That looks sweet Rhett! Would love to see some video of it in the water. Good luck with it.
I've continued to tinker with a soft top water buzz mouse that has turned into more of a twitching mouse. I should say I've had the most success by cutting off the two front legs and then instead of buzzing it, I twitch it with short strokes and the head pops forward and up out of the water and then it settles back down. Almost like walking the dog but it simply pops forward with the legs and tail dancing the whole time. Posted a new pic on the lure gallery ...
http://www.makelure.com/Lures.cfmLet us know how you do on your jointed rat.
Mike