This is soresoar, logging in from a different computer -

The plane is a Sportsman Aviation (Hobby People) Sport Stik .40. I tried easing up the throttle to take off and it was even worse. Consensus at the field is that my tail gear is a piece and needs to be replaced. I have a new one on order.

We tried an experiment at the field, which was to have a helper hold the plane while I gunned it to WOT, and then let go. At that point, there was airflow over the rudder and the takeoff roll was perfect, requiring just a touch of right rudder.

The major problem time is above the speed when the miserable tail wheel is effective, and below the speed when the rudder is effective.