nchrome,

Nice to hear from an Invader pilot! I recognized Dan's retracts as D&B's as well. The vinyl endcaps on the cylinders are a dead give-away. I considered the drilling-out option for the 3/16 wires, too. I want to get them on-hand, look them over closely though before I make any final mods-descisions.

Once the construction is done and I'm plumbing the retracts, I'll make sure to level the airframe and measure out the nose gear. I'll make the appropriate adjustment to the axels I'm planning on using. I always leave about a 1/2" "x-tra" when cutting the wires to allow for a final leveling. I mark the wires, remove the axles and cut them flush with the knuckle then grind a flat for the set screw.
That's great advice, thanks!

I've never flown BlueBird engines but I suspect that these are proto-typical of other Chinese 2-strokes. They were purchased 20+ years ago by my Uncle and I was given them after he passed away. They're NIB with all the paperwork so I'll break them in as directed. As far as 45's go, I'm thinking that they'll most likely be average powerplants.

Did you use the stock, metal motor mounts? I'm not too sure about them. They don't look terribly robust for 45 size displacements.

I'm assembling the woods I'll need. Fortunately, I already have a nice on-hand supply of balsa and plys from Balsa USA so the blocks and assorted edge stock is about all I'm going to have to buy. Again, those Fliteskins will come later on after I recover from the retract expense, lol.

PM