Tim, I also think you should be checking into flights to Salt Lake for your project. My passport is ready and if you and Francis were going to be there I will certainly show up as well to see both of these models.
Great project, and building and designing everything for it puts you firmly in the shoes of the original builder and increases your knowledge of these cars and gives you an appreciation of the effort involved. Well done!
I've been curious about this kit, I love Tamiya the basic kit is so well engineered and molded that you can work on additions knowing the foundation is solid and square. I will be following this one with interest.