Well, I have finally completed the build and I must say that for a first time plane it was not something I would recommend but it is also not out of the question for a first timer. I will have to get one more complaint out about this thread. It is not what I expected from a build thread. I expected far more active involvement by the authors/reps. Here is a list of my thoughts on the build:

1. Do not expect much out of the construction manual if you have never built a flat foam model before. Still not sure why they do not have a short section in the front of the manual or even just posted on their website detailing the basics of flat foam and carbon tube construction. They would only need to write this part once and use it for all their planes. The manual itself does cover the build with reasonable detail if you are familiar with the process.

2. The structure of the plane is quite rigid and appears to be a good one.

3. I loosened up all the hing and pivot joints before assembly but the aileron control servo will not self center when the TX stick is returned to neutral. I should have sanded, reamed and fiddled until all of these joints worked with absolutely no resistance. Though that was discussed in this forum I had no idea of the amount of time that it would take to achieve this. I apparently did not get it right.

4. My kit had a set of those very brittle hing clips. All of which broke when attaching the ailerons to the wing. GP sent me a new set and they worked fine. To all who wrote that these clips were breaking due to improper handling, you were wrong they were defective. The new ones went on without a single problem and without any changes in handling. I will just forget the clips and use hinge tape next time.

5. Finally, through all my rookie mistakes, the fuselage is not completely straight. Not all my fault since some of the foam pieces were quite warped when I opened the box.

The two questions I have remaining are:

Would Teflon or graphite based lubricants help to reduce the stiffness in the ailerons and will the plane suffer horribly if all surfaces are not in absolute alignment. I do not think that anything is out by more than a 1/16!QUOT!.

I apologize to all of you experienced builders who might view this post as a whiny newbie. I think it is the newbies that need the help and hope you all can continue to provide it. Thanks.