BTW...Mine came out at 18.2 pounds and I had to add 9 ounces of lead to the nose to get the airplane to balance at the forward CG mark. I'll attribute the added weight due to the pneumatic brake system which the brakes were aft of the CG datum and not benefiting to using the Kavan brake system which adds 2 ounces to the nose. I'm sure that I'll be able to pull an ounce or two out and move the CG toward the aft of the range but for right now I like how she handles. This jet has a lot of wing area and had no problem doing what I wanted it to do. She does land very nicely.
I almost forgot to mention that I didn't have a single problem with melting Monokote yesterday. I used my start tube during the start and just after shutdown and not even a sag anywhere aft of the turbine exhaust. Bruce is correct, when the engine is running there's nothing to worry about. Only during start and possibly during shutdown. The 8" stove pipe worked great for me.
If you guys want further details about my configuration drop me a line.
I'm off to the post office to get my paperwork to the AMA
Cheers,