In no particular order:-
Damage part was found in one of the passing loops, but no collisions or other have occured. (I was looking for a missing coupling hook from something else at the time.)
Have managed to glue it back using that EMA stuff, so I guess it's a different type of plastic from the lgb norm.
Yes it's not good in the lack of spares from German suppliers, but we, as in the general UK collective huffed them a few years back, so they have taken their spares (ball) and gone in. (No one mentions the "B" word OK.) Now I have a part number, it looks to be discontinued by LGB, so only Modell land or their US partner and Champex Linden are the only apparent options. Postage works out at about £30, and in one case there could be a £100 min order surcharge.
Don't think the others will fit, as its tailored to go up against the wagon frame in places, but thanks for the offers.
3D printing, it's a lot of effort for what is basically a small cosmetic part I know is broken and sort of bugs me, but I can live with it.
Suppose I will find a S/H wagon going or one of those other versions (Yes I have one and the steps have already been repaired.) that may be a source of spares.