I don't think I would build it to plans. It seems to me that it's a bit over built and your right I think I'd like it a little easier to get out of if something should happen. There's a bunch of lads in England that belong to a model club similar to this one and go from small scale to all points in between right up to single seaters. They have built some battleships a sub and a sidewheeler. I was kinda hoping to find some fellows with a similar interest or that were building something along these lines to share ideas with. Since I hope to build a scale replica (peddle power)of the Southern Belle. I was hoping this might be as good a place as any to start. You folk seem most ,friendly, knowlagable and willing to help. T.J.