Again, many thanks for all the thoughtful responses.

But the more I look into this, the more I wonder if this airplane (78" @ 1100 square inches) is really too small for a gasser. More correctly, is it too small for the extra weight involved?

I was checking out my pal's WH 28% Extra yesterday. By the time you add up an ignition battery/switch, an extra (redundant) rx battery and switch- which I think is a GREAT idea- and the extra weight of the engine/muffler (as opposed to the weight of a glow engine/muffler), you're talking several extra pounds. I'm sure the airplane will fly well with that weight, especially since the power will be more than enough. But will it turn into a landing pig due to the increased wing loading?

You would think that, after almost 20 years in this hobby, I would be able to make a decision like this rather easily... But there is much to consider, as this is new ground for me.

Time to back off and study some more. But it seems like the more I study, the more confused I get...[&o]