As I said, I'm convinced this is not the problem of the kit. I was so impressed with it's quality that I'm sure that it's something in my build that went wrong, I just need to figure out what.

It is the Piper Vagabond, PA-15. Parkzone motor (the same one in the ultra micro Trojan). I'm using a 1 cell, 160mah battery. I used the Solite covering that Stevens recommends. Standard prop. What other information would be helpful?

As for weight, I could take the larger wheels off, but I'd be limited to hand launches and grass landings (not very exciting).