Thanks for the tips guys.

Cryhavoc - yes, been playing around with a sim, but I have to say that apart from, basic left right orientation when starting, sims haven't done much good for me. Taught my friend to fly with a sim and a Slow stick and you could really tell the difference after he had clocked in a few hours on the sim. However, past that stage, I actually find it much, much easier to fly the manouvres with the real thing compared to on the sim. Then again, I'm only using FMS. Just starting to learn basic pattern flying and it seems that its so much easier to execute a given manouvre with a bigger plane; was wondering if that applied to 3D stuff as well.

Doug - yes, been doing a bit of reading and I understand the Magic tends to build out nose heavy. Really hate adding lead to a plane so that was why I was thinking of putting the .32 in. Was just concerned that it wouldn't have enough power. Guess it does! Actually, come to think of it, I have a .25 FX as well, perhaps I'll try it with that and an MCP if the .32 proves sufficient.

buildflycrash - thanks for the setup tips. actually paid under 70USD for the Magic, so I really couldn't say no! Yep, the Magic's gonna be by proving ground for what works and what doesn't. Don't know enough to get these things right first time round so I'm gonna try everything on the 2 Magics and once I'm satisfied or they're dead, will probably start building something from plans or a kit.

Thanks!