papalatistudios - Thanks for the info, I've not the fastest machine (1.7 Pentium M laptop + 1gig memory) so might experiment with proxy on another model if it slows things down. Yep, I'll definately finish the texture and then mirror it to speed it all up

swankymonkey (dave) - Brave or stupid, its a fine line
I've been working with the actual size of the maps (pixel by pixel) as for some reason I find it fun and relaxing - dont ask why! I've always liked retouching images and collaging photos together so that might be where I learned to like it. The poly count is fun as well (sucker for punishment?) as it means I have to go back and rethink the mesh every now and again to optimise whats going on. It'd be really good after this to knock the whole lot down to half its current count and see how it turns out! - call me crazy