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Thanks, Syzygy - quite engrossing.

Especially liked the ones that made me smile..45a, 11d &37d.
Would not have "got" 42a without Aristo's hint.

Cheers

Woke at 5:30am and I've now finished it except for 2 little ones at 34d & 41a (last two cells of the grid)

Not fullt understanding the clue at 42a aristo, if it doesn't sink in, I'll ask for a parse at a later date.

I Haven't seen a mention of the preamble outcome from you guys yet so not sure if you have finished the task to end up with a numerical answer to place at the bottom of the grid on the line.
I thought it was very subtle and the compiler has excelled himself with this.

Anyway, I have found the answer and I have a 2 digit number, however, it may be one more for the count because of my two unsolved clues, because looking at the surrounding area of the clue, there actually could be one more but I've checked those words and can't find any appropriate Def.

Favourites.
Across: 14,16, 22, 31, 39 (simple but effective) 45*,48*

Down: 1, 3, 11(Dingbatty) 39

Hi Les, check the preamble regarding 8 Proper Nouns, 3 Foreign, 1 abbreviation etc. If you check them off 1 by 1 it should help with both your missing 2 and 42 across.
I also have a double digit figure.

That's what I have, provided they don't have to be consecutive.
Les: One is the usual Roman numeral thing (partly) and the other is hidden (at least that's what I see).

much appreciated syzygy. the top half took a while to crack. 45a and 6d among others stuck out for me.
haven't done the counting yet and don't really get 42 but enjoyed it.

...just clicked re. 42a.

Sorry folks, but it's a one-digit number.

Are you certain syzygy, not counting 1 across , I get 12; 3 running West, 1 East, 5 North, and 1 each North West, South East and South West. If you assume the bottom left square has co-ordinates (0,0) I'll list them if it helps.

i've still not counted but, the way i was going to approach it looks to be the same as Ginge has done.