Randy41,
"I do not use any of the strap type mounting.
Hanger 9 kits are noted for that.(junk)
Didnt like the rascal engine mount setup neither. "

Rather obvious you haven't built a Rascal as the aluminum straps mount to a wood beam! I've a .46 TT on mine. The aluminum mounting straps will fatigue and break. I've replaced mine with steel.

To all the nay-sayers about using a 40 Rascal as a trainer. With lowered rates the Rascal makes a fine trainer. It depends on the individual. Use an instructor on a buddy box and you will have no problem. It has no bad habits. Flys where you point it. Floats in for landings, and will fly as slow as my LT-40. It sure rolls better than my LT-40.

As far as taking off with a tail dragger, make sure the front wheels are towed-in slightly and that the tail wheel is properly aligned. Make some on the ground passes at slow speed. The aircraft should handle easily. If it doesn't something isn't set up right, fix it. If you can't have your instructor help you. Properly set up tail draggers are not that hard to take off, at least in my experience, a Four Star 40, 60 and the Rascal have been easy.

John