Hi Mel welcome to the forum
The major you have sounds familiar for some reason , I think in the last 2 years or so somebody posted an E bay link to this or a very similar tractor on here.
Just a friendly humorous comment please don't take offense you should maybe have put the Ferguson in the post second this is the Fordson board all the rest go in general discussion
Yes the number should match for that age tractor, the later ones just had engine number and no plate on the bulk head:) it looks like you have an 11th month 1956 tractor and an engine from 1st month 1960.
could we please see some pictures of this project

.
The other thing to check would be all the casting codes as this will tell you what year the rest is the bulk head number could just refer to that part, you say the gearbox is maybe E27N the axles could be another year and so could the hydraulic top housing.
Hope you have a great time on the forum and if your stuck one of your new found Fordson friends will try and help you
Regards Robert
A Fordson is for life not just for Christmas !.