Hi Jonty!
I'll see if I can answer your questions, perhaps I'll have to come back later with some pics.
I cant say its a good kit really, but I'm more than happy with the end result. I think it's a very nice hull and the parts for deck and superstructure are ok too. There are two options for funnels. The supplied prop was a joke, a two bladed high speed prop. The rudder was way from scale. I use a fourbladed 35mm brassprop. I use a SPEED 280 motor and reduction gear as i thought the supplied motor looked a bit big, I'm very pleased with the speed and power but its a bit noisy. The flaprudder is homemade, I used a LEGO hinge as a base. She steers very well with this and make sharp turns. I fitted a homemade bowthruster, you don't need it but I think you should fit one for the fun of it and because the real ones have it. I saw that Raeboush make nice ones at a fair price. It would be fun to make a twin prop version, but I was in a bit of a hurry so I used the supplied shaft. Cutting out the windows was quite easy, I put masking tape on the plastic, meassured out my windows, drilled holes in the corners and cut them out. A little filing to get them equal. There is no drawing at all so you make it totally your own way, I liked it because there is absolutely no pressure, pure joy! A little bit like with the Dicky tugs I think. There are probably many of these vessels out there, would be fun to see what they look like. Well thats it for now, will be back with some photos.
Cheers!
Hama