I just finished a kit-built 4*40 as a second plane and now have four flights on it. 1) mine is a rocket with a 46FX so yours should fly fine on the 40LA without modifying the wing. 2) I used the stock tailwheel and it seems to work just fine- there seems to be very little stress on it. 3) I didn't build a special cowling but I have seen a post somewhere on this board that points to a site that shows how to build one. 4) It flys very stable but its much quicker than my LT-40. It seems like the 4* will turn a loop in about a 5' diameter at high rates.

If you have dual-rates then set low rates at around 65% with 20% exponential to start with. The recommended rates are good for flying once you get the hang of it but would be tough for a relative beginner to land with.

Add whatever you want to in order to dress it up. Also, I rounded the upper deck to the fuse at the front on mine and it looks great. Since you are looking at a kit you will have a choice of colors and patterns- be sure to keep visibility in mind.

As for landing it does tend to float, but not nearly as much as my LT-40. I was flying in a slight crosswind this afternoon and the big trainer took some work to keep it level on approach. The 4* didn't even seem to notice the cross-wind! For those of us that are used to big-winged trainers, landing the 4* is a breeze.