Hey all, thanks for your responses and advice. I have flown a few other models, specifically a Carl Goldberg Matrix 40 (3D aircraft) powered by a Saito .72 four stroke (it'll go virtical out of sight, and I can do many 3D maneuvers with it) as well as a small electric p-51 (I'm actually building a second scale electric p-51 now with robart retracts and flaps) however, it's size made it's flight characteristics a bit unrealistic. I have experience with full scale tail draggers (Aeronica Champion) so I'm familiar with the principles behind take off in such a plane. I also have RealFlight which I could practice with before hand. But all that aside, it could still be too much of a jump. I would really like to give it a shot, but I would hate to smash the thing on the first go. It sounds like the gear would be fine, especially since my LT40 weighs about 11 pounds and the engine handles it without any trouble. I would have expected the SD to weigh more than it does. It really sounds like a lot of fun, however, it would be the most difficult take off and landing I've yet experienced. The Matrix is actually easier on takeoff and landing than my LT40 since it's so rediculously overpowered. If I set it on it's tale and gave it full throttle it would probably take off virtically. The P-51 is no help either, most of the time I just hand launched it. It would definitely be my first scale model, and it may be too much. At any rate, thanks again for your responses!