The engine is mounted on a radial mount, so any position is possible. Yes, Altair 1 had a side mount which is generally considered to be better for fuel draw in all attitudes in non-pumped engines. They are also a little easier to get at, and don't require a remote start adapter for the glo-plug, no chance of "hydrolock" etc. The inverted engine gives a nice clean line, and probably looks best. The original King Altair had the inverted engine.

Actually, I've had minimal problems with the inverted engine set-up, and "Altair #2", the one I'm about to finish up, has the inverted engine with accessibility hatch, and the full 80" wingspan, (as per the plans). In all other respects, it looks exactly like the one pictured above that I lost.

The plane is very easy to fly, very graceful in the air, and due to the relatively thicker wing, flys at a more constant speed in the downlines with an overall speed a little less than most 60s-70s pattern planes----it looks more like a first generation 2-meter plane in the air.

I am hoping people will give the new kit a try:

www.homeandhobbysolutions.com

Duane