I used to fly a CRESSLINE StarChaser canard-pusher. As I remember, it didn't need a long takeoff roll. But the decalage was OPPOSITE of this Nitro Long EZ. On the StarChaser, the main wing was set at 0 degrees incidence and the canard wing at positive 2 degrees. On the Nitro, the main wing is positive 2.5 and the canard is zero. Perhaps this is the reason for the long takeoff roll??? Any aerodynamics experts out there who can provide an opinion on this?
Hey, this would be a good thread topic for the aerodynamics forum.
You know what.... I think Andy Lennon's book about model aeronautics has a chapter on the design of a canard pusher. I'll scan it at breakfast and see if his design discussion says anything about that.