All problems solved!!! It was a combination of things including rotating the butterfly the wrong way and having it mounted on the shaft incorrectly. Upon more careful inspection, daylight could be seen at the edges of the butterfly allowing enough air to pass through even when it was fully closed.

Engine hand starts fine, idles fine, and runs up fine, thanks to the suggestions here and from my fellow club members.

This week I'll get used to ground handling and over the weekend, hopefully, I'll put it in the air!

Thanks again.