Well the story so far....
As I said before, game crashed on loading. Followed instructions and new install etc etc.. ctd.
Removed Ship Inertia and Inertia Damage mods and still got ctd.
Removed AI sub crew and game loaded fine.
Put the Ship Inertia and Inertia Damage mods back......and the game loaded fine!
So far so good. Game runs smooth and graphics look good. I've sent 3 ships to the bottom in Baltic Operations and am now on my way to the Polish ports area.
Thanks for all your hard work and patience to Sober and thanks for all your help and suggestions.