It looks very nice- you and your friend did a great job on the construction. I'm an old Manhattan cabinetmaker myself. I am slightly concerned about that 8' span with no center leg, but if it starts to sag, you can always add one. I do have to admit being a little sorry you didn't just clear coat that beautiful maple which would have more closely matched the cream color Lionel used. But your finish looks sharp, I have to say.
I an making a Christmas table layout loosely based on these prewar table layouts which I have always loved.
By the way, where are you on the bay? My grandparents had a house on the Bay in Mantoloking.