I had to search for the owl hooter build to find it. Steam engine builds I came up with all sorts of goodies that weren't Thomas' channel.
This is so cool that you are doing all the pictures as you go. Really coming along great.
I think after you get past the "oh s#*!" moment, figuring out how to overcome that moment can be very satisfying. And as you said, if you didn't mention it, we probably wouldn't have even noticed. Still looks wonderful.