Thanks Lisa. My experience is the opposite of yours, I started building kayak models about 2 or 3 years ago and am just now finishing my first full sized kayak. The process is identical. For me it was to see what the full sized kayak would/could look like and lots of practice with epoxy/glass/carbon. To this day I have only built S&G hulls with stripped decks. I have not had the guts to try a strip model, but I'm sure I will soon. I too, have the forms/patterns scaled down for several designs. One thing to keep in mind however, is that the models can be more difficult than full-sized, because the wood (in short lengths) doesn't want to bend/twist to conform to the forms. The bigger the model, the easier it will be to strip. I can't come up with any suggestions for a take apart model, but what you might consider is a 4 or 5 foot strip model only half done. This way you could completely finish (right down to the varnish and even deck rigging) one side of the boat, leaving the strongback/forms inside. Stop the strips at the keel and deck peak in order to show spectators the guts. This reminds me of a partially handcarved sculpture coming out of a block of wood. Just an idea.
SMF