Well...got my Venus II in the air today. Went with a basic setup now with the tank up front. Plan to move it back soon and add a perry pump, which I've had sitting around for several years. Saw a lot of bubbles in the line at anything above half throttle, so kept it fairly mellow. Could only find an APC 16-10 at the local shop and need to get a 16-8 or 15-10. Got about 7500 rpm with the 16-10 using 10% powermaster fuel.

basic setup is:

OS 120AX with Bisson muffler (previously used engine)
Ailerons - S3152 digitals
Elevators - S3152 digitals
Rudder - Hitec 605BB analog
Throttle - S5101 analog
Futaba 7C transmitter and 617 receiver
Weight: 8 lb 1 oz without cowl or wheel pants. Needed 3/4 oz lead on the tail with the battery right under the wing bolts.

Plan to upgrade the battery and rudder servo at some point. Trying to use what I have for now.

Still have a lot to learn, so I'm starting basic for now. I'll be focused on basic trimming when I can get a calm day before winter sets in. Nice plane so far.