Hi guys & gals:

Just joined this forum. Been building a 1/4 scale Gee Bee R-1 per Henry Haffke plans. I have some questions.

First, has anyone other than Henry sucessfully flown and landed this model? I have two RC friends who both crashed theirs on takeoff, so I'm looking for some validation that this aircraft will actually fly successfully.

Second, I need engine advice. Henry's plane weighed 15 lbs and he flew it with a Webra 90 swinging a 14x4 prop. If I hadn't seen his video I would not have believed this would be possible. After all the cowl is 15 inches in dia.

I expect mine to weigh about 18 lbs with a 3 1/2 lb engine. One possible candidate is the new Zenoah G-26 that should have about 15 lbs of thrust with a 16x 8 prop. What have others used and flown with successfully?

Any other advice and counsel would be appreciated.

Thanks