Francine,
The Northern is probably a better place to start even though the wheel base is too long (as is the AM Santa Fe 4-8-4). I just compared my Berk to the T-1 drawing from Ed Wiswesser and there is no way you are going to get the rear pilot wheel between the drivers and cylinders. Extending the pilot toward the front (assuming the PE Berk) will not result in the look of a T-1. The Berk tender isn’t so bad though.
Do you plan on adding the streamline skirting? Do you have access to the Wiswesser drawing?
From what I’ve seen of Casey’s work (form the Reading Modeler), I would say tackling the cab roof is no big deal. It’s nothing but grinding, cutting and adding a bit of plastic. You will have to do the same to achieve the Wootten firebox.
Tom Stoltz
in Maine
