After reviewing my previous post, I would like to add a few negative comments, in order to project a more balanced opinion. I will attempt to divide these comments respective to engine, and plane.

Negative Comments Part One:

The installation of the TT Pro 46 engine would have been easier if the needle valve protruded straight out, rather than at an angle, as it does. This angle is intended to provide a safer, and more convenient method of adjustment. This angle also makes for a more challenging installation. It would be less of a problem if the needle valve was of the remote type, at the rear of the motor.

I dislike the appearance of the large side-mounted muffler, and find that it detracts from the otherwise clean lines, and physical beauty, of the Rascal. This is, of course, subjective.

After removing the internal baffle plate, I find a slight increase in power from the engine, and a slightly more desirable tone from the muffler. This, without any noticeable increase in objectionable sound level, or apparent decrease of engine longevity. Be advised that you may find the opposite to be true.

I do not care for the long, skinny, Phillips head bolt and nut system that holds the muffler parts together. This could be replaced with a larger diameter Allen head bolt and nut assembly, without too great a penalty in additional weight.

I replaced all of the Phillips head engine hold-down screws with Allen head cap screws, as I find the former to be harder to tighten, and easier to damage, than the latter.

Ditto for the bolts that attach the engine mounting plates to the fuselage, and be sure to use Loctite thread locker, to prevent engine vibration from loosening same.

You must also drill two additional holes into the side of the fuselage in order to access the muffler attachment bolts, and take care not to over tork these bolts, or you will distort the shape of the cylinder wall.

Negative Comments Part Two:

The main landing gear attachment block needs to be reinforced, and will fail under minimal stress if left in stock configuration. This can be rectified with the addition of a small wooden block, and some epoxy.

Attention must be paid to the heat sealing of all seams in the covering material. If left unattended, the Oracover panels can become detached, with alarming results. It is necessary to go over the entire surface of the plane with an iron. Omit this step at your own demise.

All joints in the fuselage that can be reached should be reinforced with either epoxy, or cyanoacrylate, as the adhesive used by the manufacturer may be less than ideal.

The tremendous forces generated by negative air pressures on the wing surfaces when in flight can exceed the ability of certain structural joints to maintain integrity. The weak link appears to be at the root edge of each wing half. Should the outer panel of the wing become detached from the inner rib at this point, the results can be catastrophic, and this area needs to be reinforced.

Negative Comments Part Three:

I can't think of anything more to say on this subject for now, so I'll reserve the right to add more at another time.

Thank you, and good day. Mike :sleeping: