I have been flying the extra special, basically the same plane just a different profile, for the last 4 years. I never thought the plane would last this long, but I now consider the plane the most reliable and relaxing plane to fly that I own. If I were to build another I would recommend all of the above modifications, plus a couple of additional reinforcements. The plans call for you to trim away the outer balsa sheeting so that the gear sits somewhat flush with the fuselage. I built it as instructed and this makes this area of the plane to become very weak and makes it prone to breaking. I would recommend just bolting the gear to the balsa itself or if you are hard on your planes also using some 1/8 ply on either side of the gear mount to make this problem area "rock solid" Also the landing gear that came with the plane was very soft and was very prone to flattening out, I have replaced with the dubro gear and absolutely love them. I orignally built this plane to be as light as I could by replacing some of the very hard balsa that came in the kit with some lighter stuff I had sitting around. I also tried using some lighter components like a ThunderTiger 42 and hitec225 servos and without much trying I was able to get the plane light enough to hover with the TT42 and a 10x4 prop. 1 month ago I doinked her in and ripped the nose off (From all of the landing gear repairs) I have just about got her all fixed up and ready to fly again. I just need a quick trip to Home depot to get some longer bolts for attaching the landing gear over the new reinforcing plates I needed to apply. I also upgraded the engine to 46fx and this should make this plane a rocket. Good luck with yours!

- JK