Horace,
I don't know which image editing package you are using, but if you use Photoshop, I found this link very useful when I was learning about B&W conversion:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tut...lack-white.htm
These Photoshop "Actions", macros for want of a better description, are superb
http://www.thelightsrightstudio.com/photoshop-tools.htm
I use the B&W conversion and toning actions all the time. There's a detailed explanation of how they are done here:
http://www.thelightsrightstudio.com/...rtB&WImage.pdf
Regards,
Duncan