Thanks, Yel914! Man - I didn't realize how close my color scheme was to yours! Wasn't trying to copy it. I browsed every SSE thread I could find for pics and also images.google.com for inspiration. That cowl you have installed is pretty slick along with the red nose cone. Who makes the cowl?

Regarding my build... Aileron control rods assembled and installed.



Installed the Rx switch and battery.



Construction for the most part is complete so I got the plane balanced. Hung from the nose cone bolt and tail gear using 40# fishing line.



To add weight to the light side I used a piece of fishing line looped around the end cap and added split shot until it balanced. Can see this hanging off the wing tip above.



After I got it balanced I weighed the lead - 16 grams. Took the lead off the line and put in a small pile on the garage floor (concrete) and hit it with a propane torch for about 10 seconds which caused the lead to melt and puddle. I then clamped the lead it in my vice to texture it so it'd have a rough surface for the epoxy to stick to. Clipped off a small chunk to account for the weight of the expoxy I'd use to glue it in place. Used a toothpick to run the epoxy up the sides of the lead as well so this won't break loose after covering.



CG length-wise ended up being 1/4" behind the wing spar with my battery placed just behind the fuel tank - think I should be set.

somegeek