Cliff, I am still trying to figure out how to use this forum so bear with me. My Macchi flew for the first time on Monday the 8-21-06. The plane has been modified so it has retractable main landing gear and working split flaps. The final weight of the plane was 10 1/2 lbs. It took 1 1/2 lbs of lead in the nose to balance it on the main spar. I used a .91 magnum 2 stroke for power, making about 10 lbs. of thrust. The plane flew very nice with only a small trim adjustment. The flaps did not cause any up or down pitch problems. The retracts are the great planes .60 size mechanical type with 3/16 wire struts. They handled the weight of the plane with no problem and looks good in the air....Bob