That's the spirit Steve... NEVER GIVE UP... you just never know when things will just "Klick"!!I think this is the last update in this thread. I've been asking around and doing a lot of googling and a lot of what I'm seeing is that the humbrol gloss is the cause here.
I'm not sure if it is or isn't but that's what I've been told and what I've read in various places.
I don't plan on doing any more work on this model but I will keep it and use it for testing paint/camo etc. Which is marginally better than it being binned.
as for what i'm doing next, not sure. amusingly I have 3 kits coming to me on wednesday for my birthday.
I will do another kit, just not sure what right now. However I wish to thank all of you for all the help and support you've giving me. See you all in the next one.
Keep your chin up mate, you're learning invaluable lessons which will all add to making you a better modeller ....
.. I look forward to seeing your next adventure .