In hindsite, I would have been better off stripping the entire machine and recovering it. As it was, I kept the stock red where possible, and I've had some trouble with the leading edge seams not sticking too well - but considering it's an ARF and all, it still came out pretty good.
I also realize, now that I'm paying more attention, that I never really answered your first question, as to setups and such!!!
I should be able to dig the Triplane out of the garage not this weekend, but next weekend for sure, and I'll measure things like the actual throws I use, as well as where the CG finally ended up (I used the scientific approach of adding noseweight to the cowl until I was comfortable in the air!).
Hopefully this will help for that all important first flight. I again point out that the one unpardonable sin with this machine is to attempt a flight when tailheavy!!![X(]
'til later,
Lee McDuffee
the WinterHawke