Rudy's traction engine

[awJCKDup]

I have the plans for Rudy's engine and have gathered some materials so I've looking around at some of the Traction engine builds. I've noticed that the European engines, especially the road engines seem to have shorter boilers than American engines, is this true and if so can I shorten up the boiler on Rudy's without causing too much problems, other than the obvious. They also seem to have more "bling" and color which I find more appealling. So when build time comes, I think Rudy's plans will be more of a guideline than a copy build. Any thought on the boiler shortening , or thoughts about a Rudy Road Engine??
Thanks in advance
John