I have this plane and have been flying it for over a year, Don't even think about putting a 61 size engine in it!!!! I have an mds 48 in mine and it flies straight up no problem!!! It is a very solid plane, would be great for a beginner as it is a high wing plane, it has large ailerons so it rolls very nice, floats forever on landing, has a tendency to be a bit bouncy with the wire landing gear which is very rugged, wheels are very large, great for grass fields!!! The engine mounts at a weird angle hence the muffler being under the plane , but it keeps most of the plane oil free. I rigged mine so i can take the pilot and machine gun off as it flies better without the drag from the pilot head, it interferes with the rudder airflow. I also did not use the flying wires, they are only for show so i decided to not use em. I used a williams brother machine gun, looks a lot better. make sure you fuel proof the fuel tank compartment as my fuel tank leaked, the replacement tank sent by hanger nine leaked!! I ended up using a different tank altogether. It is a very rugged plane, i have bounced mine in very hard a few times and no problems, lots of room for radio gear, I also installed a voltwatch on the outside near the on/off switch. Many people have commented on the plane and it is fun to fly, I would recommend it to anyone. If you get it good luck to ya.. Butch in Niagara Falls NY