Hi Joe the mini-mach does have the older 44 and it is manual start. It wasn't too bad to lift the wing to start it but there are places a door or hatch could be placed for starter wand access. I did not cut access because I would like to put one of Wren's starters with integral FOD screens on it and just use a pulse switch in the hatch area to start.

This plane flew great with no bad tendencies. With full flaps the plane requires ample power on landing which is great practice for landing heavier loaded planes. The plane only weighs 11 lbs. empty with full UAT but it is still the largest airframe I have seen the 44 in . On take off there was no lack of power and and the plane climbed out with authority. Take off roll was maybe 80 feet but the plane was ready to rotate sooner. Almost no trim was needed. It was a bit windy at 20 to 25 mph. but the plane handled fine.

This project started out one day flying and I jokingly asked Bob Leserve to scale down one of his Jetmachs for a 44 sized engine. A couple monts later he gave me the cut parts and I ended up with a mini-mach. Since then several people have asked about it. Maybe we can get Bob to kit it.[:-]