Got my Britomart in Friday. Given it's a Christmas present, figured it would be wise to inspect it and give it a test just in case. Sadly, Noticed a glue stain on the tank, the funnel was loose and not seated fully in the base so sat at a noticeable angle and with a noticeable gap between the base and funnel. And the left hand cylinder was glued slightly wonky, so it pointed inward and this then brought the crosshead awfully close to the crankpin. Running was a bit lumpy and there was definitely a sort of rubbing-friction noise that while not horrible, was, again, noticeable.
I mean as far as quality control slips, it could be far far worse lol. But I have decided to return the model and ship it back for a replacement Britomart, as I do still want the engine. In spite of the example I got, I still think it is a lovely little model and I'm looking forward to my replacement one, even if I probably won't get it in time for Christmas at this rate.