Hello Lucas,

Thanks very much for sharing this update. She certainly looks outstanding. That is some very careful work you are doing there; it's no wonder that folks in CH are famous for clockmaking and fine instruments!

That red is really "leaping" now in the colour photography.

wrt your drive train snag - the VGT rear mech has an adjustment which may help you to gain a few mm. The manufacturer's instructions say to adjust the angle of the slant pantograph mechanism so that it is parallel to the chainstay. If you were to tighten that adjustment screw a bit it would have the effect of lowering the derailleur's jockey wheel. If you were to run out of screw length you could try fitting a longer one just as an experiment...

Another thing you could check is chain length. I realise that you have likely done so already and have it just where it is ideal. Mention it only that it might have an effect on your difficulty...

My computer is seizing up, will finish this message in a second post...