There has been some discussion on another thread about a cowl and side mounting the engine on another thread somewhere, I know it has been done and with some good success it sounded like. It would take a little modification to the cheeks and such, but I would guess that it could be done without alot of modification to the structural part of the fuse.

Monocoat, or another type of iron on covering will be alot easier to repair if needed, but I guess fabric would be okay as well. I have not worked with fabric coverings so I am going on the idea that I know how easy other things are to work with.

Just out of curiosity, why are you planning on sheeting the fuse? The fuse sides do have lightening holes in them, but they are good strong ply, not balsa, and the model is very sturdy.

I have a decent pic of mine in my gallery if you want to see.

T.