Thanks for the reply, I thought it was something like that. I'm relative new to stop mo, I've been doing little stuff for a few years now but have just decided to build an animation studio. I'm still learning how to walk.

Here's a walk video that I attempted, the armature fell over backwards so I improvised the ending. I have a problem with the weight of the clay on the armature, I have to tighten the screws so hard that it's very hard to move especially the ankles, so I'm thinking about balsa wood bones and scull. I also put up my first lip sync, I'll eventually  get into molding vowel shapes and try out replacement mouths but at this stage I just wanted to get some movement happening.  I'm using a Canon XH-A1 with Dragon on a iMac i7. I have grain issues with the XH (along with everybody else who has one). I've made a soft box with a 350 halogen work-lamp but am considering going two 250 work lamps, with soft boxes.
Thanks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RNJo4WgGVg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9EE63O-GQg

Thanks, I've looked at the monthly challenge and will try something in the future. But right now I'm going to concentrate on the timing and the basic movements, lifts, push and runs. I have a problem with the tie downs, if I have clay on the armature it's gets totally wrecked if I have to move the ankles. I've just built a running rig so he can run across the carpet so I may have to use that all the time when the clay is on.  I'd post a picture but I don't know where to post it at this stage. Thanks for you comments.