Merlin regulator.

[Big Jim]

I have got my Merlin in bits at the moment. The sight-glass was leaking slightly and a few other jobs needed doing.
I have been looking at the regulator mechanism and wondering if there was a way to move the control rod to a slightly less conspicuous place (i.e. not going through the cab window.)
I have a few ideas but was wondering if anyone has any cunning plans or tried anything.
I don't want to do anything too drastic or irreversible to the body because the loco is a bit of a heritage item.