George responded with…
The funnel could not be accessed from the engine room to my knowledge and if there was a ladder, I can't imagine the difficulty this would entail while the boilers were in operation. It could be possible that there was a ladder for inspection while the boilers were shut down and for cleaning purposes. We usually accessed the funnel by taking the service lift up to the deck just below the funnel, then up the stairway and through a door in its side.

The aft “navigation light” was mounted in the funnel and this was accessed by climbing up the internal gantry structure. Changing this lamp's bulb was an awful job because of the bad air going up the funnel. You did this by holding your breath for as long as possible and then getting out fast! Thank goodness for the special filament structure of the lamp which gave it a long life, so this operation was a rare event.

Did you know that close to the funnel there was a golf driving range, albeit just a large hairy mat and a net? A driver and a couple of balls were left there for anyone to flex their muscles and have a go. I think this maybe where Jimmy Wilson and Neil Clarke (both Engineers) got the bug for the game.

Brochure Description of Caronia's Funnel

Here is what we learn about Caronia's funnel from Cunard brochure of 1953…

Caronia's funnel cutaway

The graphic sketch (seen right) shows the interior of the Caronia's immense single funnel. Over 53 feet long, 26½ feet wide and 46 feet high, its weight plus that of the machinery it contains is 125 tons.

Inside can be seen some of the smoke uptakes from the six boilers, also fans and dust collectors to trap soot from the smoke, thus ensuring open decks are kept free of smuts. The series of ladders and platforms gives access to the different levels inside. Notice too, the big diesel launches, capable of ferrying sixty passengers to and from the shore at a speed of ten knots during cruises.