About to finish an OLD A-4 by Yellow. OS 91, Dynamax and scale wing, though it's not going to be "scale". This will be a sport flyer, hopefully.

I have two sets of directions, one set from a newer (not mine) model.

Do I have to reinforce the wing/fuselage joint with additional fiberglass tape? The old directions show it, the newer version does not. I've epoxied them on with West Systems and milled glass filler following the newer directions so far.

Secondly, the old directions show a cheater hole in the intake plenum, drawing air from the nose gear retract area. From my calculations, this appears necessary-the intakes are about 1.75" radius (1/2 circle), making a combined area of about 10 square inches; well rounded, smooth lips (reminds me of a girl I once knew...). Is the cheat inlet needed? The ducting is not "full-flow".

How is this beast to take off and fly? There really doesn't look like much wing area there.

Thanks in advance-I've learned a TON through this forum and appreciate any advice.