Ed Cregger: as far as the Dirty Birdy goes, I can tell you this. I built one two winters ago from the RCM plan. The engine compartment is very tight. You will probably have to widen and lengthen it for a 91 four stroke. As far as balance goes, my suggestion is to definitely lengthen the fuselage. With a Rossi 61 and a minipipe, I wound up being significantly nose heavy and had to add weight into a compartment I built into the tail. Since I added the weight so long ago, I can't recall exactly how much, but I think it was at least two ounces. That said I think it came out at around 7.5 pounds, I think this is about half a pound lighter than the plans say. The fuselage was a pain because of all the sanding, shaping etc and took quite a bit of time. It could be lightened quite a bit, 3/8 balsa as a fuselage top isn't light! The wing is easy to build. If you are into foam, Dynamic Balsa has the cores. I think they may even have the stabilizer cores as well. The work was worth it, its a great flying plane. In my opinion, smooth and greaceful describe how it flies. I almost flies itself.

As far as a NE chapter of SPA goes, that's a good idea, although with two kids under 5, I doubt I'd have the time to actively compete at a serious level. I simply don't have the time to practice at a competitive level. I build these old designs because they fly so darn good. I never attended an SPA meet, but it sounds like low key, low pressure and fun. If you have any questions on the Dirty Birdy, there are many on RCU that have built it and give good advice. That's whats so great about this hobby.