gtm,

Welcome! Glad you've caught "the bug" and are going to join us.

It sounds like you would like some feedback, so I will offer my comments (for what they are worth):

The extra retaining dowels at the leading edge of the wing are a good idea. Over the years, I have seen a few of the WM Mustangs' single plywood retaining tabs wear due to vibration at the center section.

It is good that all the control rods to the flying surfaces have Z-bends. If you are using metal clevises, I suggest using a nut hold the clevis tight. Again, I have seen vibration take its toll on the threads when this has not been done; resulting in effective loss of the control surface due to the clevis becoming stripped.

It is good that you have control going to both elevator halves. I would feel more comfortable with a carbon fiber rod (such as those available from Dave Brown, or at Central Hobbies), replacing the wood dowel and heat-shrink tubing, if you are racing in any class besides Bronze.

These race engines are very torquey. I strongly recommend you have a steerable tailwheel so you can make course corrections, as needed. Although my club's rules do not state anything specifically about this, as one of the SAM Contest Directors, I would have some concerns about the safety of operating as powerful an aircraft as this, without one -- especially in a crosswind. Safety is key, dead-sticks happen, and you may have to land suddenly with another plane still on the runway. You will want to be able to steer around another plane in such a situation. If for no other reason . . . to be competitive, consistency is the key; and, to ensure you get up and down consistently without damage and much wasted time on repairs stressing you out throughout the day (and cutting into your time to socialize and have fun with everyone come race day), a little work now will make you much happier in the long run.

Just my two-cents. I hope they are helpful. As a fellow Silver racer, I hope to meet you soon!

Ollie