Use high rates, definately. Better yet, dual rates. I lost mine because of some bad advice to that effect. Mine was heavy at about 13lbs. Glassed with one layer of resin and very thin spackling to fill the weave. Painted with Coverite spray. I used 2 TT.45's, plenty of power. We diagnosed my problem to setup on the gear and not enough throw on the elevator. I set the gear up so the plane sat level on the table. As it ran down the runway I noticed that the nose was a little down like it was plowing. This created a positive pressure on the wing top side along with insuficient elev throw and it was obvious I wasnt gonna get off the ground. Speed was not an issue. I throttled back too late and ran off the end of the runway which at first I didnt worry about. Turns out, I found a rock pile under the grass. Took out the entire fuse pod and bent the main gear struts. No other damage. If I were to build another, I would use 1/16" ply laminated to 1/8" balsa for the fuse pod instead of 3/16" balsa sheet. That and some triangle stock on the nose gear mount. When it busted loose, it took out everything in the fuse pod back to the leading edge of the wing. I also used 10 std servos, too heavy. That short cut was a big mistake. HS81's would work for the elevator and rudders. 2 on elevator and 2 on rudder. I sold the plane as is and will build a bigger one to lighten the wing loading some. Somebody else will have to tell you how it flys. Bummed! Oh well, NEXT PLANE!
Edwin