First I have to thank you guys for a couple of things ... first being your own thanks of my "service" (i say "service" because really .. my job is to play with fun stuff for the army ... google up EOD ~Explosive Ordnance Disposal~ and you'll find our how easy i have it in the "service" ).... that gratitude is VERY appreciated by our military .... secondly I have to thank you for all of your replies.

I've been taking notes and paying attention to what you guys have to say.

I took it out to the field again today and had a LOT more success. The engine ran MUCH more consistantly (didn't shut off of its own accord). I ran a tank and a half through it and worked on the mixture as per the instructions. Tomorrow I'll be working on the Idle.

I know that joining/visiting the local club is important ... but given my situation (can you guys imagine how the Mrs. of 1 year would feel if i told her i was trotting off to the club and leaving her with the 6 month old baby not 2 weeks after i've gotten back from the desert???? ..... she'd be very displeased and I'm skinny enough as it is .. i don't need to be angering her and thus missing meals you know? ).

Really ... I have a very good/safe field 3/4 of a mile down the street from my house .... more hand-eye coordination/tactile skill than the average guy and confidence out the wahzoo. Also I FULLY understand that i AM going to crash this and every other plane ... and am almost ..........................almost......... looking forward to the challenge of putting it back together . (i think of it as a good fory into RC aircraft building :-D).

Anyways, thanks for your time folks and i'll keep you posted.