phrankenstign posted:The fact MTH chose to make such variations between each of the two models would make it silly for them to make each one unlike the prototype in some way. What would be the reason to get very accurate with those differences, and then add a detail totally unlike the prototype? For example: If #44 prototype didn't have lift rings, why would they specifically add them to the model? If MTH's intent was to include the lift rings, it would be simple to find a cab number that DID have the lift rings. (I'm not saying #44 prototype didn't have lift rings---that was just used as an example.) I'm inclined to believe MTH included the lift rings on their #44, because the prototype #44 had them. It's such a prominent detail to add, that it seems non-sensical to put it on a model with a specific cab number that the prototype cab number didn't have.
(I'm not referring to any compromises made to allow the model to negotiate tighter curves or to be compatible with any other O gauge-specific situation.)
There are pictures of the 44 with nose lift rings... And if one digs hard enough into books and magazines, also photo's without nose lift rings. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it depends on when the photo was taken.
Rusty
