Bonnet by MarlinBuild, on Flickr
and with my fingers firmly crossed, I said, "next year I'll have my Marlin here................."
12 months later, on a glorious day in the middle of a proper summer, it went up the hill.
(Not sure I can post videos here but these are the links)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlinbuild/9340036485/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marlinbuild/9340062981/
It was a great day out. A perfect venue in the middle of the Cotswolds, fantastic sunshine, real friendly people and some great cars, including some very old Bugattis to admire and drool over. No other Marlins in sight but a swarm of 7s and some very interesting (and expensive looking) classic cars including a very nice BMW328
The Sportster performed faultlessly both on the journey there and back and on the hill. My concerns about the cooling system are rapidly disappearing after the temperatures of the last couple of weeks and having got caught in traffic a couple of times. And she feels really safe and secure on the road. Since I put the longer stiffer springs at the back, I have backed off the rear dampers by three clicks (and evened them up both sides................!!) and that has got rid of any "skittish" tendencies and improved the ride comfort considerably. So I'm really pleased with the way she's turned out.
And now I'm about to take her to bits again to get the bodywork painted and I'll take the opportunity to check tighten everything and to give her the "once over" for any leaks, chaffing or (lower wishbone
) cracking. And I hope to get her back on the road again for the middle of August while there's still a chance of more sunshine!! 
