Well, gents, I couldn't stand it any more. First, here's my rationale; "Amsterdam" in the built kit that I acquired has one screw, one main motor, but two lofty stacks, fire fighting monitors, and some less than attractive life boats. It is a nice looking tug, but being a kit built bone stock, it's like an awful lot of other tugs out there.
I bought the RC parts I needed, ie 6 channel radio, (over-kill, but it'll operate more than one model, and I want to add a lot of effects to my "new" tug,) speed control, reciever, battery, and a couple FX on the way.
My first modification has been to eliminate the 01 deck, I intend to drop the pilot house to the top of the main deck house. A large single funnel will follow, with a couple of less futuristic masts. The main deck spray shield will be lowered slightly, lengthened, and the terminal end will have a concave curve, as opposed to the current convex curve. I realize the pilot house combing is convex, but we'll see how it goes. There's several more ideas rattling around in my head, but we'll see how this phase goes before I get too carried away.