Wow....I didn't think there was anymore of these around, I've had one for 8yrs. YES they definately tipstall. They are fine if you keep a slight bit of power to them in the final. Don't try to glide it in though. Keep at least some power until lined up, then still keep power to it until about a foot off the deck. It's decently stable at altitude and power, just don't try to glide it around.
That's about all you can do to help the stalling tendencies, it's all in technique. Get the correct technique and you'll be fine. It will definately help you when moving on to different planes, it taught me a ton. Practice, practice, practice, and once you can land this thing, you'll grease anything in.
The plastic will go away on you. StansFiberTech had all the replacement components in fiberglass last I checked, about 2yrs ago. I replaced most all of mine over time. I wouldn't do it right away, but over time if your plane lasts, it's a nice way to upgrade the little plane.
Also being short-coupled it WILL get loose if you want. I've had 2 engines in mine, first one being an OS61 4-stroke, it's been in it for most of it's time. I did install the OS70 surpass for a short time, found that the plane is an animal with that engine. It will do whatever you want. I opted for another plane to go with the 70 though. Went back to the 61, and got the same old plane.
Topflight's LustreKote RoyalBlue matches the blue that adorns the rest of the plane(if yours is blue/white, mine happens to be).
How old is the kit? I'm wondering, I saw them in the magazines for years, so I know they sold the heck out of them. I got one of the first runs, so I had to wing it quite a bit when building it, if I remember, it was a very poorly equipped kit.
If assembled correctly you will have a cool plane. Mine has come to be an old favorite in my fleet. So far, not to many repairs. At least lately. Once I figured out how to land the stinkin thing, I've had virtually no problems. Send me a PM or an e-mail as to how your doing with it. I might have a pic or 2 of mine also.
I still cant believe after all these years that thing is still coming up.
