Got a little bit further this last couple of days - enough to carry out a test run or two!
I coupled up the truck for extra track pick-up (only the driving axle picks up on the loco) and applied power. There was a bit of wheel slip, then the drivers derailed. Put back on and of it went. THere's plenty of room in the boiler for extra weight so that shouldn't be a problem. However, it derailed again - on a very gentle curve - and I put it back on. So, like the West Clare, "off again, on again, gone again ..."and initially I put it down to cross-levels (although I had made some allowance on the front axle).
After two or three circuits with derailments I made further investigations and realised the driving axle was too tight to gauge - it needs easing by 2mm! Not insurmountable but clearances are limited so I'll have a go tomorrow morning. Here's a few pics of progress (one step forward, two ...) so far.
Managed to chip the wood lip on the steam dome
The truck picked up quite well on the dirty track and no weight to it.
This shows (hopefully) how tight the wheels are.