Fillet-brazed (Hobbs of Barbican?) restoration....a slow burner.

So i'm just about to start a restoration project on this fillet brazed frame. Any clue what this could be? Hobbs of Barbican? I believe it has been re-badged.
Serial number W1172

I would dearly like advice on components for this build. Would it have taken 26 x 1 3/4 wheels? or 27? It has two sets of derailleur cable guides.....Osgear set-up i believe? http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/designs/osgear-hs.html .....and what colour should i enamel it?! ......I think I have quite a way to go on this project.

This project ended. Frame turned out to be badly rusted. Too expensive to repair.....frame was returned to seller.

Have the dropouts been cut down?!?
Can anyone recommend someone close to London who can do repair the dropouts that wont finish off the budget before the build has even started.

Mark Stevens Flickr site is a great resource for vintage frames, I love his eye for detail. Check out some of the dropouts!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/makfreak/4811843875/in/set-72157624419888281/

i have seen that site, he has some amazing bikes....... seems like he has quite a fun life. making models and collecting vintage bikes.

I have seen dropouts like that several times, which makes me wonder if the frame builders chopped them, or if they were made that way?

The reason i say the dropouts look cut down is because the of double gear braze-ons, this would indicate osgear set-up and would normally have special lugs......

but you are correct. There are some drop-outs that have this shape. The owner of this bike seems to think they are original and not cut down....so i could be wrong....

one of Mark Stevens bikes with an osgear setup....