For those of you still following. I finally have the nobler flying well. Lets discuss the issues.

Problem: Short retract landing gear makes nose over in grass a problem.

Solution. Fly with C/G at 4" from leading edge of the wing. I know on the plans this is the most aft point, but the plane handles well and after 6 flights today only one tip over.

Problem: Retracts are weak due to cutting out for retract coil on wire.

Solution: I added a 1/4x1/4" spruce overlay on the rib that was cut out and currently the gear is strong enough for touch and go's

Problem: Engine reliability inverted

Solution: I bought a new saito .56 which is almost perfect for weight / balance with battery behind the trailing edge of the wing.

Problem: Linkage binds inside the fuse due to the 5 servos.

Solution: Build it as a big bird. Put 2 servos in the tail as a big bird and this cleans up the linkage

Problem: Weight

Solution: I put weight reducing holes in both sides of the fuse and the fuse top that the formers are glued on.
This took out enough weight to compensate for the 2 servos in the tail.

Problem: What to do with the engine offset in the fuse.

Solution: I put the engine straight and use rudder on take off.

Problem: Flaps cause plane to need excessive up elevator.

Solution: Mix flaps to elevator for up elevator.

The plane came in at 5 1/2# and flies well. There is yaw due to short coupled rudder and small size. This is not a major problem.

Landing with 3/4" of flaps and retracts down can be very slow and a 3 point nice landing.

Summary. I would not recommend for a beginner or pattern. For normal weekend flying it is cool to take off and pull up the retracts.

I take off pull up the gear, aileron roll and turn away from the field. It is finally flying nicely and landing well but the yaw is a nusiance.

If you are a proficient flier and builder this is a low cost way for retracts and flap fun. But I highly reco. the saito .56 for the power to weight and balance issues.

Happy flying.. Jim