I was a fireman for several years, plus Canada is a favorite of mine (I'm just across the border), but I don't believe I've even seen a hydrant quite like this before. Whereas we firemen carried our hydrant wrenches in the truck with us, it's interesting that this type has it's wrench attached. Once the lock is disengaged the end (top) hex pops off the top nut and the second hex is used to open the line. Very cool. And good idea for your assignment but, in this case, I think I would have shot it vertical to get the entire hydrant in the frame, allowing you to get closer at the same time. I hope you got a decent grade?
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-Nik (from North Dakota)