Sounds like he was a real fighter 
I think they would have used a sub-platform along the pipe, or footings to access the valves. I'm drawing from an "interesting" hydronics setup I encountered. The old platform was near useless unless you were skinny, and a new V, skinny treadway & rail, was added above the pipe. Big guys had to climb to pass by. (6 ft)
The control panel area needs a chair against the wall, a small 3x3' table in between, lower to prevent spills, etc. but tall enough to encorage random items to be placed safely away from the panel.....and a stool by the window to daydream from 
The trip near Cinnci would have had me in the valley eating Skyline or Gold Star Mini-Coneys. Cincinnati Chili is very different tasting. Instead of being spicy/ hot, or beany, it is meaty rich and savory, but differs from other "Coney Chilis" because it has cinnamon in it 
...and topped with grated cheddar slices 
.....and it's wet and cold here right now; sure would hit the spot......and now I'm hungry 
We had White Castle sliders; a mini-slider. They had mini-coneys. So we used to visit WC, buy sacs full, and swap the leftovers with local pals during our travels....and high up in the valley is an awesome spot to take a lunch.
I even pulled a spontanious road trip from Detroit to The Valley just for a dinner there once.
Next time your around the Cinnci Valley you should try one of the two. (akin to "Chevy vs Ford", but I like the Gold Star dogs, but Skyline beats "no chili" )
"Safe travels"
