RE: Torque Rods! Love 'em or hate 'em....
We can use dual servos with torque rods as well. And you are right, using torque rods with plug-in wings wouldn't work.
MTK-
I have nothing against dual aileron servos. But I do disagree with you saying that torque rods do not clean up the wing. I still apreciate your posting though! I may just use mini servos for the ailerons.
As far as the gaping holes caused by the retracts- Operational landing gear doors have been employed historically in classic pattern with much success without adding too much weight.
Either way- even with the gaping holes for the retracts, the airplane is a lot faster with the gear up.
Weight is a separate issue all together, but my preference for a classic 60 sized classic pattern ship is 7.5-8lbs. I built a 6lb Super Kaos with retracts and HATED slow speed flight charachteristics. It never wanted to land. Sure! It was a lot of fun at WOT, but slow her down and you are carried away VERY easily.
I may disagree with people, but I appreciate the conversation non-the- less. I believe it is important to bring up older building methods that people seem to have written off. Not always are they a waste of time. Sometimes it is worth while just to try something that one hasn't done before. We may find we like it.
Brian