THANK YOU, BLUE MAX! You da man!

I found an old bolt that looked "close" but had paint or epoxy on most of the shank...pulled off the boom, and just tried to turn it in for kicks, and lo and behold IT FIT! Couldn't find another in my box-o-bolts, though. So I put that one in, and it locked the boom down nice and tight. The other side the plastic screw was holding very well, so I decided to go fly again.

I took all the expo out of the elevator, and gave it a bit more throw, too. (Felt way too mushy yesterday). I also realized that I had a couple of MM's of droop in the ailerons (like flaperons), so I readjusted that to be perfectly aligned with the wing. With that change, I decided not to change too many other things - especially the CG, and fly it again. BIG DIFFERENCE! I had to put down trim in it (started with the settings from yesterday). So that was a good sign. I also switched from the 11x8 Zinger wood to an APC 11x7, and leaned out the motor (yesterday it was running at break in settings - two-stroking, but still spitting a lot of oil... It flew MUCH better! I didn't have to keep it at full throttle the entire flight, which was good. It had decent speed - still not HOLY ***** FAST, but very acceptable.

I will let the motor continue to break in - see what it's like after the first gallon. If I'm still wanting that speed, I think I'll need to upgrade to an OS 75 AX ringed motor. Has anyone compared this to the Tower 75 ABC? It's about $100 apart in price...but the real question is performance?

Anyway, my second gallon, I think I'll switch to 30% Cool Power Heli fuel - which is great for motors that are not cooled by the prop-blast, plus, it's got twice as much nitro, which will add more power AND cool it more. So we'll see... I will also try the 11x8 again now that it's breaking in more...

The plane flew as expected today...nice and smooth. Low passes with the gear up were SA-WEET! Landings were nice, it settles in really nice with just a click or two above idle. It's a keeper for sure!

Can't wait to go again tomorrow....just wish we could get an overcast day already...it is HOT HOT HOT here in Palm Beach, FL!

Cya!
Mark