I'm new to EF-1 and decided to start with an ARF to get in the air quickly and test the EF-1 waters as soon as possible. I do prefer to build from a kit and I'm working on abstaining a Nemesis from Andy Adamisin as soon as the kit is available.

In the meantime I purchased an E-Flite Shoestring directly from Horizon Hobbies. Before purchasing a did some research on the different ARF's approved for EF-1. The reviews on the Shoestring pointed to several issues with the model from some of the least experienced builders which I dismissed in consideration that other builders gave it very good reviews. After all I considered I should have heeded the advice of some of these modelers since I have found their claims to be substantiated.

The main issue that most all builders encountered is with the fit and ease of removal and replacement for the canopy. Seems that cowl is fitted so tight to the top rear portion of the second former that there is not enough clearance for the canopy to slide underneath when one installs it and will hit the leading edge of the canopy will hit the lip of the cowl when attempting to remove it that it becomes impossible for the rear canopy hook latches to release.

I contacted Horizon Customer Service and they were extremely responsive to my complaint. They overnight a new cowl for my to try and it arrived the next day. Unfortunately the problem still persist. It seems to me this is a design problem and a generic problem at that. There is at least one review on YouTube that shows the exact similar problem [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdppoqxIv_U](See the 3:27 minute of the video)[/link] and the same complaint on the Horizon Review page for the Shoestring.[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/shoestring-15e-arf-EFL4205#t3](CLIK HERE)[/link].

Now my question is; Is anyone out there that experienced the same problem and has come up with a work-around to solve this problem? I really think this is the best flyer from all the approved ARF's available and if this issue can be resolved I will like to keep the plane.