Hey Guys, a little controversy is good for any thread. Actually I did hit the pole or more accurately clipped the pole with the right wing tip. Part of the reason it came down so hard was that the sheeting on the right wing was up about an inch and I'm sure it was catching some air.

Ever since I got my first Patty I didn't like that fact that I couldn't get back to my ignition switch or my fuel filler without going through contortion exercises with my hand. After the crash and seeing what I was up against, made the decision to remove the top, pretty easy. BTW others have had similar crash damage.

Now I have to say that this wasn't my first big plane, I have a couple of other big ones that I have flown and landed successfully. This was one of those times. I will say that only an experienced modeler should attempt this if they want to do so.

And like John said, it is my airplane. I will continue to provide progress reports as I go.

Right now I am considering possibly using carbon fiber tape to reinforce the plywood. It would save on some weight.

Andy