Just an update.. I have the fuse sides glued w/doublers. Never saw such crooked wood before. My home made parts were better than the fuse parts so far. I have done nothing to reinforce the retracts, and I would expect them to fail on landing as built as per directions. I have decided to use micro 30 oz torque servos for the elev and rud, and mount in the tail as big bird. This clears up a lot of room inside the fuse and prevents problems with rods hitting the flap servo.

I will use the La .46.. (used but still ok for a new bird and never crashed). The engine will have a remote glow so I don't have to reach under the plane.

Retracts really concern me,, clearance for the actuation rod and strength. I wonder if other gold edition kits have such poor part fit as this one, and weak design around the retracts.

Directions are not very clear for installation of retracts. They could have made a precut ply rib to allow fit of the retracts vs. having to grind here for fit.

Also note, instructions state use 6 min epoxy to join the firewall halves. (warning,, it is my understanding 6 min is NOT fuel proof) I never use 6 min where fuel will be such as engine mounts. I only use 30 min or longer. But I could be wrong here buy why chance it.

I will take some pics later today.. Jim