I have some experience with making the plastic scales but have not attempted this level of scale making. The inlays will prevent a big
challenge as the Gold edge inlay was partly flattened by the steel plate pressure. That will be a tough one to get right, but hey I'm already in waist deep, may as well go all the way now.
Scale materials are narrowed down to either Blonde Horn (if I can get any) Maple or maybe a figured Tasmanian Blackwood.
The last 2 are available in Australia, so may get the job ahead of the Blonde Horn.
Thanks gain for all the input and support gents, it really helps at times like this