It pays to check. Read any ME series about making a model loco and when you get to the buffers you will almost certainly get to the bit where it says that "in prototypical practice the nuts on the stock fixings are always on the outside of the buffer beams".

I came across this statement again today, then later I noted I made my shunter with the nut on the inside. Reviewing pictures of Hudswell Clarke diesel shunters, every example I can find (where you can tell) the nuts are on the inside.

In the picture above the loco at left is a Hudswell Clarke, I don't know what loco it is up against, but the latter has the buffer nuts inside – and less than a turn of thread visible.

I propose a nationwide survey of prototype locos – what percentage have the nuts on the inside, and is it consistent by maker?

Neil

Thanks folks. I suspect the main determinant is the accessibility at the back of the buffer beam.

I was once watching a GWR loco, probably a Manor, on the West Somerset Railway against the sky and though I was seeing things until I realised it had hollow driving axles! Until then I always thought they were solid, I have never seen them as tubes on a model.

Neil