Tiger, you've just described how this plane performed for me. Heck out of the box I had to spend and afternoon getting all the wrinckles out. After a couple of flights all the scheme started to peel off, specially from the tail (tower sent me a new set of tail after complained) and the picture does not show it but it is actully peeling. I don't fly this plane any more I harvested all the equipment for another model. Other than that once in the air she is a beauty. I tried different types of tires/wheels and replaced the wire landing gear for the alluminum set which help in reducing the bouncing just a bit. One thing I must say about my model at least is that she took a beating since day one and never gave up on me she still looks good and at times i pull it down from storage to get some dust off. You are doing a great job with this build keep it up. Oh the stock engine (tower 46) on my plane had to be replaced as well out of the box it came with a defect, but tower exchanged it no questions asked. You will have fun with this plane and you really don't need anything higher than a .40 in her.
Keep em coming.