ok reading other threads i see others having issues with flashing twrp also.
i followed the unlock procedure and it was a sucess.
procedure:
in command prompt with files in directory
1: adb reboot-bootloader
2: fastboot -i 0x1bbb oem unlock
3: fastboot -i 0x1bbb oem device-info (bootloader confirmed unlocked)
4: fastboot -i 0x1bbb reboot
5: let deviice reboot
6: adb reboot-bootloader
7: got files from here http://forum.xda-developers.com/idol…-6045-t3162608
8: fastboot -i 0x1bbb flash recovery twrp-2.8.7.0-idol3.img
10: rebooted
11: scratched head as default recovery booted.
so i am assuming i need to apply root before flashing custom recovery?
thanks in advance for any help provided.