Hi Billy, I'm sorry you got burnt with your Hudson, it just goes to show how careful we have to be when dealing with people we don't know. Are you sure it was not a pay as you go deal from the get-go?
That said, if all else fails think about using your parts in an engine shop model. You could have the boiler being moved back and forth above the shop floor via an over head crane, operated by a switch located along the side of your platform. The inside back drop of the shop could be the guts of an old beat up engine with the boiler removed, or a photo of something similar.
Sometimes if you try to make a silk purse out of a sows ear you end up with ham hocks. I really doubt if your going to have much success in a mix and match projects. It's like trying to rebuild a Ford with Chevy parts. It can be done. But, is it worth the effort?
Remember the best vengeance for a bad deal is to end up with more then you started with.
In any case, good luck!
