Hi Jon, welcome to our club!
Yeah, I know what you mean. Sanding and filling, I've never done it before so much compared to armour models. It is definately very different. But it brought back my modelling fun again. And the next time I build a armour model, it would be peanuts! Sofar it has been a huge learning experience. Building is one thing, painting is the next step in this quest.
Unfortunately I cannot do any updates because I'm in China for research and when I go back end january I have exams, jeej. Anyway, as soon as I have something new to show, I will let you guys know!
Xiexie!