Listener 4162 Carte Blanche with a Twist by Mash

[starwalker]

Judging from the dearth of postings, others are also finding this less than a walkover - pretty much as foretold.
I'm still working on paragraph one of the preamble and an odd assortment of answers. Friday Night Club maybe, but probably next Friday.

[cluelessJoe]

After a breather, starting to transcribe now, so doubtless about to board the same boat and head up the creek without a paddle.

[starwalker]

Another member of the clash-free zone

[emcee]

I have the clash but can't see how the digit provides a key to a hidden message.

[Monkmonk]

I have the hidden message and so I know the digit but I still can't find the clash.

[jim360]

Finally (sadly, with some help on a few clues) filled in a complete 30*10 grid that is nicely symmetric, in one diagonal at least. Though I was expecting the symmetry to be 3 10*10 "crosses" rather than a sort of band. Being silly? Anyway... going to get on with the day now and ponder on the transfer to the smaller grid later.

[pushmi-pullyu]

Finally completed the initial 10x30 with a LOT of help from Word Wizard, but feeling very doubtful about progressing much further.

[Walterloo]

I'm catching up. Grid one done. Can see how a lot of transferring can be achieved but like others the day's normal activities beckon and it will have to go on hold.

[midazolam]

It came to me in a flash.

Overall this was brilliant. One of the best Listeners in years and by far the best this year on so many grounds. If this doesnt win the cup I dont know what will

Thanks Mash for a real brain work out

[Coalminers]

Absolutely Midazalom. By far the best this year in my opinion. A fantastic achievement from Mash. Well done!

[JackDeCrow]

It's in danger of getting pretty crowded in this boat! Having taken the initial "obvious" step, I can see that the presence of the down entries is stretching it a tiny bit, but I'm amazed in advance about the existence of such a convincing "wrong" solution and that correcting it is going to lead to one and only one clash! Time for a cup of tea and a lie down, I think.

[fyellin]

Got the 10x15 with one clash. Got the ideal form. But there seem to be numerous equally valid ways of filling in the 10x15, while maintaining the ideal form, and I have no idea which one puts the clash in the correct column or how to get the secret mesage. :-(

Wikipedia is less than helpful. The web site with the appropriate name is amusing.

[TheBear69]

I think I'm exactly where Monkmonk is...I know the digit but cannot find the clash. I believe there are two grid fills that satisfy the "partly right to left" constraint, though I do not understand the "partly", so I have two choices for the clash-containing column.

[Walterloo]

Likewise I've finished 15 x 10 grid but have yet to get the clash etc. Even if I don't finish this completely I agree with other comments that this is one of the best thematic crosswords I've done. Congratulations Mash.

[AndrewG-S]

I need Midazolam's flash
As I can't find the clash
Nevertheless thanks Mash

[Walterloo]

Got the 11 cells now. Just need that elusive clash . . .

[TheBear69]

At this point I've found 8 different grids 6 of which have the message partly or fully right to left and no matter which column one considers there are at least two fills with the identical entries in that column. I fear that even after I find the clash, I will not be left with a single solution.

[midazolam]

TheBear69, I can assure you that once the clash is found there can only be one solution, even if the message is not determined, however this part just adds to the brilliance. I don't think I have seen so many escalating PDMs in one puzzle.

[fyellin]

TheBear69: Yes, there is that complication, too.

[Coalminers]

Is anyone else of the same opinion as me in thinking that there are multiple solutions for this crossword?. One trivial variation, and another pair. Can't be more specific. Although I have no doubt which one is meant to be submitted, I wonder which of the others might be marked correct.

[Coalminers]

After a bit more thought, I don't think the trivial variations are acceptable, but that still leaves one other solution.