Tom,

I've only seen the checkered Ultracote offered in:

White/Black
Yellow/Black
White/Red

They have both 1/2" squares, and 1" squares. I think the white/red even comes in 2" squares. It goes on really well, but as I mentioned above it is quite expensive. I think it was somewhere around $22 for 6'6" x 24" roll!
As for the elevator servos in the tail. This kit is known to come out tail heavy. My engine/muffler/spinner/prop combo weighs in at 2lbs 1 oz, I have my 4.8v battery pack mounted under the gas tank against the firewall, and have the servo tray moved about an 1" further than the most forward position in the plans. (See my web page for photos.) Though it is not covered yet it seems I've got the balance just about right. I would think that unless your engine/muffler weight is much more than my 2lb one you would have problems with adding two servos in the tail for the elevator control. You can ask around, but so far I have not heard of anyone needing to add tail weight to this plane.

sunD,
Not sure on the cowl question. I have the two "nostrels" in the front cut out, along with a small rectangle in the nose center. The head of the 2-stroke just pokes out the side at 90 degrees, and I have about an 1/4" space around where my pitts style muffler hangs out the underside of the cowl. I'm hoping that airflow will not be an issue. Of course we don't get many HOT days up here in Maine like you have in AZ.

-Fitz.