Rob47,
It's always interesting to see peoples models built from published plans. Even more interesting if they have made changes to the original design. I believe some designers take offence at such changes but I've never felt that my creations are perfect and incapable of improvement.
Modifying a published design to suit personal situations and abilities can involve some degree of risk but if the final model works, who is to complain?
Also, did you read the book "H.M.S. Leviathan" by John Winton..?
Glynn Guest