Thanks guys, there is one problem though, I have no idea where to get Tamiya sheets from, my local hobby shops certainly don't have them and I can't find hide nor hair of them on the net!
As for the lentil idea Hatewall, I've tried it a couple of times before and ascertained that it's perfect...if you're patient enough to lay every single tiny split lentil flat side down. I have the misfortune of choosing bigger scenes and therefore get stuck. Anyway, I better head off to bed now or I'll have red eyes in the morning!
Adios,
Seb