Thanks for your observations rustypep, along with all your wing loading calculations, but weight IS a real issue where 3D flying is concerned. True, the size and design of a airplane will make it better suited for some maneuvers. But if your engine won't hang it on the prop for maneuvers like a torque roll, or give you adequate vertical pull out power, you could have a wing loading of 1 and it still wouldn't be of any use. I'm not one of those pilots that require my airplanes to blast out of a hover like a rocket, but there is a certain safety in being able to pull out when things go awry down on the deck. This wouldn't be of any concern to those of you just doing lazy circles around the field, but for those of us that are into 3D flying this is a major factor when deciding on an airframe.

Also, while there is no arguing that a big 4-Stroke would be an excellent choice for the Obsession. Just as several people have mentioned that the O.S. 1.60 is a great match for this airplane. The original thread starter (taildragger21), as well as with myself, were more interested in whether a gas engine could be used on this airplane with any success? We both don't like big Glow engines, and are looking for something to put a Gas engine on.

The Funtana X 100 review I was referring to was indeed the one in Model Airplane News (Sept 2006), and something you brought up about the SFG's was also one of my major concerns. They do look dangerously close to the ground in the only photo they show of it on the ground! I was wondering whether they could even be used off of a grass field, like I fly off of? I guess I'll find out when the plane arrives later this week.

It sounds like we both agree that the Obsession is a very impressive looking airplane though! I just wish it was a little better suited to my MVVS 1.60 engine, or any other gas engine for that matter. []