Gee, glad to hear many of you found the same things I did. This model just won't let you go, even with all the negative post. The balance of the bad is made in the positive as well. From the bad experiences and from the good, we all learn which is the point of this site. Thanks for both. Thanks also to RCU for making this site available.

Responses to some of the questions. No wires for me. From what I could tell, the directions state that the wires are really for appearance only and serve no support function. A good friend and experienced RC builder/pilot suggested to avoid the hassle - no wires. I agreed. I have a trailer to transport, but can't fit the Pitts fully assembled in the trailer. Sure wish I could, but not worth going with a larger trailer. If I had, well, then the trailer wouldn't fit in the garage.

I decided to use vinyl decals vs the ones that come with the kit. This allowed me to make the decals larger and add a few extras. Had fun personalizing the model by using decals calling it "Pitts Extreme" rather than Pitts S. I will add pictures of the decals when I return from a business trip later in the week. Really added a nice touch. At least I think it did.

Thanks for the comments regarding flight characteristics. I hear ya Capt. Hal. I too have read the post and the MAN review about flight characteristics. Power on landings to keep it intact.

I did pin and fiberglass the firewall. I used 10, 1/8" dowel pins and then added the fiberglass and tri stock on the inside and outside of the mounting box. Then added fiberglass. All this was highly recommended by other thread post on the Pitts.... I also had the newer production models with the beefed up mounting box and added hard wood. I used socket head 440 screws on all wood holes for the Cabane and 440 socket head machines screws for the mid wing strut connections. I learned this after breaking a screw head off and nearly destroying the mounting hole for the Cabane. Thanks to a good friend and excellent builder, I had some help in getting this repaired and back on track. Thanks, Chuck!!!

Sounds like many of you found that to do it right, this model required many more hours than expected to get it ready for a gas engine and to complete. Like I said, I have roughly 100 hours in mine. I just took my time and kept focused. It's amazing how the little things can take so long. Nothing is ever as simple as it seems . :stupid: One master builder in our club has 1800 hours in a plans built beautiful B-25. So, I guess I have no complaints. See the model on our website under war-birds. http://www.rocketcityrc.com/

I will add extra pictures with an update on the maiden flight hopefully this weekend. Wish me luck. And for good weather too.