Keith,

Check out this web site. This Contender is really sharp. I don't think I have the skill to finish one in chromo Ultracote but to me this is the best looking Contender that I've seen http://astro.umsystem.edu/andy/rc/contender/.
I really like the way he's modified the tail feathers. It's the way I think the Contender should look. The builders name is Andy Steere and he's really produced a fine model, IMHO.
I've emailed Mr. Steere with a couple of questions and hopefully he'll respond.

I've thought about a side mounted engine as well. My current skills are limited and I just don't think the time is right for me to try and produce a model with an inverted engine. That's one of the reasons I've put off building my Contender, I've got some good ideas but those ideas exceed my skill level as of now.

Regards
Mike