4-6-0 live steam on ebay

[IanT]

If you want a scale model - best to start from scratch and build one to meet that requirement - much easier than trying to modify an existing (and largely non-prototype) engine.

However, if the mechanics are sound and it's well built (hard to tell from here) then why not settle for a smart looking engine that runs well and generally doesn't look too out of place. There are a quite a few engines to be seen at GTGs that are far from "scale" (most LBSC designs for instance) but their owners still seem to very much enjoy running them (which is the object of the exercise).

It's also surprising what a good clean and some new paint can do to improve the attractiveness of these older engines - partial or complete. I'm not sure myself about recreating the G3 engines of 100 years ago though, I'm not a great fan of things like oversized rivets on tender sides and the use of cross-headed screws on platework for instance, as I think our taste in these things is a bit more refined these days.

But if the basic mechanicals are OK - why not do a "in the style of" something you like - be it specific railway or CME. It's largely the boiler, chimney, dome and cab shape, plus the livery that gives this sense of time and place. There were lots of 'designed but never actually built' engines in the past - if anyone asks just tell them that it was one of them....   ;-)

Regards,

IanT
 

[unklian]

Thanks for all the comments chaps,

I am in no rush to do anything with this one, I have a 'few' more projects to get done first. I did have a look north of the border in my researches and I think a Highland Jones goods or Castle could fit quite well. But we shall see,

Regards  Ian