2x4s??? Chevy 350 engine??? Rumors???

Well, let's see. First, I'm one of the guys who advised against removing the fuse lightening knockouts. That advice was given after seeing two of these models break one or both fuselage sides right above the lower wing saddle during hard landings. I guess you're an expert pilot and never make a less-than-perfect landing.

Second, I don't deal in rumors without specifically stating such. Below is the CG Ultimate I built 10 years ago. Sorry for the poor reproduction, but I don't have a scanner and was in a hurry. The model had an OS 120 Surpass turning a Graupner 14x7 3-blader, which was plenty of power for normal aerobatics. The model was not over-weight, and it did indeed fall like a brick dead stick. As long as you kept it diving, you were okay; but better be in a position to set it down NOW when you flared.

The fuselage is weakened by removing those cut-outs. The airplane has a lot of drag and does not glide well. Those are facts, not rumors.

Steve