Here is where I am on this build... Get ready because this a different approach. I took a 1/32 scale Lindberg PT boat hull and cut a one inch wide section out from bow to stern, then cut off the bow at an angle, like this /. Lots of evergreen plastic shapes and here is where I am so far. Now this just the shape, without any detail. I added a Tamiya 70103-660 gearbox under the main deck to raise and lower the boarding ramp. Full drop takes about 6 seconds (just right). The spools are RC aircraft spongy wheels with the tires removed. They are adjustable for tension on the fishing line cables.
I am thinking Brown Water Navy Riverene on this one. But I am not going to make a Monitor. Just load a tank and instant Battleship.
Hope you like it so far.
California Steve Pics....