finally you posted an image, i started to get worried =O ...actually no i didnt lol, but most definatly your best so far. And already better than all of mine, which is kindof sad in a way. Well, i gotta finish my toy rocket (hey, i still like toys) so i can use it =D my epoxy is drying.
The shadows are definitely interesting, and the gloss is beautiful. Looks like a doughnut with a shrunken bowling ball inside. I don't know how to shrink a bowling ball though - laundry machine perhaps? =) Anyway, a really good render!
its getting better Nigel.. but i still think you can tweak those settings up a good bit more.. i like the idea here tho.. nice camera angle for the render as well.. keep it up.. looking forward to more..