The actual Stearman was designed for a big heavy radial engine. Therefore, short nose-long tail. To get a fairly accurate model of the plane you have to follow the same outline. Most models come out tail heavy, and I've found this to be true of the Midwest, Sterling, Royal, and Ziroli designs. Expect to add lead to the nose, or strap on a heavy engine (ie Nick Ziroli flys the 77" stearman with a 7.5 pound Robart radial). The one exception is possible the Flair (1/4 scale) which is designed around the relatively light Laser 4 cycle engines and uses very light construction techniques. The new Great Planes Super Stearman might be another exception, but I haven't seen one yet.

Even with the extra nose weight most of these models still fly very well if set up properly.