The Matrix is on the verge of revival. Last night I took out the two servos in the back and put in it's place a bell crank I got from an old Veko F3A (I forgot to list that in my crashed planes) supported by two 2mm plywood inserts CA'd into the original servo slots. I'm not sure it will work since the originaly bellcrank width was too short and I had to CA a carbon fiber rod to extend it. Also, I'm new to using CA for structural parts so I'm hoping it will stay together.

Anyway, this has transformed the weight of the plane. As many people have referred to in many posts, servos in the tail have enormous "moment" that needs to be countered by a very heavy nose. By replacing the two servos, I no longer have to put 2 5 cell (c-type) batteries next to the firewall to balance it. In fact, the battery now can be located at the CG. I've also been able to move the tank closer to the CG. I can also use a smaller battery back as well, to reduce the weight. Imagine that, all from moving those two servos.

Now to change to prop to 12 x 7, install the push rods from the bellcrank to the elevator (original ones are now too short) and fly!!! (next weekend unfortunately)