I need a little help with my first 60 to 90 size 3D plane.

I’ve been flying for a couple of years now. My electro-mechanical building skills are good, but as far as the air-frames go, I can put together a 80%-90% ARF, and that’s about it (but I can make small balsa-MonoKote repairs) … Plus, with work, I don’t really have the time to build a plane from a kit (I would never get to the field to actually fly anything) … The ARFs take long enough for me. After 2 high wing trainers (.46) and a Four Star 40 (.46), I think I’m ready to move up to a bigger 60-sized airplane. I bought the Seagull Edge 540 – 68”.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=SEA4000

Especially at first, I’ll be flying the Edge real easy … basic sport flying. I can do the basic aerobatics on the Four Star 40 and not crash, but that’s about the extent of my skill level. I guess I’m finally at an Intermediate skill level, but the Four Star is still challenging at times, especially in gusty conditions. I’ll keep practicing and pushing myself on the Four-Star all summer until the Edge is ready.

I don’t want the Edge to be under-powered (and you can always throttle back … right?) so I’m thinking about buying a OS .91fx 2-stroke for it (but I’m still open for suggestions on the engine). I would like to cut the cowl as little as possible to keep the sharp scale look of the plane. I had originally thought about getting a OS .91 4-stroke (because of the small exhaust tube and impact on the cowling), but after I saw the price with built-in fuel pump and the lower b-hp, I think I have decided against getting my first 4-stroke, and stick with the 2-stokes that I’m more familiar with … I just wish the stock 2-stroke mufflers were smaller.