Re: Classic geometry problem

Indeed, this is that moment my math teacher always told me would come... when I would "need" to know how to use geometry! (Guess I should have been reading less MR and more of that textbook!)

I found a nice clear photo from Dorman, and using the rail spacing as you suggest, I'm now feeling better that the entire structure was between 42' 4.5" and 42' 8" tall, though now that I post that in public, someone will surely come forward with an erecting card to prove me wrong!

I've found the HPC has had several types of tank cars carry its name over the years, so really the effort is to narrow down which type this was. With some of the high-res photos of the tower, I can pick out details like brackets for handrails, straps etc, that - if I have another photo to compare to - should allow me to validate with some certainty the type of tank she was.