To comment on your 2nd. question first. The smokebox door nameplate that Reeves supplied to me many years ago was actually a stamped brass disc, the lettering being only a few "thou" high on brass about .020" thick. As such it might be made by photo-etching if you wish to try. A model name-plate supplier could also do it but that route could be pricey for a one-off, especially if the art-work has to be prepared. The rear wheel hub covers were, likewise, stamped brass discs, probably from the same supplier. These 3 plates do add a finishing touch to the model.
As I remember, the original boiler design used a silver soldered butt joint between the top edge of the throat-plate and the barrel, ie no flange.I've an idea that a later mod. adopted by some builders is to provide a reinforcing strip along that joint, (could be mistaken there). This would provide more area for the silver solder. Is the copper piece that you have for this?
Edited By Clive Brown 1 on 10/07/2023 13:55:11