The only thing I see that may be a problem is your valve. I only use 3/4" full port valves. If you have troubles controling temp, that would be an easy fix. Other than that
Current Smokers: Junk Char Griller, Mini UDS (Hydrant build), UDS (Bud Select can)
The bad: Never take a picture directly into the sun.
The good: That's a very nice looking drum you got there - good luck at the game watch Saturday and post pics...
And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
Current smokers: Egor (trailered RF) and Easybake (tabletop pellet drive)
The good: That is a very nice way to support the shelves. It looks like you can load it heavy and all will be well with them.
The maybe: The issue with the valve, I think it will work fine, but I would remove the pipe nipple from the top of it so I could see the opening. I say that because after using it a while I find that I can set it by what I see in the opening (knowing it worked last time this way). One this I have expeienced with the temp gauge in this type of cooker, I have to put something between the thermal coupling of the gauge and the fire like a piece of wood so it tells me the CC temp not how hot the fire is as the heat comes directly from below it.
The bad: I din't see a chacoal basket, I think you will need one, and it needs to be off the bottom of the drum (approx 1.5 inches) so it can get air under it. That is what I would say would set you up for success.
Current Smokers: Backyard RF Offset and Hybrid RF Offset trailer rig with Cowboy cooker and fish fryer, always room for more........
I got the coal basket made up and it sets about 3" from the bottom, holds 12 lbs of charcoal and lump coal also, as for the ball valve, i can see down the nipple and when its fully opened, its just that, no obstructions at all. We smoked a 10 lb picnic at work the other saturday and it held at 225 for 9 hrs, smoked with some applewood soaked in a little Jack Daniels,,, talk about some mitey fine vittles!!!!