Hi Jenno, I have only just found your thread on AB. I have had the kit by me since just before the Twin Towers attack in 2001. I also have the Dumas 2 x barge kit.
I was surprised how expensive the underwater fittings set was, so I made my own. Then started to work on the model and despaired of the wood quality, good idea doing it in plastic. Boat still not completed.
Have you any pictures of the inside of your model?
I checked with Tow boat Joe, what a helpful guy, how did you connect your sets of rudders TBJ offered several options?
What size motors did you opt for to be able to push those barges?
regards Roy