Hi EF,
I also had a Smith Mini Plane in the 90's and I flew it until the air frame started to come apart. The model weighed 7lbs. and had unlimited vertical performance with an ENYA 45 2S. This plane is a blast to fly and a joy to land. It will do almost anything you can think of in the air. I would recommend you use a large diameter prop and a low pitch that suits your motor. You want lots of pull for aerobatics, not speed. A big, low pitch prop helps to set up landings that just sink right in on a steady glide slope while using a low power setting. I wish I still had mine, it was such a perfect size to take to the field, already assembled and ready to go. Enjoy!! Rick