HI ROTARYPHILE! Sounds like you have given VTOL tailstanders alot more thought than I have! I like the idea of working some RC car hardware in also! Mine is going to have 3 identical delta wings[120 degrees apart], and an .061 stationed between each wing, also 120 degrees apart. The center section will look like a rocket fuselage with the ability for the nosecone to telescope in and out via a winch servo. That's how I will do the CG shift, and hopefully come up with something that is stable while in descent. If the 3 engine idea proves to be too much of a handfull, I'll just stick a .15CVA in the nose. I'll start a thread on it this winter in the 1/2A forum, see you there!