The escape hatch in this kit can be built with a sliding bar and working hinge. The parts are delicate because they are accurate representations of the real thing.
The sliding bar was released by two screws with handles. The kit has molded both of these in the horizontal position. In reality they would have random positions. You could cut them off and glue them back at different angles.
You may find that your hatch does not fall all the way to the hull top.
If so, sand down the surface of the hinge slightly.
The real hatch had no springs and when opened it would fall all the way to the hull top.