Is replacing the timing chain a major job, or can it be done by someone with limited mechanical experience? Are any special tools needed?

Cheers James

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1962 Traveller with 1275LS engine

Its not really a major job & can be completed in the car. It is easier to do with engine out of the car of course. No special tools required.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDMkVq1jRGU

No special tools, but you will need a big socket for the nut on the end of the timing gear and one for the harmonic balancer bolt. And if you're unlucky, a puller to remove the harmonic balancer.

The trick is to line up the dots on the timing gear - if you get them wrong it will not run properly!

Thats probably an under statement

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1969 Cooper "S"
1967 Mini Deluxe
1973 Clubman Van (the fleet spare)
1978 ex 1275 LS ("Wizard" Eaton Supercharged)
2015 HSV GenF GTS(occasional drive & tow car)
2019 MINI F55 Cooper S

Maybe, maybe not...
When I bought Barney he had a rebuilt 1098 in him from a VERY well known Mini parts place, which is still trading.
The timing of the sprockets was 1 tooth out. I didn't know this and drove to Canberra and back. it went OK and economy was fine, (I don't recall what the cam grind was).

But yeah, I'd make sure the dots are aligned with the sprocket centres (use a ruler to check) before you slide the sprockets and new chain on.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.