Like I said, I hunted through every part in the kit numerous times looking for that part. Then in a moment of obsession, I read through the plans several times looking for anything that used that stick. Only then did I finally decide to cut it. Kind of silly if you saw my closet full of balsa!

Yes, it was intimidating to be on step 3 and already face such a problem. But after that, everything went smoothly.

Oh, in the Bluejay kit, the slots for stab and fin are not precut. You need to transfer the stab location to the part and cut it yourself. I did it before assembly by stacking the 2 sides together with a little double stick tape and cutting on a band saw. Turned out perfect. On the fin, I found it easier to cut the slot after the fuse top was glued on. Don't do any rounding on the fuse yet! Just plane the fuse top down to match the sides, good and square. Then you can measure to accurately mark the slot in the center of the fuse top and cut out with an X-acto and straight edge. Then you can use your razor plane to round the fuse out. Of course, it's much easier to do all the rounding before the stab and fin are glued in. But don't round the bottom of the fuse near the wing saddle or you'll have problems with the wing fillets.

Dave