For what it's worth - may be interesting to those contemplating a
similar project:

Phase 1 was finding 'such a deal' on a full sized 7-element Mosley Pro
57-B five band beam. Also researching towers that I wouldn't have to
climb and still reach above my trees of 30-45'. e.g. 50' tower.

My first choice was a Heights crank-up, but cost moved me to Glen Martin
Engineering's M-1350A package deal. (13" wide legs; 50' high w/guys) and
their "Hazer" system to raise and lower the beam (with one or two guys
temporarily disconnected at the ground).

Phase 2 was first digging the 36' x 36" x 45" hole for the base, then
securing the tower rod base and pouring the concrete.

It took almost two weeks of occasional digging with a handy small
"striker" shovel to dig the hole. That shovel holds just what I can lift
up to the wheel barrow, and is easy to maneuver in the hole. I used a
wood 2 x 4 frame which is also used for the top of the concrete
platform. Easy then to keep sides vertical in line with the frame. The
soil is a firm clayish-dirt mix. A problem not explained is what to use
in the hole to support the metal tower rod base which only goes 28" into
the hole. Why don't the manufacturers just make available longer rod
supports? I ended up using concrete blocks under each of the 3 tower
rods with a couple bricks on top to just equal the requirement for the
rods with nuts to extend above the concrete the proper length. One
handbook suggested a rebar wire cage in the hole, but I had no way to
bend or weld rebar. I did try, driving around one morning to various
shops with welding equipment, but none could or would do it. So, I cut
various lengths of rebar and wired them at various angles and levels to
the base and through the cinder blocks without going into the dirt
sides. It made lots of surface area for concrete adherence.

The concrete: I'd checked some local concrete companies and had only two
that responded with any interest. Actually, the closest to my home
quoted me a price of $426 when I stopped by and asked, including a $125
delivery charge. Yikes! And it was close by and my "hole" was accessible
so the truck could back right up and dump the load. As it turned out,
when I was ready for the delivery I stopped by to prepay, and they
lowered their price to $195 for 1.5 cu. yds., 3000+ spec, and no charge
for delivery. I'd expected delivery in a few days, but they said they'd
be over in about 15 minutes. They were, made the delivery, cleaned up
their chutes, and in another 30 minutes I had it all smoothed out and
finished!

I'll be letting it dry for at least a week. Now I'll be on to Phase 3,
driving guy anchors into the ground, assembling the tower pieces, and
preparing for the "several guys" walking up the tower into the air with
the hinge mount in the base secure.

To be continued

Marv W5MTV