Errol,
I didn't cut the boiler at all, I simply mounted the cab as far back as I could, almost 3/4 of the cab length. I built this at the time MDC had the "Battle Mountain" series out,and used the frames from both kits to do the articulation. Each engine has a Northwest Shortline gearbox, modified to fit the MDC frames.
The "tank" from the Battle Mountain kit is what I used on the Shinnecock Hills Lumber 2-6-6-2.
Yes, it is nice to have a local hobby shop, and here in the Chicago area we have several. That is also why I don't buy from Ebay, or the other basement dealers. I want to keep the local shops in business.
The trailing truck has never been a problem, it's the pilot truck that has been "sensitive"
Finally, the motor, is mounted in the tender, and a cup/ball universal drive routes power to the two engines.
Despite Baldwin's histerical laughter at the thought of converting a consolidation to an articulated, The shipyard went ahead with the project, and has been extremely happy with the results.