Hi Paul,

Enjoy the Somethin' Extra. I've had two (crashed one, sold one) and have a 3rd kit that I might convert into electric. Watch the wing construction. If I remember correctly, you have to cut a tapered stick to put in some washout in the wing. But, mine went together pretty well. I really liked that bird.

Keep me in the loop with your SE. I seem to remember writing down some ideas that I had gleaned on line about different things to do on that kit build, if you are interested.

Mark Swanton was the one who had that Mid-Star. He had already had about 5-6 flights on it when you got there. He was burning fuel as fast as he could pump it in. At one point, I heard him comment that this was nis "...new Favorite Airplane".

I really liked the way that it flew. Yup, I immediately cancelled that 3rd H9 Twist.

I'll get the Mid-Star from our LHS, Hanson Hobby. My Saito 56 is well broken in and I've already checked, I have some 12x6 Scimitar props balanced and ready to go. And yes, I agree about the composite pushrods. I gave up on those nylon ones a long time ago. I already have a couple of ideas for finishes, but that's putting the cart before the horse. Thanks for the heads-up on those metallic finishes. I'm worried that they'll probably scratch when applied anyway.

Alex, did the LE come pre-shaped or do we have to carve that one (I'm always worried that I'll screw up the shape). As for the tail-dragger, the jury is still out but I'm leaning in that direction. It's just that I already have a lot of Tail Draggers and might just want something different. Still, it would save weight in the nose where I suspect that the Saito is heavier than the usual 40-sized engine.

I'm not being picky, but the LE in the photo (Post 4) looks a little 'sharp'. I'm saying that because I made my Four-Star 40 with the same sharp LE (got tired/scared of carving) and someone else made that comment at the field. They felt that it might make the airplane 'twitchy' in the pitch axis, which I have to agree with.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions so far....

Bob