Hi ffkiwi. Thanks for all the info. I did realize what I was getting into and knew about the old FF models having all that weight for engine, coil, and battery. I previously built a 60" R/C version from a plan that Stu Richmond drew up for Model Builder Magazine and powered it with a K&B Sportster .20 engine. I was able to get all the equipment (3 servos, battery, and rx) up against the firewall because the fuselage is so deep up front. It's natural balance was at 50% and flew fine like that. I flew it at a Little Rock SMALL one year and had to sell it to a guy that loves old timers and made an offer I couldn't turn down. On this BMJR version the equipment is behind a bulkhead that is an inch behind the firewall. The plans called for the servos to be further back, I flipped the part they mount into to get them forward. A design change would give a little edge there but I wanted to use the kit parts. I did grade all the 3/16" sticks and used all the lighter material toward the rear. Anyway, the two thermals I hooked yesterday made the whole project worthwhile. FWIW I still don't have it balanced as far forward as BMJR indicates, it's like around 40% and the first few attempts where at 60%. The large horizontal area at the long tail moment helps. It flies with an appreciable amount of down trim in the climb and a slight amount for the glide.