Hi Jim and Porcia

Appreciate both of you chiming in - thanks. Yes, NP hasn't a clue. The tech I was conversing with had an RC car as his/her avatar - I think that says enough... trying to talk planes!! Sheesh!

Porcia, yes the controls are working the way they should (ie. back stick, up elevator, etc). And the CG is definitely within the range specified in the (appalling) manual! This one not only came with the prop installed on the motor, but a spare as well (good job as I now have a busted original after the 3rd, or 4th, nosedive). Getting old one off, new one on could be yest another challenge as they're pressed onto the shaft.

Once I have done that and glued the fuse, which has split in 1/2 for about 6-8" behind the engine mount, I will try just gliding it. Also, as I mentioned in a post to Jim. I'll try a left hand launch (that will be interesting!) with full up elevator. It dived so dramatically that I don't see much else to do. If both these fail, I will strip out the gear and happily put a match to it - I'm really in no mood to fool with it anymore. I've been looking at the Delta Ray from Horizon - looks good too.

Cheers