Al, Phil and Doug
Thanks for the kind comments. M42 is one of those objects that can really challenge all you know about photoshop and all its intricacies and then you never quite know when to stop processing the image.
I realised while looking at the shot while manipulating it that the 10" just beats every other scope I have and that Im seriously thinking of a 12-12.5 astrograph to cover a good chip size. Just have to get SWMBO to think its her idea. Cant think of what to get but was looking seriously at this RC scope
http://deepskyinstruments.com/rc10c.htm