Mamod steam loco - what have I bought now!?!

I've wanted a Mamod loco for many a year, and I've now scratched that itch.

I found this on eBay, I was looking for a slightly tatty reasonably cheap example as I want a loco that I'm not afraid to modify, if I had a nice example then I'd be a bit reluctant to mess. It came with the cab roof unbolted and the rear sheet, which just clips in place, loose. It was originally a kit built example, which makes my life a bit easier as the model is mostly bolted rather than riveted together.

It's 45mm gauge, but replacement 32mm gauge wheelsets are easy enough to come by, and even if they weren't then I do have a lathe;

Both sets of buffers are missing, and, slightly worryingly, the buffer beams are bent, the front one quite badly. Both 'beams are castings, and the front 'beam is part of the smokebox and chimney casting. The damage did show in the listing, but I somehow missed it;

I found that if I used a tapered plastic adaptor that came with a tyre pump screwed in place of the safety valve I could connect the loco to a track (bike) pump and spin the wheels and toot the whistle just using air;

It came with two solid fuel burners, but no fuel thankfully (solid fuel for these is now illegal in the UK). I may try some gel fuel in the short term.

The gauge glass could do with a clean;

And everywhere else a good dusting;

There's some damage to the right hand cab side, but nothing that can't be fixed;

And with the roof resting in place;

I know Mamods don't have the reputation as being the best runners, and can be a money pit, but getting one to run well is a part of the appeal, otherwise I'd just save up and buy something better. And anyway, Mamods have an appeal all of their own.

The first job will be to strip and clean it and assess the overall condition. I will be converting it to meths with a new burner and fitting a 32mm gauge wheelset. I have other plans, including wooden buffer beams with dumb buffers and a few upgrades, all to be done when time and, more importantly, money allow. I see this as a long term project, to be picked up when the mood takes, rather than a quick fix. And anyway, I have no suitable track to run it on at the moment.

Is this my daftest purchase yet?

Paul.