I stuck with the same thicknesses as called for in the plans. 3/32" for the wings, 1/16" for the stabs. I'll use what was in the kit for the turtledeck sheeting and such, figuring that for a few sheets, I can dig out the highest quality wood and have enough to get by.
And yeah...I'm looking to take 1-2 lbs out of it by going this route...absolutely worth the expense, imo.
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Couple of comments about specifics in the instructions.
First, the "build" of the motor box/F1 is...er...well, bleh. The design makes it IMPOSSIBLE to get F1 in first, nice and square. F1 and the sides to the box MUST go in at the same time, but can NOT go in as an assembled unit...in other words, you've got to have the whole assembly sort of "together", but nothing glued...this makes building straight and square ALMOST (but not quite) impossible.
I highly recommend a trick i picked up from Bob Parkinson...
Buy/find yourself a small sheet of 18" or so balsa. Cut out numerous right triangles in all sorts of various sizes. Take great care to ensure that the 90 degree corner is well and truly SQUARE.
As you're building, if you have say a former or something that needs to be square to another piece (like a fuse side), epoxy it in, and then tack-glue 2-3 of the triangles in the corners with thin CA...just a couple drops. They'll do a fine job of keeping things nice and square, and can be easily knocked out with a tap once things are cured.
This is the ONLY way I could get a square and true motorbox/F1 assembly in this thing. I basically just wedged in in there roughly, stuffed some epoxy down into joints, and then started at each corner, using the triangles to true it up, sort of working around to each corner.
Also, one other bit of info...the instructions say, once you're ready to move to the tail and install F7, to score the fuse sides just aft of F3, and to notch the stringers at top and bottom, or you won't be able to make the bends. Bah. The sides will bend just fine without doing that, and you'll avoid weakening the structure in those areas. I didn't even have to soak the wood to get it to bend...just takes a little care, and some clamps on the bottoms of the formers, and it'll go together fine.
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Have attached a couple of photos...nothing spectacular, just documenting the progress, and making Nogyro look like a psychic. )
First is formers F2 & F3 in the right fuse side. Next is the motor box loosely framed up. Finally, the fuse with things curing...yes, the fuse is all framed up.
Frank DID say I've been known to get into a "frenzy". *heh*