Hey Big Al,
You're off to a great start! Welcome aboard, you'll learn a lot from these guys, I have. I've never completed a kit yet. Started a bag once. Tooled it, dyed it, put it back in the box. I'll finish it one day. To be honest, it was one of the first things I tooled, and now I don't really want anyone to see it. I don't think it's nice enough to show. So kudos to you for jumping right in.
I am also from the Northeast of England originally, Leeds to be exact. Prefer the desert weather now though. It's nice to see another limey around!
Shirleyz