As promised, the first photos. I have a solid idea of where I'm going, just not translating it from thought to physical construction as quickly as I'd like. Enjoy.
Obligatory box photo of the base/donor kit:
Card stock mock up of the hull:
The center box will be the crew cabin.
Photo showing the problem with the kit's inflation skirt size for 1/35 scale:
Edited to AddI think the mock-up is done and we can move to cutting styrene.