Returned to SH3 after 10+ years, need help with mod list

[Keesh]

Hey guys!

The other day I found my DVD copy of SH3 in a drawer somewhere collecting dust (sacrilege, I know!). But man. The nostalgia. I had to give it another go

I'm having issues though. I've done tons of reading, but there are many things one can easily miss on this adventure so I'll just go through my procedure so far, because I have literally spent an entire day on getting this game to just work:

- Installed SH3 from the disk, uninstalled it, then removed Starforce, then installed it again. Thus far, I have a working 1.4b version of SH3 without Starforce. I've made some copies for future use.

- Downloaded JSGME, SH3 Commander and SH3 Front End

- Opened SH3 Front End, applied the 4gb patch and then applied the H.sie hardcore fixes

- Activated the mods using JSGME

As far as I know, this is where I should be so far. Now, the problems come with my mods (or so I believe). I want to use GWX3 with mods like some I've seen in a Let's Play (can share the link/mod list). Here is my order, after applying the GWX3 mod:

FM_NewInterior v2.1D
GWX - No Medals on Crew
GWX - Enhanced Damage Effects
GWX - Axis Mediterranean Aircraft Skins
Conus' SH3GWXWS 2.3 (widescreen mod)
Thomsen's Soundpack
KB's Diesel Sound Mod
IABL's Merchant Fleet Mod v3.2
MEP v5
MEP v5 - Visual Sensors for GWX3
S3H-H.sie-Patch-v16B1

Now, the game will consistently crashes when the loading bar is about 90% when starting a new career. I just for the life of me cannot get the mod combination right - I did apply the SH3 Commander .cfg files for compatibility with GWX3.

What am I missing? I'd appreciate any help you can give