Hi lmcnii, thanks for the complements. This is my first Proctor kit and it is beautiful, so I'm sure you'll be impressed as well. To answer your questions:
1. I tried two types, the first being Tester's enamel that I had on hand that is typically used on plastic models. I wasn't sure if it would work but it adhered well and didn't bleed when I glued it. When I needed to paint more bamboo I thought I would do one better so I picked up some black acrylic paint from the hobby store. It applied to the bamboo easier but since it is water based it would rub off where the duco cement was applied if I wasn't careful. It's easy enough to go back and touch up, but I think I like the results of the enamel better.

2. The Duco cement seems to stick to everything so I didn't have any problems with it bonding to the stained or painted surfaces. I actually used Elmer's glue on most of the model so far and that also didn't have any problems bonding the stained wood.

3. Yup, but it will be open. I'm going to use 9 stringers laid on top of a few formers to build up the turtle deck. I'm concerned about tail weight so the stringers are pretty thin and there will be space between each stinger, just like the scale Jenny.

Have fun with the build and please share any pics!
Steve