"sumpter250 hasn't posted anything on the Forum since July. I hope he is getting this."
The feeling is mutual. And furthermore (can you tell I'm harboring an obsession here?) sumpter250 has, at least, been rather prolific with this build thread all over the net. Found another one on the Ship Model Forum site and one here:
http://bigbluetrains.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=4388&start=15
Looks like a bit more work done and with different photos. Seems most recent too on 7 Jul 2011.
I am leaning toward the purchase of those same Floating Drydock plans (why not) as the general feeling here is that they're worthwhile.