Scratcher - A flat plate is easy to build and it will work for any scale. It's not as efficient, but it works. But, an airfoiled tail is always better and usually lighter. I just built and fully-sheeted a tail for a .40 size model and it weighs 2.1 oz. A flat plat of the same size would have weighed at least an ounce more, been more flexible and less efficient.

I think the reason the tail is above the wing is because of down-wash coming from the wing. The classic Ugly Stik has the stabilizer on the bottom of the fuselage and it works fine.

However, if you're building a precision aerobat, the relationship is important. You start your design using the best info you have and then build the second prototype using what you learn from the first.

There are no magic formulas. All designs are a compromise to get it to do what you want it to do as closely as possible, but the intent of the aircraft is the most important thing. Too many people DO NOT clearly define what they want before they start building. They say something generic and meaningless, like, "I want a plane that is aerobatic and flies well." OK, tell me one plane that doesn't fit that description. Actually - don't. I know there are a lot of dogs out there, but any decent design will fit that description.

My point being, before you ever start you need clearly defined design goals.

- Paul