Thanks all that's very useful to know.

I think for now I'll stick with the brush - which will also keep my wife happy!

In terms of gluing, I've been following the airfix advice of using a small piece of the box as an applicator for the humbrol poly cement . However, I've seen some videos with people using the Tamiya extra thin cement. Is there any basis to different types of glue or is it not personal preference?