I started building the Bates Hellcat at the end of last year. I am doing a construction post in the User Product Reviews section:
www.rcuniverse.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=363671&forumid=142. I have not worked on it in a while because I am building other planes for customers. I hope to get back to it in about a month. Anyway, to try and answer some of your questions:
1. the wheel covers on this plane... are there any fiberglass ones out there or do I have to make that from scratch?
I haven't found any after market gear doors. If you get a lead on some, let me know.
2. I am going to cover the control surfaces in fabric, but was there stitching on the real one, if so does anyone have an documentation or know where I can find at least some close up shots of the stitching?
There was stitching. When I get home I will look through the pictures I have to see if I can find one that shows a close up.
3. I know that there where some rivets on the front around the pilot and cowel. I can't seem to get a clear picture of the back. Anyone know how the alum. was applied to this plane?
From the cockpit forward there were dzus fasteners and the panel were butt joined. From the cockpit back the panels were overlapped and raised rivets were used. I will see if have any decent photos.
Hope this helps..