Although they may look similar the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific water tanks were quite different. the only thing in common was the octagon shape. The Canadian National one had a 60,000 gallon capacity while the Canadian Pacific version contained only 40,000. This made the CP tank about 4 feet narrower. There were differences in the windows in size, quantity and placement, and the water spout arrangement was also different. The water level indicators on the top differed in that the CN one was taller with a thinner shaft, while the CP version was short with a thick shaft. Our kit models these and other more subtle differences. Laser cut Northeastern siding is used along with colour coded stripwood. Self adhesive rolled roofing simplifies construction as do the cast windows and door. Complete easy to follow instructions with many photographs make this complete kit easy even for a beginner. The footprint is 4" square.

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.