somewhat different Marx generator configuration

 I saw something similar to this arrangement in a commercial generator, but that one had more space between the stages. Note that the inter-stage insulator forms an additional small capacitor across each stage gap.  As each stage erects, this additional capacitance must be charged before the gap overvolts.  With care in spacing, dielectric material, and some attention to field shaping at the edges, that capacitance may be sufficiently low that the additional stages-per-unit-length of generator housing make it a worth while dodge.  I need to go on a paper-reading bender again, see if anyone has done something similar.