Thanks for the information…
You set me on google journey for UMG and Scaleform, which led me to RadiantUI which is a HTML, JS & CSS method of building UIs which looks like it’s mapped onto any object as a texture ($99). I’m not sure on Scaleforms cost as it mostly going on about unity integration and everything unreal engine is locked behind a registration and licence (to be looked into more on my part).
I’m quite surprised that the UE4 engine or even UE3 didn’t have all this integrated long ago and not require 3rd party software to be purchased. But as you mention UMG is capable of a lot more than static images and simple button states (animation), it looks like I may have overlooked this. I will dig in and see what UMG is, can do and find as many tutorials on it as I can found a youtube tutorial series 1 to 10 at Unreal engine 4 UMG - 1 - User Interface beginning. - YouTube which may light my way (going to watch them now).
Thanks for the info 
D