Three years ago I built a Sig Astro Hog. It is beautiful -- but a bit of a pig -- it's flying weight came in at just under 10 lbs instead of the recommended 7-1/2 lbs. I flew it 4 times powered by a Thunder Tiger .61. It required the full length of our club's 300 ft. asphalt runway to get airborne and the ailerons did not have much authority on take-off, however, once airborne it seemed to fly well -- but very fast.

A friend who assisted me said that the extra weight really did make the airplane a pig and that I should simply shelve the Hog and chalk up its loss as a learning experience -- which I did. Since that time, I have relocated and the local R/C club has a grass field. Now I'm considering pulling the Hog off the shelf and refitting it with a set of 2" longer landing gear (it's a tricycle) and a Saito .91 4-stroke to provide for extra power on take-off since I'll be flying off grass instead of asphalt.

I would greatly appreciate any pilot's insights and opinions as to whether the above plan is practical -- or should I leave the Hog on the shelf.

Many thanks,

JDPORKER