Question 1,2: I am building my second Sig Somethin' Extra kit. I bought 3 of them. The first turned out very nice (I think) for my fourth building attempt, except for the weight. The manufacturer says they should be 4.25-4.75 lbs. Mine first came out at 5lbs 12 oz. I changed some pieces (maingear and tires no wheelpants) and got it down to 5lbs 9 oz. I am using a 55 ax which adds maybe 4 oz over a 40 size engine. I use 4.8v futaba battery-standard servos and mini receiver (6ex package) 8oz dubro tank, regular monocoat. I used paint for fuel proof and for looks inside the cowl which may have added to the weight problem. I use tristock on leading edge of control surfaces. Other than these things, it was built per instructions. My first question is what kind of weights are you guys seeing with this model? I have built other Sig kits and usually the same way -steel rods, tristock and biggest powerplant and fueltank recommended. I usually end up around 4oz. over what they say and think that is reasonable. This model seems to be way out of spec though. Should I be sanding more wood to get closer to weight?

Question 3: I have the wing panels and basic fuse completed on second kit. I was standing around looking at it and deciding on whether to deviate from the plans and put a fuel hatch on it. Then I thought some more and remembering my porky first kit thought I could build a "Nothin Extra" by putting a flat hatch over the fuel tank, a flat light weight hatch over the wing/radio access area and while I was at it, leave the turtle deck off and just make the whole top of the plane flat like an Ugly stick and save a bunch of weight. Has anyone tried this and if so, how did it work, how much does it weighand how does it look?

Question 4: When I crunch some numbers comparing pieces from my 2 kits, it looks like I could save around 9 ounces. I admit that is significant, but I am still suprised to see that even if I were to go the "Nothin Extra" route, I will still have a plane that will be closer to 5lbs than 4-1/4 lbs like you would think a stripped version should be. So I guess my fourth question is could you guys please answer questions 1&2??????

Photos show fuse fuelproofed (epoxy) lightly sanded (10.3oz). Wing panels lightly sanded no jhooks, sevosor placement dowels (15.2 oz) Hatch from first build and turtle deck material (5oz)