Hi Robert,
Many thanks for your reply - I think pre-staining is a good idea, that and being less generous with the glue! I'm quite pleased with the effect overall and I think the technique bears pursuing.
I've had reservations about using real wood to represent scale wood for that very reason, the grain. However, it can be very difficult to get "right" using styrene or even card. You're absolutely right about using wood with the finest available grain, and I was going to try Lime from
Cornwall Model Boats but I'll also have a look at Mantua Models as well.
Thanks again and best regards,
Mark