Fubar,

This is the .10 size Shrike from Tower Hobbies.

Alpha,

What did shipping cost you to get those to New Zealand? I don't understand what you mean that you have four models on the build from two kits. Taking the new guys from a trainer to a Shrike is going to be a serious step. The build isn't the issue, although good building habits are required. Its getting used to the aircraft.

With a .15 size in my first shrike I was able to handle things fairly well. The biggest problem is prospective. Many times I had to make a move with the sticks to see which way the model was going. Since this little dude goes where it is pointed, and in a big hurry, a person who becomes disoriented might freeze a little to long trying to figure out what is happening. I have seen some people solve this with making the top and bottom very different colors. I find this unattractive. We intend to initially build at least two in the Blue Angles color scheme. Another very nice thing about the smaller engine is weight. This thing will really come in with some beautiful nose high landings with a light wing loading. This aircraft will have an HB .25 crammed into it along with a 6 ounce fuel tank. I anticipate placing the battery in the tail to compensate for the nose weight.

The wing structure is designed to be light but sturdy. That is as long as you aren't over powering it! I am replacing the spars with Spruce reenforced with Carbon Fiber strips. It was a spar failure that took my last Shrike. The spar failed at the wing root.

Keep posting pictures of your build!