Dennis, not sure that it could be good to cut the frame. I would not do that, but maybe add a metal circle to the smokebox to join the boiler.
It seems really strange that the frame as shortened, generally they tend to wrap more or less but i have never seen something like this. Where the metal has gone ????
Any interest in my Hudson Erector ? if you want it, it can be yours for a very very soft price (Sorry about Dave's commission 
), or a trade for something in O gauge, of course a Scalecraft tender would be great.... I have fallen in love with Scalecraft, and I will try to find passenger cars to match with the Hudson and there is also the K4 ... i keep searching on ebay for one, it would be so nice to run one with some boxcars....
You can contact me through the adress in profile.... but don't tell anything to Dave 
Good luck with the restoration, Daniel
