After long reflection I have decided to keep the decoupage for other projects
Sitting and studying the layout for a while, it seemed that the ads (as suggested to me by a few modellers) were indeed swamping the layout visually, and with such a tiny layout this was not a good thing.
So the decoupage has come off, and a simple painted monotone finish that looks good but does not distract from the modelling will be applied.
This was good to try, and I think it may have possibilities, but I am sure I have made the right call.
cheers
Geoff

"I would not join any club that would have someone like me for a member." -- Groucho Marx
Geoff