Just info guys and gals on watching details. I took the herk out yesterday to fly. The field was marginal with grass mowed only a short distance, but given a 10 mph head wind take off did not appear to be an issue. (remember 4 saito .30's) not over powered.

I fired the plane up and began normal engine set up. It has been about 4 months since the bird has been up. I noticed #2 engine not responding when the other 3 engines went to full power. #2 stayed at 3000 rpm. I looked closer and noticed the throttle was still closed. I pushed on the throttle arm and found the barrel was stuck from the 4 months downtime. After moving the throttle the plastic clevis stripped out. So I benched the bird and tried a field repair. After the repair I could get full throttle but the engine was way out of rpm range with the others. So I packed up and went home. Remember details, details details are what keeps these birds in the air. Can't get into the workshop now plane will have to wait until contractors complete painting. Next week I'll have it ready again. Best of luck and Bill what about the weight..? Jim