Dennis, neat idea, but look closely at the fuse. The fuse top block is 1/4 balsa, but the fuse sides are 1/8 balsa, and the elevator pushrod runs inside the fuse. Consider, with a 1/4"space between the fuse sides, the fuse could be a total of 1/2 inch thick, but the pushrod and horn might be a bit tight.
By looking at the width of the 1/4" elevator fairing that fits between the elevator halves at the center trailing edge, as well as the "carved to shape" bottom fuselage block, I get the impression that the fuselage section may exceed the 3/4" width at the wing trailing edge required for a profile. I fail to see any detail that sets the width of the fuselage. You, of course, could interpret this differently.
Leaving the cowl off the engine compartment would expose the mounting bolts as prescribed, but might cause changes in airfoil asymmetry, drag, and engine ``cooling.
Still, it's a neat idea.
I like your earlier idea of E-power better, but not too sure of the efficacy of retracts. To me, it appears that the single mono wheel would interfere with the bellcrank when retracted.
As I've been attracted to this design for years, even discussing to some length and detail with the designer, I've wanted to convert the drawing to CAD. I think that I'll have to move that idea up the list.
John
NOTE: I just took another look at the plans and found something related to the width of the fuselage. Above the inboard wing, there's a detail not well identified, that shows the fuselage construction and width. it is definitely too wide to be a profile. I can now see that the triangular-shaped hidden lines at the center trailing edge also relate to the fuse.
There is a possibility, looking at the 3 optional variations on the plan, the fuselages seem much narrower. though I still believe the 3/4" wide fuse may be too tight for the pushrod and horn.