Charles,
I built this particular balsa kit back in college (and still have it!) and though I doubt you need them, would like to offer you some tips for the build if I can. First I built it without applying the tissue so you can still see the balsa wood structure. I was and still am too scared to attempt it! Anyway, first tip, take the scale drawing that someone included above and scale the tail up to the size of the kit instructions. Use the fuselage height just before the tail as you guide. No need to be too precise here I would think. After you do this you will find by comparing to the kit instructions the vertical tail is quite different BUT the kit supplied pieces can be used to form the new vertical tail with very little problem. Also use the scaled up technical drawings to build the shallow ventral find on the tail as well (out of the tons of scrap balsa you will have) and the hand hold in this area can also be made at this point from a slightly re-bent staple.
Scrapping the kit "toy" prop is a good idea at it will likely hit the float anyway as mine did. However the mounting of the central float is plenty stable and strong. I imagine the two balsa wood pieces you are referring to are the rear central pontoon stabilizers. Regardless, I have still not glued these on and have simply relied on the main brace towards the front to keep the central float attached…without glue for all these many years. I believe my instructions advised that I reinforce the leading edge with heave cage wire, which I did to all three float struts (center and two wing ones), and I wonder if that is still included in the instructions. I would suggest doing it either way as it really keeps those parts nice and strong. Also, the "box structure" that you will build into the bottom of the wing to accept the large main central pontoon brace should be built this the actual brace sandwiched between the two lateral pieces in the wing, but not glued…yet. This will allow you to easily attach the pontoon at a later time and will assure it won't flop from side to side and that it will stay, as in my case, without glue. (Hey you may have to transport it when you win the lottery and move to that mansion/aviation museum.)
Last but not least, a small right angle triangle will come in handy and will help you keep everything "trued-up" as you glue everything together. I know this is a newbie suggestion, so don't take offence if you do this already. I', just telling you what helped me. I can E-mail you pictures of my dusty version if you wish.
Regards Good Luck, Capt. Vick