Thanks guys for the comments. I model the 1980's, so I'm sure there we still coal towers standing here and there. There are still a few standing yet today that are made from concrete. One is about 15 miles from where I live in Monett in the old Frisco yard. These are just too fun to build. Since I did this one I did 3 more smaller ones and now am doing an O one for a mate. I encourage you all to give scratching with wood a go. It's fun and cheap. I figure I have about $15 in that tower, 1/2 of it in plastic ladders and rails. Fred