I searched all over to find this thread. Nothing on RCGroups other than my question.

I take that back. I did find a thread by Ksonn. Unfortunately it is not a step by step build that I prefer. Installing retracts etc. It is also several years old and Ksonn didn't keep the plane.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=382085

The following is what I posted at rcgroups.
Do any of you know if this one being sold by icare is the exact same one you are getting from czech? Might save some time. I'm going to call icare.

Are you guys using retract doors to cover the hole for retracts? Did plane come with the doors cut out or with wood reinforcement for you to easily mount the retracts?

http://www.icare-rc.com/l39_albatros.htm

Says it's 1/8th scale, 48" span, 58" length. I've found some info on Schreiner/ Savex L39 and appears similar. Maybe the same. Saw a video of Chris True's that was REALLY fast. For the size this one is priced pretty well at $550. $49 get flaps, $225 gets retract ready and a set of retracts, $185 gets a cusom paint job. I'd go for all that for $1,060. Better fly nice for that.

Anyway, has anyone done a build thread on this bird?

Also waiting for Tam to finish his F16 with a package for retracts and whatever is needed to make doors open and close. Will be worth the wait for him to get a complete kit and assembly guide together.
And still waiting for retract ready version of Aeronaut Panther.

Carl