RE: plans for shoestring racer
If a semi scale model is of interest then Peter Millers 'Bootlace' plan from the Jan 2004 RCME should still be avail from MyHobbystore.com in England. It is a slimmed down Shoestring and 56 inch span for 40 to 60 2 strokes.
Plan No is RC2026 Mag1526 price for the plan is 9.95 pounds. However you might still be able to get the Jan 2004 magazine with free plan which is only 3.80 pounds plus postage, so it is worth asking them.