Don, your original point is well-taken. I picked up the the Lionel 18056 Hudson a few years ago due to its unique pairing of those neat, aerodynamic Scullin drivers with a Vandy tender.
Someone else above noted that 3rd rail, Weaver, and others have produced some Vandy tenders. The Weaver CN K5a comes to mind -- a 4-6-4, no less.
Weaver also did a custom run of a B&O # 5501 4-8-2 in or about the year 2000. I do not know the story behind that custom run, however - see photos below.
Right-of-Way Industries produced a B&O KK2 with Vandy tender - more pics below.
David98