Dave, I actually omitted the balsa blocks to just show the nose gear orietation. I have drawn in the balsa blocks to carve out the nose. A fiberglass cowl would be nice but one would need to use a motor mount like a Dave Brown mount for engine installation. That would be a lot less work. Good idea! I will ponder it. As for projected weight I am aiming at around 3-1/2 to 4 lbs. The original was 5 to 6 lbs with the plans stating model weight at 55 oz. I have all of the bonner servos and flight gear to compare. The original carried a little over 23 oz of radio gear. Now I know I can reduce that. The OS is about the same weight as the K&B so that's a swap. I think using a good selection of wood and eliminating some of the unecessary items the overall projected weight could be reached. I plan to finish this one in plastic film but my other will be silk and dope. Still, if applied well I should be able to get close to my desired weight.

Pimmnz, I agree. If built correctly it should fly well. Just think, Tom won the world champs with this model on reeds. If you ever flown reeds you can appreciate the skill! Servos with the speed of a modern retract servo. 5 buttons with only elevator trim!!

Should have some fuselage pictures tomorrow.

Bob Harris