Glad that you got it fixed relhogh. Just happened across this post. I probably could have helped as I had mine apart before you, but only check in on the forum occasionally. Looks like your 1500D has a differential lock where mine does not.
I have been slowly refurbishing my 1500D (Green). Just finished up about a week ago. The brakes were indeed a pain. I had to go into mine twice as the new shoes could not be adjusted to catch the drums (thinner linings on the new shoes & I had the drums 'skimmed'), even though all components were within specifications. I didn't remove the axles on the second entry. I just supported the removed brake housings as to not damage the new outer seals. Wound up tack welding some sheet metal 'shims' to the faces of the shoes that sit against the brake pin & brake cam on both sides to make up the extra clearance that was present.
I do like my little 1500D (Green), but the brake access cover on the Red models would be a nice feature to have!