Overnight the reason for the spacers came to me. It is due to the window sill projecting into the room and it is to ensure that the two legs which might be impacted are enough into the room not to be a problem. If only I had remembered this sooner it would have saved a lot of fiddly work with the setup.
So board 6 was completed this morning with the spacers and then board 7 followed – being lighter and smaller this was fairly straightforward. Board 3 was unwrapped for the next step.
There is some track damage at the end of board 4, 7 and board 3. There is certainly some track lifted and out of alignment on board 4. Being shifted around whilst in store probably led to most of this. I am hopeful that none of it will need track being completely replaced – Peco Streamline is usually fairly robust, but I eventually find something really out of place and I have a feeling I will need to replace the entire yard.
When I come to put board 5 in place I find the geometry does not work and the radiator is in the way. I try to walk the layout to the far end of the room – but not sure it actually moves. The secret weapon – Max is visiting tomorrow and we can use the extra pair of hands.
So it was all documented and I should not have jumped to the wrong solution – it might not be the best documentation in the world but it exists! And in the relevant place!