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Does anyone know how I would go about getting some new gearbox sideplates cut from aluminium or steel? I don't have the drawings (would Schumacher have them on file?) but I do have some used plates which could be used as templates. Does anyone have any experience of this?

Use your original one as a template to trace a copy onto some aluminum or steel. Then use a drill press to make your holes. I used a metal band saw to cut my parts with. Go slow and watch your fingers.

Use the original as a template.

Any number of hand tools can do the job, if you've got larger equipment, all the easier. If you've got nothing and a few bucks in your pocket, you could find a small machine/fabrication shop that could cut them out for you. I'm guessing that the shop I use would probably charge you around $40 or $50 to turn out something like that.

Hand tools, a hacksaw or coping saw with metal blade for irregular shapes and a hand drill will take care of the holes. If you're careful, you could mount the original side plate onto your work piece and use it to align the drill for perfect holes.

If you've got a bandsaw or scroll saw, that would be easier for the larger irregular shapes, and as Mikey said, use a drill press for the holes. You'll want to finish up your cuts with sand paper.