I am also thinking about building the TF SPit myself but thought i better hold off for a while untill im done building the kit im on right now> I think you could get a hardwood dowl from the hobbyshop or a craft store and instead use a longer cure time epoxy ie(45+) and use teh milled fiber glass and glass cloth to reinforce the dowel once its in the elevator. But then your looking at around the same weight as the original torque rod that it came with. with the wood idea i dont know what your planning on doing with this plane(I would think scale flying, not any aerobatics that would put that much stress on the rod....) Oh ohh another idea would be to install a dual elevator pushrods and link em. (example Gp extra 300s.60)That way you would forget about the torque rod and not even worry about the stress issue. Also you might think of installing a YS1.10 fz for the power to make it a little nose heavy.(they fly better that way just because of the planes flight characteristics)That way no extra "nasty" lead weight would be added to the nose that is just freakin dumb..... I hate adding weight. I dont think you will have much of an issue with ys1.10. Great engine at any attitude and you wont worry about a weight problem. IF you like the Ys engine, I got one from Central Hobbies for $323.something. Ample power and just a great engine. Good luck with the kit. Keep those pics hh come'n . Can t wait to hear about it when it flys. my 2 cents