Steve,

I think you should stick with glow, and if the used YS 1.20's are all everyone says they are, I think you should go with that. The only reason why I would shy away from gas is because your plane is a little smaller than a Prophecy and from what you have said, it is a little heavier. Adding a gas engine would only add more unnecessary weight from the weight of the engine itself and the ignition battery.

If you are going to make mods, I would definately look into fixed gear, especially Bolly fixed gear. FG is less complex and it looks better in my opinion.

Are you talking about having two sets of wings (pattern & 3D) like Piedmont was going to do with the Focus? I would like to see your plane sometime. Good luck on it, and if you need any help with it, let me know.