Just as a matter of curiosity, would anyone know when the "circular" water tank design was put into use, particularly along Southern Rwy lines? I have several pictures dating from 1864 to circa 1881 that clearly show a "square" tank as opposed to the round ones, and I'm curious as to when a design change may have happened.

Thanks in advance,

Matt Bumgarner

stealthnfo@aol.com

> Just as a matter of curiosity, would anyone
> know when the "circular" water
> tank design was put into use...

A square tank can be built by a work force with limited technical skills. A round tank of similar capacity will use less wood, but requires precisely sized-and-located iron hoops & turnbuckles to give it the needed strength.

As railroads hired better-trained engineers and mechanics for their B&B departments, the advantages of the round tank must have become more obvious.

This is just a semi-educated guess.

tr2manz@hotmail.com

Historically they were building barrels many generations before RR's started. I can't imagine anyone building a square tank when round tanks (barrels) on a large scale were readily available.

lamontdc@adelphia.net