Some encouraging news guys. I got myself a fish scale and measured what I've got left

Fuse + stabs + batteries and switches - 11 lbs 10 Oz
R Wing 1 14
L Wing 1 14
Prop 6 Oz
Hatch 7 Oz
Cowling 8 Oz (YES, it is that solid ... and heavy). This is also after I cut out a considerable ammount on the bottom to have it fit my DA50 and its standard muffler

That brings it to 16 lbs 11 Oz. The only thing I haven't done is put the spinner on. But even if you add 6-8 Oz for the spinner, you will still come in at 17-18 lbs with a DA fiddy. As of now, I think I should have no problem balancing the model at the recommended CG, even without using a spinner. It just hurts so much to plunker down another 50-85 dollars in cash, just for an "ornament" that only adds unnecessary weight.

I will be on a TDY (outside assignment) for the next week and a half. Had not that been the case, I could've maidened at the latest by this weekend. But as is such, this isn't going to happen until next weekend at the earliest (probably later than that)... sigh ... []