Buzz,
Hemet is a nice field but about 30 min from me. I am a Riverside RC club member flying out of the Crowley field. Its 8 min from my house. Sounds like you are out in the Indio area?

$30 seems high for bearings. Don't know where you found them, but I'd suggest maybe BOCA or rcbearings.com if you haven't all ready.

I have to say it's pretty cool to see these classic birds in action, no matter what configuration they are in. You just can't go wrong showing up with one at one of these low key meets. There is all ways a real appreciation for not only the aircraft , but also the time and effort it takes to get one in the air. I say this because getting ready for a meet is what motivates me, not from any real competitive sense but just because its nice to hang out with the guys and learn/ relearn something new/old. Hmm, I think I'm beginning to sound like the poster child for the classic movement.

So to digress, just happy to hear you are taking an interest in your Curare and looking forward to seeing the developments. All though, I think the Webra raises the coolness factor.

Paul