I recently built the GP Giles 202. The instructions were good with one major exception. I put an OS .61FX with a slimline pitts muffler. I also installed a Hangar 9 remote glow plug adapter and a great planes easy fueler valve. I used FMA high torque, high speed servos throughout. I mounted the rudder servo in the rear and with the battey a few inches back into the rear turtle deck it balanced perfectly. The model came out a lil heavier than some that I read reviews on. Mine weighed 7lbs5oz ready to fly. I also modified a few things such as I sheeted the inside cockpit area with thin balsa sheet to support a pilot easier. I also fiberglassed the center of the wing. So these things may explain teh lil extra weight. Since I just bought this kit a little over a month ago from tower hobbies I assumed that it had the new control throws,...WRONG. Luckily,... one of our clubs best pilots was doing the test flight for me. Upon take off,..."it wouldnt taxi at all on grass without tipping over, but thankfully we have a nice paved runway" the plane acted very squirley using the throws listed in the instructions. The plane stalled upon landing and twisted the gear up very badly and demolished the wheel pants. Notice I said twisted the gear. The plane didnt have a scratch on it. This plane has to have the toughest landing gear setup than on any plane I have ever seen, so hats off to Mike and Ann Marie Cross for that. I also tried something new when I built the plane I didnt use Epoxy on the gear plate I used Bob Smith IC200 black rubberized CA, and it held every bit as good or maybe better who knows. After the bad landing I couldnt figure out the problem so I went to Great Planes site and it was then I found out that my kit had the old control throws listed. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper but I emailed Great Planes and the rep offered me a new gear set to replace the damage. So All in all I'm very impresed with Great Planes. Also do to it raining almost every day that I plan to fly. I havent got to see how it flies with the new throws.

Johnny Millwood