I had to trade off more missiles (literally limited to one missile) for the ability to have multiple small engines in both funds and weight. I even had to watch part choice for my wings.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/zm02m377qepw0is/Jester.craft?dl=0
Also just under cost and weight limits, but has redundant engines
Weapons
1x Vulcan (Hidden) 20MM (1300 rounds on board)
1x Sidewinder Missile
1x Chaff
Take all the time you need. I've just seen too many good stories like this fall into disrepair and never get finished/updated with new content. Glad to hear that this story won't be one of those