I tried several different props this evening. The best turns out to be the one recommended by Fox -- a 9x6. It turns at between 11100 and 11500rpm. (Lord knows how you folks get better than 18,000rpm out of a .25). The motor is still in the break-in period (probably only a dozen heat cycles so far) but I don't see it
gaining five or six thousand rpm without a replacement of crankcase and crank. :>

The plane weighs in at about 3lb 2oz (empty tank). Balances between 1.5 and 1.75" back from the leading edge (using the string method).

I have a TT GP .25 and an HB .25 as well. I suspect that if I cannot launch it tomorrow with the new prop I'll have to change motors.

And, yes, the control surfaces moved in the right direction (up is up like a regular plane).