Wacky Russian triplane: MAYBE some good news....

I've dabbled in complete scratchbuilds before, but no completed aircraft.  Well, I figure it's time to start.  And for my first project?  Coming from me, expect something strange.

I chose to try my hand at a Bezobrazov triplane, the only Russian triplane of WWI, in 1/72.  It went through several incarnations of the airframe, but never made it to production.  

http://www.pigstompers.net/Triplane-Madness/Bez_01.jpg

http://static.rcgroups.com/forums/attachments/3/8/3/2/5/a1069626-159-pic-35-2.jpg 

As a scratchbuild, this shouldn't be too difficult.  It's generally a box shape, with thin curved (opposed to full airfoil) wings.  Rigging, though, is going to be an adventure...

In any case, here's what I got so far.  Basically, just enough to look like a fuselage:

The biggest challenges for me are:

• Making an engine/cowling and prop
  
• Building an interior (through the opening- my fault, but I'll deal with it)
• Getting some wheels in the right size
  

I'm not going to list rigging- yet.

Stay tuned.  I have no idea how long this will take, but I'm not going to rush it.