Making slow progress - no time. Ran a 24x10 2-blade and got almost 6K rpm. Dropped a 22x8 and bumped the rpm up to 7K. The thing really screams now. Need to get a different instrument so that I can measure the static thrust better - my arms aren't that well calibrated, but I can really tell there's a big difference in pulling power.

Would like to try a 23x10 and a 23x8, by modifying 24 inch props down to 23. However, I think I've got the one I'll start flying with in the 22x8.

Just using TopFlight wood props - cheaper to test with. Very noisy at the 7K rpm range - I think its mostly due to the higher engine RPM, cold temps and lack of any foliage to dampen the sound. The prop tip speed is higher, but the difference between the 24x10 and 22x8 is only 30 mph - not enough, I don't think, to account for the drastic change in noise volume. Did not notice this much difference between the 3-blade prop and the 24x10. The 22x8 is just louder at all RPM levels.

Just have to balance it and figure out a way to keep the sliding canopy closed and its ready for flight. No way to get anymore weight out of the tail now, so I'm stuck with adding to the nose. Have pushed everything forward that I can move. With the short nose on this bird, the penalty is awful.

Thanks for your suggestions.