Ed, there is a good publication on Aircraft Woodworking available from the EAA. As far as orientation of the grain in the longerons and vertical members-I don't "think" it matters or Pete Bowers would have addressed this in his plans. Your 2 inch scarf is correct for the 1/8 inch plywood fuselage sides. I used just one scarf on each side (8 foot plywood lengths), but have seen other builders use shorter pieces (European plywood) and it turned out fine also. Mark Goldberg, Austin TX