Firstly I apologise for these rather basic questions, anyways just hoping some of the knowledgeable salty types here may be able to assist with a few basic questions regarding the Massena, 1898, Cuirasse D'Escadre.

1. When at "battlestations" do the ventilators either side of the fore and aft main turret barrels get removed or lowered ?,

2. Also when at "battlestations" do the portholes cover's get lowered ?,

3. When in non-tactical sea-going state are the forward torpedo tubes fully retracted and a cover in place ?

4. Doe's anyone have any pic's or diagrams showing how the Ship's boats ie. Baleiniere's are mounted in/on the Canot's ?,

5. Are the Bridge wings (external) steel plate, wood planking or fiddley grating ?, also same question but in reference to the Fighting Masts Observation levels ?,

6. What was the below waterline colour ?, I do know that the Bouvet was green so I would assume! that the Massena would be the same - please correct me if I'm wrong.

Also can anyone recommend any good books that illustrate the various deck fittings etc of ships of this period/type.

I have been studying the plans (from the French Naval site Massena Plans) and various photos plus tried doing comparisons of the other Ship's from this period (Bouvet, Bouvines, Jaureguiberry etc etc) but being a landlubber I just can't quite fathom or confirm some of these details.

Many thanks in advance for any help or comments regarding these questions.

Regards
Roger.