Not a Duraplane, but I have a Spad Debonair (I think it was the inspiration for the Duraplane) that I've been flying for four years. Its flown off grass, water, and snow. Its run into trees, had hard landings, and even suffered a broken spar about 150 feet up over water. With an RNAF wing and dual aileron servos, and a a TT Pro 46 on the nose, it flies like a dream. Just cuz its ugly on the ground, doesn't mean its ugly in the air. And when the wind kicks up, I can fly it without worries. I was flying it in March off 6 inches of snow and ice in a 20-25mph wind (from the National Weather Service data). And I have enough plastic in my workshop to rebuild it many times over should the need arise.

And don't forget, the F-14 is living proof that if you give it a big enough engine, you can make a brick fly.

Brad