RE: center of gravity
As mentioned in the previous post. If it is a high wing plane measure back from the leading edge of the wing (on the bottom) about 25% of the chord ( the distance from leading edge to trailing edge) and put a mark close to the side of the fuselage (on each wing). You can then pick plane up using your finger tips on those marks and the plane should sit level or a bit nose down. If it is a low wing plane, do the same except put the marks on the top of each wing and turn the plane upside down to balance. Pretty basic but it gets you pretty close....