@Ukaflyer posted:The drivers look like they are from an 0-8-0/0-6-0. They must have either shortened the 0-8-0 chassis down or possibly used an 0-6-0 B6 chassis, the spacing looks like it is a B6 chassis, difficult to tell. Does the label tell us what year it was done?
I did not take the photo, so I am speculating, too. The appearance suggests the use of 0-8-0 wheels in standard 6-wheel drive chassis (or black-painted wood blocks). The two chassis are not the stock B6b chassis because the wheel spacing is even. I suggest not overworking the concept. The Gilbert product folks were just trying an idea on for size, not "considering production". The cost to tool a finished piece such as this along with the practicalities of the cab overhang probably quickly led to putting the idea aside. I would place the piece as circa. mid-50's.
To celebrate 75 years of Gilbert S gauge, I would opt for an all-new detailed Legacy K5 or J3a with heavies to match. This would offer a truly classic Gilbert set (harking back to even the late 1930's in the 3/16" scale O gauge trains) updated to present practice and customer expectations. And, I feel this would sell well. But, that's just I.
Bob
