Neil, Mark, Tim, Tony, John and Miko - many thanks for such supportive posts
As I said in the last update the front mudguard brackets did not fit so I scratched replacements. Looking at photos of the real thing the brackets appear to be riveted in place although there is no sign of any fastenings on the top side of the mudguard.
...... and painted
I fitted the exhaust.
Then I thought I'd tackle the wheels. I have found a few builds of this kit online and one said the wheels were impossible and so the model became a shelf queen and another decided to source after market wheels. A few managed OK. I reasoned that if I couldn't manage the wheels then there was little point in going on with the rest of the build.
The wheels use a jig. The spokes are black, nylon thread. There is a rim and a centre which is laced up using the jig.
There are two steps - 26 and 27. Both involve lacing. They are then fitted together.
The problem is that God didn't give me enough hands. I could have done with one or two extras. The thread is slippery and has to be kept taut, the jig has to be turned over and back multiple times and the wheel itself has to be turned in the jig. Anyway after many, many starts I have one wheel. Very, very effective. The two laced rims are glued together.
And .... drum roll.... I have one wheel.
Still need the chrome centre and the tyre but it's done. I have actually done the first lacing of a second wheel. Doing the wheels made me think of the late, great Simon T. He spoked wheels and we joked about him have trained spiders - good memories.
Thanks for your continued support.