davidej,

I also built the 70" Storch many years ago from the Dennis Bryant plans. I had a saito .45 four-stroke in it and it flew OK but I had the same experience as you did. I really liked the plane though, and the plans and construction were really nice, so I enlarged the plans to about 104" for a gasoline engine (G23). It weighs 14+ lbs.

On the bigger one I reduced the wing incidence somewhat and it flies much better and handles more like a big Cub. When I put the flaps down there is very little pitch change, too. I have to use the rudder a lot when flying it to keep from skidding or slipping in turns. I've had the bigger Storch for probably 10 years now and I love it! I take it out for a couple of sessions each year for some interesting STOL flying.

Since yours is already built it might be difficult to change the wing incidence without tearing apart the cabin area but if you're going to strip it down it might be worth considering.

Jim