RE: GP Pitts Special
I've got one with a Brisson 3.2. Empty weight of 16 1/2 pounds. It will do all the manuvers, including knife edge circle into a knife edge loop. Unlimited vertical performance.
It likes to land fast. Wheel landings are better for ground handeling. 3 point landings can develop a scary bounce. Keep the speed up on landing and don't cut the throttle until you are certain to make the runway. Flat approaches with power make the landing easier to manage.
Keep an eye on the upper cabane mounting brackets. The forward set on mine broke after 12 flights. Not a big deal, just check them before each flight.
Without going into the background, it flys (and lands) very much like the full scale Pitts. It's a balls to the wall, hang on, but please stay ahead of it kind of airplane.