Got under the car (finally) the other day. Job went well without any problems - I even drove it around for a day before writing my final posting here..
As a first step I had removed the- fuel pump/filter/accumulator - as one piece with the bracket, which made access to the bottom of the tank very easy. Even though the CD calls for a special tool , I found no need for one !
And Mike, I had the copper washer " and company" installed the correct way. Thanks for your confirmation.
As a footnote I will just add that the original fuel tank screen was not really dirty at all and therefore did not need replacing. No way to know that in advance..is there? - Since I had already bought the replacement - in it went..
thanks all for the advice.

Gideon