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Thank to tatters and barreter I've finished, but I I've been dragged across the line by them and the others.

I do feel that the preamble could have been clearer but thanks also to the setter for a good mental stretch.

This thread is so, so useful to the Vanarama League.

I'm nearly there, got the quote and the thematic example, the 3 P's and I think I know where they go. But 24 ac has me snookered. I've got 4 letters, they look good but I can't find a word that fits (R?RPS). Last bit of the preamble looks tricky too.

you need a "U"

Thanks xwordfan, it's in Chambers but somehow I missed it. Doh.

There’s just one parse I’m struggling with, in 5d. Unless I’ve gone awry all I need to explain is why part of crust gives sal. Any pointers would be welcome...

Look in Chambers under SIAL

Ah, thanks, yes, indeed it shows under “sal” if I’d read down far enough. D’oh! I think I ran out of steam somewhere down all the phrases that involve salt and didn’t realise there was a fifth meaning lurking at the bottom...! Thx.

Oh so close, got the quote, 3 examples, 2 thematic instructions, found the 2 down ones, worked out the substitutions but I can't get the last bit to make real words, guess it's something to do with 26dn.

I replaced 26d with the first of the three examples obtained from the across clues.

Yes, me too. But I have another in 33 dn that messes up 36 ac and a third that I think must go in 27 ac that spoils 16 dn. I guess there is some transformation hinted by one of the Ps, I suspect 26 dn but I jst can't see it.