When you say bushings, are you talking about the bearings that support the shaft that goes through the gearbox?

Anyway, the Estarter used to come with the 350 motor (a modified 300 motor to make it more powerful) with C gearing (5.33:1) and, I think, a 1080 or a 1060 prop. The gearbox mounts on a 3/8" stick.

In Canada, I like dealing with www.backyardflying.com. Prices and service is good.

As far as taking off, if you can take off from the ground and like doing that and have no problems doing that, what's to stop you. I used to ROG my Slow Stick and BLT, but mostly toss them now. After I put the wing or the batteries in, the plane is already in my hand, so I just give it full throttle and send it on it's way.

Bystanders are more impressed with a proper take off though!