I am using the semi-flexable Sullivan 4-40 rods. I'm using Rocket City control horns, and DuBro 4-40 ball links on all servo horns.

I've gotta say- my rods are bulletproof so far. I have no control surface flutter or flexing under heavy loads.

The MDS 148 was not enough power at this altitude. I had to add a lot of down elevator on loops and it had very poor vertical. Plane was about 11.75 pounds at the time.

I've made some pretty serious modifications since the first few flights.

Tank (18oz) was moved back to the CG and I had to move my rudder servo back to accomadate the new tank location.

Perry VP-20 oscillating pump with bypass loop back to the tank.

Super Tigre 3000 engine with a MA Schimitar 18-10 prop.

It hovers now.

I had to chop my cowl up a bit to accept the new ST3000. I put the pump on the motor and installed a bypass loop with a T and put a check valve in the bypass line going back to the tank. Without the bypass loop, the engine was getting too much fuel, so I installed the T and ran a line back to the third hole in the tank stopper. This allows for positive fuel flow to the carb, but directs excess fuel back to the tank. The check valve in the bypass line allows fuel to pass back into the tank, but stops air from being sucked back up the line when the tank gets low.

When I initially installed the sT3000 engine, I had to add 2.5oz of tailweight for balance. By moving my rudder servo back a little and taking the tank weight off the nose, I was able to remove 1.5oz from the tail. I have the plane balanced level with 1oz on the tail. I'm balance at the recommended point per the instruction book. 5 5/8" back I think.

Plane flys well now.

I think the MDS 2.18 would be rediculously overpowered at lower altitudes. But, I like rediculously overpowered planes. I say, go for it. Make sure you break the MDS in with low nitro fuel on a test stand before mounting it in your plane. My experience has been that they are a bit unreliable untill they have at least 1 gallon of fuel run through.

I use Omega 5% (pink) fuel in my ST and MDS engines. Both for break-in and flying. They run fine.

You might want to glass your firewall or add some other pretty serious reinforcement to it before putting that MDS 2.18 on the plane. Some have had experiences with the firewall weakening under the loads of the bigger motors.

Good luck with it, and let me know how it turns out.