HI ETpilot and Tom Nied, just my 2 bits- 1 of the last photos clearly show the rope is laid(sprialed) this will not allow the plane to sit easily in the loop- will keep pulling to the favoured side by the lay of the rope. I have used plaited rope (non-laid) and found no problems, I set the plane level by the horizontal stab both ways then see where the plumb bob sits(hangs off the cinch bolt in the centre) adding the weight then relevel the plane and recheck the p/bob. the stearman in my post 05-13-16 has had its 3rd flight today the last one by my hands(shaking) and went well till I touched the grass short of the runway(rudder to repair) but the plane sits in the air nice as does my hustler I just made a new fuselage for. found this the easiest CG check of the systems I had tried. works well so far, all the best for your checks and flights.