That is very kind of you, Simon, thank you.
Now the drama is (hopefully) over, a few more points which may be of interest for anyone planning to build one of these.
I used 4mm small handrail knobs, drilled out to o.5mm, to secure the body tiedown rings because it seemed easier than the instructed idea of twisted wire.
I have ordered etched LSWR wagon number plates, but SR modellers can use the plain elliptical plates provided in the kit- the SR turned the plates over and painted their info on the plain face.
Buffer height worked out well with no packing required between axleguard assembly and floor.
I did however, modify the cosmetic leaf springs - firstly thinned in the middle to mate against my modified coil spring register; and second by removing a few leaves to more better represent five- leaf springs which some seemed to have been fitted with.
Williams Models transfers went on very well indeed, helped with liberal washes of Microsol.
The number was chosen as an anonymous rebuilt wagon; I had originally numbered the model to represent a prototype wagon for which photographic evidence exists, but completely missed the fact the photo shows it to have had a different arrangement of bolts on the corner and end stanchions. Once noticed it couldn't be ignored, so the first number had to be scraped off and replaced. Standard advice- choose a photo, the bolt details did seem to differ amongst this series of wagons- they were after all rebuilds using old ironwork.
Axles have been tapered but the G3 'standard' wheels were re-used.
I would definitely recommend coating the wooden parts with sanding sealer before assembly. Gently rubbed down, it helps give a 'scaled' effect to the surface texture and probably gives some protection from scuffing, oil, water (!), etc
The paintwork, in fact the whole wagon, was sprayed with Vallejo Acrylic Matt varnish from a rattle can, which went on well.
The biggest point, however, is that the kit has been jolly good fun. The dramas have been self- inflicted, and a lot of the work I did was unnecessary but simply represented personal preferences.
Fundamentally, it is a very good kit. A good combination of beautifully cut and scribed wood parts coupled with all necessary detailing, and Williams Models standard underframe, coupling and buffing gear. A lot of thought has gone into it.
I will post a picture when it is finally weathered a bit and properly finished, but then that really will be enough about a simple, single, wagon build.