Hi Pat,
Thank you for your information & yes, I am aware & honestly for me it's the main features that I look at. If it looks like a Hudson, that's close enough for me. I'm a retired artist & have a great appreciation for other peoples work. If it makes them happy, that is all that counts.
The Hudson's, like many engines on all roads, went through many changes over the years. Since I wouldn't consider myself an expert on a lot of things, & for sure a rivet counter, a lot of what is offered in O gauge/O scale is a compromise. I went from HO scale & owned that particular engine in brass. I owned a J1, J3, & streamlined Dreyfuss along with 2 Mohawk's & a Niagara, along with many brass diesels. I made a decision 20 years ago to trade all that in for a less serious hobby & have fun, no regrets! I own many MTH engines & Lionel. I run DCS & Legacy & I have less operating headaches overall.
After all, its a hobby & when I retired from a serious job, my goal was to enjoy my family & hobbies.
Enjoy!
