Thanks TV_NUT i've found that rewinding and fast-forwarding the tapes seem to loosen it up. Again the Orange 120 tapes seem to have an easier time while the Blue 100 tapes are more prone to getting stuck and i have to help the tape along during re-winding.
I've been slowly digitizing tapes, to mixed success, but at the moment I have TWO VR1000s if anyone is interested in the other one for parts
