Duane,

I am guessing that when you weigh your wing halves that they are fully finished and loaded with all necessary hardware. I am also thinking that some of the extra weight is attributable to the four carbon fiber rods I used to stiffen the wing. I don,'t think ,however, that they are necessary and I will most likely eliminate them from the next build. I'm also planning to cut lightening holes in the last five ribs(four if I go 96") in the wing and go for a cap stripped material covered wing and tail feathers. Throw in some reduction in the size of spar, leading edge material, and rib material in the tail feathers with contest balsa through out the entire airframe and just maybe I will slim the Simla a bit.Oh, and a smaller engine than the 120 AX. Basically all this hinges on the results of a few flights of Simla #4.That is #4if I get my rear in gear and get her finished. We are supposed to be off from work next week so it is going to be pedal to the metal to get her painted.

Bill

PS- With the 120 AX I don't really think a little extra weight will be of great significance. However..............