Here we go - lightened up and enhanced:
I did find my authentic Lobaugh 4-4-0. The main frame shows similarities, but is not exact. That precisely machined slot for the gearbox is identical, and definitely the pedestal binders are prewar Lobaugh. I would look for sand cast marks between the rear drivers (a rough indentation between the machine marks) and possibly a frame extension soldered in for the front driver.
I don't think it was a kit, since Lobaugh still knew how to do rivets on smokeboxes after the war, as evidenced by the Greenbrier and Lost-Wax Mike.
If it were mine, I would first replace the tender trucks with Lobaugh, and second, remove the outline on the lower cab. Maybe a dummy driver spring on the #1 driver. All in all, the thing has charm!
I just received in the mail a live steam atrocity. It has D-valve cylinders, which may be the only reusable part. I was thinking SP S-8, but maybe one like this with an SP cab?
And speaking of atrocities - the Greek just got a new vacuum cleaner. At first, I figured it had gestated in the chest cavity of a wayward astronaut, but now I am getting used to it. If it dies, I may stuff it and put it on a train shelf - with wheels, it could be an anti-Thomas - an honorary steam locomotive.
