Other than the earlier headlamp, missing air cleaner, and lousy seat cover, any commentary from those with an expert eye?

Is this bike really a '28 or '29 model? Other than the headlamp, is there any real difference between a '29 and '30 model? I can't tell from the photos if it's got rims for clincher tires as would have been fit to a '28...

Educate me, please. I've been on the hunt for a while, but as expensive as these machines have become I want to get as complete and correct an example as funds will allow.

It may be a fine Scout to ride around, but is far from correct in the AMCA sense.  The oiling system appears to have been converted from total loss to dry sump with a return line and different pump.  It has the shifter on the left, so it likely has a right hand throttle and left hand spark advance.  The safety bars (especially the rear) don't look "stock" and are normally black.  The rubber pads on the pedals are not stock.  It appears to have a straight pipe with no muffler at all. The tank is not 1928.

That said, the oiling and shifting mods make it easier to ride.

Chris Matthieu wrote:

It will be interesting to see what it sells for. The 101 Scout at last year's Mecum auction sold for $62k + fees! https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0119-362391/1930-indian-scout-101/

That's a nice one, and they claim it's "an excellent, correct restoration", and it's also listed as a 1930.  So am I wrong?  I thought 1930 was the first year for a hinged rear fender!  But both these Mecum bikes are listed as 1930 but neither has the hinged rear fender.