Ok i'm building an application using Java3D.. at the moment its sat in an applet window but i'd like ultimately to run it through a viewport in a proper application.. Does anyone kno where i can find information on creating an AWT UI for a Java3D program? Either a tutorial or some expert advice? Or just direct me to a useful book? I've checked all over the net but I can't seem to find anything of use.. Please help?

i've difficulties to understand what you are exactly asking for.
What you seem to ask is how to make an AWT UI for a java3D program.
=> you build AWT UIs for j3D programs like for every other programs. I don't understand what it has to do with j3D. (?!?)
=> and to know if it's running as applet or as application, why does it have any importance to know that? (It's exactly the same for creating UIs either)

So what exactly are you trying to do/searching for?