Hi Tamecat - First I am by no means an expert in any of this full scale stuff. What I did was look to see what others have done with respect to wooden airframes - ie Pietenpol - Fisher, Team, the KR series etc. Basically it appeared they were all built just like a good model except they used 3/4 sq. spruce. Some use other woods but the best is a/c spruce. Build triangles basically with vertical's where there will be a lot of stress. Like where the landing gear attaches, tail wheel, wings, etc. Then it appeared they all had quite a few wire braces in the tail area and wings. I was a little worried that my elevator was too twisty so I sheeted the bottom with 1/32 ply.
As far as converting size, I just drew up my model's three view and decided if I multiplied by 3.2, then all of the measurements would come out....... and they did except I needed to widen the cockpit area, add an inch or so in vertical fuselage height and add another cockpit as my model was only a single seater.
Your biggest help will be in finding someone close by that knows how to build expiremental aircraft and who doesn't mind parting with the info.............One of the first things you will need to guesstimate is the nose moment. That area forward of the balance point to the prop. If you use a light engine you will need a longer moment. I guessed at 29% of fuse length as I am using a 230 lb. engine and most aircraft have a nose moment of 25 to 32%. So far it looks like I will balance OK.................
Marv