An 8-compartment Third could be carrying 5 Tons of passengers (assuming 10st/pass & 10 pass/compt). That ought to flatten the springs a bit.
Flicking through what drawings I have (plus a dip into Russells Big Book of all Engines & That) suggests GWR C&W stock to have 3'5" to 3'5-1/2" buffer heights. Locos are 3'3" (850 class) and 3'4-1/2" (Star, 56XX). Tenders all seem to sit at 3'5".
Noted, but.....these don't sag with added weight and wagons from Hornby and Rapido all share the same buffer height as the brake third. That said, I do see your point, Pete. and arguably the reletive buffer height of carriage and loco, based on your quoted figures, seems pretty prototypical......but it looks odd to these eyes.
Other locos checked all have the same buffer height as the coach.
This is my other 517 with the same coach.
It's intriguing.
Rob
