Enclosed water tanks were as much a part of the railway scene as grain elevators were to the Canadian Prairies. They were used extensively by virtually all railroads running in the cold Canadian winters. In reality they were simply a normal round water tank, enclosed with a small coal or wood heater inside to keep the water from freezing. The device on the top was a water level indicator. The large ball was attached to a float inside and moved up and down with the level of the water, thus a train crew knew how full the tank was.
This model of a CNR 60,000 gal. tank was common on this railroad. The CPR tank was similar but was of 40,000 gallons; capacity thus was somewhat smaller. The water level indicator was also shorter and with a thicker shaft on the CPR version.
This model has all of the usual features of Kanamodel kits plus a water spout by Grandt Line which can be moved, a special cast water level indicator, a cast simulated concrete base and self adhesive rolled roofing.
The footprint of this HO scale tank is 4.5" x 4.5' and should be placed about 1" back from the track center.