it served any support capacity since these masts were well braced within the hull and by external guy wires (shrouds & backstays). The foremast was hollow up to the crows nest for access to the crows nest but I don't think the aft one was because there was a ladder on the forward aspect of the aft mast. I would be interested in any other conjectures or even outright definitive knowledge of this structure's function.
Bob Read