Q2. and maybe 1 & 3.
Check out the R & R engines group on Yahoo
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/R_and_R_engines/
There has been a number of post about that engine. There is a complete set of blueprints in the files section of that group as well as photos in that section. The engine was designed as a glow engine, so that may be and option for you if you are concerned about ignition noise.
As to how good that engine is, as it is a home made engine, it really depends on the guy that made it, and his choice of materials. Most are made as running display models. The guys in the Yahoo Group above that have made the engine can give you a better idea as to the chance of success with your plan. The time spent making one of these engines, sever hundred hours in most cases, generally prevents the builder from commiting one to an air frame and flying it. If it was built by a good machinest, then it is probably as good an engine as any comerical one, maybe better.
Ilook forward to progress reports on this project.
Don