T o answer Bluebirds query. I have sailed on some old scows in my time, the MoD had loads. My experience was that on large helms you stood on the side and the binnacle is always forward of the wheel, but close enough for the helmsman to clearly read. The open bridge was used when in rivers etc for pilotage reasons and a nice sunny day when the OOW wants a change, otherwise you always used the lower bridge for sea passage I can remember this from my days on the St Margarets built 1943 and hardly altered on her bridge layout for her entire life. It would be the same with tugs, when on a job the old man has her on top, when running light the mate had her in the lower bridge. Also I expect Bunkerbarge has his model right, as it was a period of change, modern ships with smaller wheels you stand behind and steer, now a lot of modern ships do not have steering wheels, you sit at a desk with a horse shoe shaped thing.