Just leave the dowels full length. Not much weight.
The zip ties definetely work.
Also, i use a velcro dot to help hold the canopy on. The dowel location on mine would not line up properly. Even after the Basset ate the first canopy, I had Sig send the parts for it. They did not line up correctly either. Good Kit though.
Use a Balsa cross member just behind the tank down low. Zip tie and "double-stik tape" the switch on this. Use a piece of plastic control rod thru the fuse with a wire in it, bent 90 deg to activate the switch. Flex the wire to get it in place. A small wheel collar on the outside to grab onto.
I do have a little slop in the ROLL direction on each wing. Anyone know how to get rid of this, without shimming???