Thanks Alan
No problem on the bolts. I decided to place an online order for some of the resin bolts from Historex to see what they look like and order placed one day, delivered the next, very good service and the bolts are lovely so will order more as the need arises. Thanks for the offer to drop in though, appreciate that and will let you know if I think of anything.
The question of the side panels arose as I was looking at bending some brass rod and soldering it around those large apertures. This then turned into noticing the bolt spacing differences then on the closer images I have, noticing the recessed panels.
I have been trying to think of a way to make the recess in the wheel house and can only come up with cutting the entire side panel shape out, sanding the edges, making a 0.5mm thick plastic mould, clamping it back in place then laying up glass mat on the inside finally removing the 0.5mm mould after curing.
I could ignore it and build the kit as intended but trouble is I'd notice it every time I look at it now....
Going to have a play on the laser cutter later at making a new side panel with the correct bolt holes and see how that goes first. 0.5mm ABS sheet might do the job, not as strong as the nickel versions though.
I will be making my model with the grey railings, spray shield frame, hand rails and fittings. My other half said she prefers the orange / white versions too but I chose to do my model at a certain time, post MTU engine conversion so should do them grey really.
Craig.