055 Large Destroyer Thread II

[by78]

Allegedly the lead ship of the second batch going out for sea trials.

 

[by78]

Two nice magazine scans (104, 106).

 

[Phantom Chuck]

On the port side of 055, near the stern, directly under the helicopter deck, there are two large hatches on the side of the hull just above the chine. These are probably for loading supplies while in port. Has anyone seen photos of the these hatches in open position? I am trying to super detail a model and considering depicting one or both opened.

View attachment 157287

I found that out that of the three hatches visible, the small hatch in the front is hinged at the top and swings upwards to open. The large hatch in the rear is hinged at the bottom ans swings downwards to open. I suspect the large hatch is designed to swing down as a platform to supporting something like a braiding gangway. I have not found any photos To show how the smaller hatch nested inside the large hatch opens.

 

[by78]

An image update from Jiangnan. Two 055s are seen being fitted out.