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buzzb I also think there is only 1 version of the correct type of figure to be drawn (albeit I can make 2 variants), but I’m struggling to reconcile that with the deciphered left-hand side and bottom edge.

…. and then the penny dropped. Ignore my last post buzzb!

Thanks Mattrom at #10.
Any chance you can help with 18a too?

Do we need to venture outside of the grid to get an area thematically related to the bottom row?

Lumen, 18a. A in 'palaver'

Lostinwords, the thematic shape you are asked to draw does not extend outside the grid

I can devise a shape that (a) meets the condition imposed by the diagonal (which I gather to mean precisely corner-to-corner), (b) fits neatly and precisely in the grid, and (c) satisfies the condition that I believe is intended for the area. And part of the shape (but not all of it) is an example of another thematic item. I’m also confused by the meaning of the left-hand column. In short, I can draw a shape that works in most respects, but I’m not able to find a shape that satisfies both the top row and the bottom row that also fits in the grid (and includes the angle required by the diagonal).

It sounds like you have the correct shape, riversk. I would worry more about the top and bottom of the perimeter than the left and right. If you understand what the bottom row is pointing to, there is only one shape conforming to the top row that qualifies. Two of the components of the shape could be said to be derived from the terms on the left and right of the perimeter. You’ll understand why it’s hard to be more specific

Enjoying this!

I have 29 'answers entered normally.' I have assumed that this descriptor excludes jumbled or spillover answers. However, at least 8 of this 29 have no obvious misprints. Am I wildly off? Generalized responses welcome

So far I have 17 misprints, which are not making a sentence.

I'm still stuck on 20ac - is this a name?

I've tentatively worked out some of the substation code, but it's not making a lot of sense - I assume it has to be a 1-to-1 coding?