This is a cool transformation - as much to demonstrate technique as to enjoy the final result.
What is interesting is that when the article was first published, I didn't like the final design. The first trunk on the left (of the split apex) didn't look right to me. I thought it either needed to be brought down to come back towards the trunk, brought down around to the rear, or jinned and removed entirely. It is interesting that in the "after" photo 12 years after the transformation, they brought that trunk down.