Danny,
Congrats on the baby's arrival! I'm excited for you. Isn't it even bigger than you thought? Especially in the chord and airfoil thickness! And it's so long. Make sure you ask about all the improvements that can be made, some that should be made and a couple that almost have to be made! I had mine for over two years before I started working on it. I was new and realised that I had to ease into the sport and so did other things to get stick time. I've been flying electric for some time lately. (UCD EP, the "baby brother" of the U-Can-Do line) I am almost spoiled! 20 minutes per charge and no fuel/mess or starting issues. I do however look forward to smell of the fuel and oil in the morning again! In the last couple of months however I found this forum and wass blown away with the tone. Very helpful and an actual pleasure to pop in and see what's on the post now and then!. I owe it to the guys that have been sharing it with me, to pass along some hints about the build and the plane itself. And I would hope and expect that they would pop in and fill in where it's needed here. All you need do is ask ask more than one person is likely to help you out with-in 24 hours!

As for your motor choices, and I am only echoing the masters here as I wait to finish my baby, anything at or above a .46 AX with a 2 stroke, and at or above a .70 for the four strokes is sufficient for easy"fun" flying. And yes, your standard servos will work but at a cost in several factors, speed, torque and centering among them. The rudder needs your best servo. The control surfaces are just so darned big that a lot of force will be spent on moving them and holding them in one place. Fly with what you've got and you'll likely have a great time lazily flying around, but don't go speeding it around or you may find some controls not responding on a permanent basis! And I also have heard that it is almost a must to reinforce the landing gear section of the fuse. Also be careful of the turtledeck as it is only soft balsa stringers and not sheeted so a thumb can easily break it in. Build it straight and balance her out good and it should serve you well.

Hey guys! My Saito FA-82A is officially on it's way!! I went with Hobby Warehouse in Richmond, Minn. for $229 and $7 S/H. I should see it early next week! I can't wait. I am not sure what FS fuel we have around here though and really don't know what to go with since this is my first 4 stroke. What are you guys burning in these motors? And what glow plug do you like? I have a wonderful test stand and will be lovingly breaking it in for a while with a big grin on my face!

That should cover it, except that I have a cartoon for you guys that haven't already seen it. I got a kick out of.

Bye now,
Bliss