Mogogear, Kiwimodeller,
Well that put the cat amongst the pigeons so to speak,

or

I knew as soon as I drilled holes and fixed something another idea would crop up.
I guess it was just convention, being a full size boat person ,have all the controls visible from the conning position. But it isnt a scale model of any particular full size boat, I built this model to do a bit of pretty woodwork, and dabble in steam, so improving efficieny has to be a plus.
Did wonder about fixing the steam line through the funnel to 'super heat/ dry' the steam, turning the boiler around does make this easier, I hadn't had a look at the profile since making the boiler mounting plate, but yes it does look better, I can slacken the pressure gauge and turn it around to face aft if required. I think will go down this route, the boiler can be fitted another inch or so forward to make more space aft, but it does look OK now. I intend to fit either a canopy or aft cabin, so with the funnel aft it will probably look better again. Her in doors says it looks better as well.
Thanks chaps, more to follow.