Well, William the zig-zag joint I mentioned shows up only on my prototype fuselage sides pictured. Instead of waiting for a full sheet I just pieced one up for the prototype build. As for being tail heavy that is a good possibility as many of the older models had the heavier gear. I do share your thoughts on the airfoil design. The original kit, if built per the die-cutting can put positive ( as much as 2 degrees below rib centerline at rear) washout on the wing. This may account for some of the notorious snaps mentioned on landings.

I am leaning toward a OS 32 for power on this prototype but have a K&B Greenhead 45 stored away for my personal model for the VRCS. Much too fast for my reed system (my thumbs!!) but may put one of my older systems in it for nostalgic purposes!

I too have redesigned quite a bit on this model mostly to be easier for the average modeler to build as well as to decrease the overall weight of the finished model. The spars on my design are 3/32 plywood. Unfortunately Hal used balsa spars in many of his designs back then. This brought on the reputation of his designs having weak wings. When I redesigned the Champ for early RC a few years before his death I also went with plywood spars. Hal thought this was a good idea. Even though he had never experienced a wing failure on any of his prototypes.

I agree the original nose gear arrangement was a bit strange and cumbersome. Show in this picture is the modification made to use a standard Sig nose gear assembly but located in the original position. The mounting block is laser cut for quick assembly. Not show here but on the final plans is just mounting the nose gear conventionally. Easier and less time consuming. I also placed the original nose gear from the kit. I believe it was a Tatone product.

Again I welcome any comments on this build. I am not sure how well the Perigee will sell for Early RC. I just enjoy doing the design work on some of the vintage models for them. I agree it was not the most popular design for that era and had a bad reputation for slow speed handling. I personally liked the overall looks and hopefully have tamed some of her wild habits for todays fliers!

Bob Harris