Sam, in regards to the running gear I will be using initially, this is a new build for me so who knows maybe I'll hate it with a particular rudder or what not but all will be shown if i do change it. but heres what I have coming in so far from aeromarinerc.com

rudder item #1300 description :Our .21/.45 Machined Rudder is made of high ,strength aluminum and comes pre-sharpened. Billet Aluminum (not brittle casting) Transom mounted pivot block with blind holes for a small Footprint. Kick back protection and a positionable nylon control horn for straight pushrod runs (adjust the horn, not the rudder!). Large water pickup role for plenty of flow
Strut item #1401 True Turn Strut 3/16 for electric or nitro. description :18/.66 Machined Strut Assembly for Nitro or Electric powered boats with .187 (3/16") drives. Finally a unique and High quality strut at a reasonable price. Just the first in Aeromarines new line of machined hardware. Replace those sloppy "off the shelf" non adjustable, strut assemblies with our new machined, adjustable, streamlined, bronze bushed, True Turn strut assembly. A "no slop" vibration free upgrade sure to keep you running FAST and trouble free.

they have them both listed in the runnning gear link on their web site an have pics so you can compare
also using their 24" long 3/16 flex shaft, that I'll cut to length, an teflon liner.will be making my own brass tube for it an getting a collet from twisted liquid.

also decided on my main rail material you can order it from mcmaster.com they do a variety of things I use in the jewelry world an even Tom moore uses a similair material for the spar on his fire fighter boats. I am going to use the Flame-Retardant Multipurpose Garolite (G-10/FR4 Epoxy Grade) in 1/4" thickness 2" for the rails an inside support for the transom.
Kinda thick but its what I had laying around from another project.
I know 1/4" might be alittle extreme in thickness but the weight compared to epoxy/glass covered 1/8 plywood I think will either be similair or slightly lighter plus this stuff is hard as nails great tensil an vibration absorbstion (spelling?) rates are great thus giving me a super strong support for the motor with minimal vibration transferred to the hull. I plan on adding it this weekend so I'll have pictures soon.

-wayne