Hi Garch,
I built a 1/4-scale R3C-1 from Don Smith Plans plans a few years ago. (donsmithplans.com) The plans also include the R3C-2 version. I think the plane looks fantastic and it is a good performer in the air. Initially the CG was way too far back and the plane ballooned steeply on takeoff. However, the plane was still fully controllable and I was able to make a safe landing. I believe the long tail moment and large tail area makes the plane forgiving.
I have also had some success flying off water by attaching an old pair of Sig floats
I agree that information on the R3C colour scheme is hard to find, but these links mat be helpful:
http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/aero...curtissr3c.htm
http://www.airminded.net/r3c/r3c.html
http://oldbeacon.com/plans/resource4...rce_page-4.htm
There is also a R3C-2 build thread going on in the Don Smith forum at rcscalebuilder.com
As the plans are sport scale, I have spent a fair amount of time improving the scale appearance, which also added some weight. My R3C-1 weighs 16,5 lbs. With the Sig floats 19 lbs. Power to spare from a Laser 200V engine swinging an 18-6 prop.