Just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to Alex and Alan G. for working together to create and build this beautiful coaling tower for me. I can't wait to see it in person!!
For those interested in the prototype, this model is based on the coaling tower that the Jersey Central Railroad had in their yard complex in Ashley, PA. My grandfather was an engineer on the CNJ based out of Ashley. I only have two photos of him working on the railroad, and one is a shot of him sitting in the cab of yard switcher 0-6-0 #107 near the base of this tower taking on water after just receiving a fresh load of coal...
I sent Alex a couple photos of the prototype, and he and Alan G. did a wonderful job modeling it in O-scale. Here's one shot...
Even though this structure won't fit on my current tiny layout, it will be very prominently featured/displayed on the new (and much larger) layout I hope to get started on next spring. Thanks again, guys!!