One word of caution about riping out the ny-rod and installing the servos back at the control surfaces. That my give you better response, but it helps to have the servos in the front to balance out the weight of the engine in the back. If you add additional weight to the rear, you will need to mount pounds of counter weight in the nose.

I don't have experience with this particular aircraft, but I do with the Northstar. Both were designed by the same guy.

Good luck!