I have just taken my first steps into the 'dark art' of electronics, with the goal being to construct the project that is described in the original post. I have put together a couple of the Jaycar Short Circuits Series kits. The soldering was pretty rough to begin with but it improved fairly quickly.
I now feel ready to have a go at Motor Speed Controller (Jaycar kit KC-5225). I still have to work out the details for the resistor dew straps but I have a few areas to learn before I will understand what is needed prior to tackling that part of the build.
I think Jaycar is now my favourite store. So much great gear. I have to say that some of the customers looked like they walked off the set of Big Bang Theory.
My thanks to Al for making the information available.