Hi Mark, (3D Romeo)

1). Yes throw them away. I would think the GP nylon hinges or robarts would be fine. I used the dubro 1/4 scale pinned hinges. maybe a little overkill, but i figured with all the wild manuvers it wouldn't hurt. when you enlarge the slots the saw dust stays in side. looks kind of funny.

2) I have a saito 80 in mine and used the regular mount. so far no problems. just make sure you use nylon lock nuts or lock tight to prevent them coming loose from vibration.

3) You will need to get a bigger gear with that prop. i am running a 13 x 6 and i barely had cleareance with the regular gear. the tips were green from cutting the grass. i went to a bigger gear and 3" wheels and everything is cool now.

4) I just used the regular pushrods. the y on the elevator and a straight on the rudder. so far no problems. although i am thinking about putting pull-pull on the rudder. only because i like pull-pull.

5) I replaced the tail wheel with a spring tail, sullivan. easier to install and no cutting into the rudder. easier for repairs

6) I balanced mine like the book said and used the control and expo settings with my JR 8103. if you have a computer radio, use it on this baby.

7) I replaced all my rods and clevises with 4-40 hardware. again i figured due to the stress on some of the manuvers, i figured the 4-40 wouldn't flex. take the hardware from the kit and donate it. first of all it is metric, which means you have to use metric clevises. if something happened at the field and you needed to replace one, using a standard one on metric rods is a disaster waiting to happen. second of all i think it is junk.

8). i added two small blocks and about halfway back in the hatch opening, just past the servos going towards the tail, of the radio gear. mine belliied out a little so i added the blocks and drilled holes to put servo screws for added support and to eliminate the droop. .

you will love this plane. it makes me look like a better flier than I am. i am just starting to catch onto hanging it and rolling it on the prop. can't wait for this lousy weather to break to get more flight time in.
Bill