RE: Patriot XL modifications
Make sure your nosegear strut is plenty long so your plane does not have negative angle of attack sitting on the ground. Otherwise, you may have trouble taking off, especially grass runway. I solved my nose down attitude problem by throwing in 15-20 degrees flaps for take off. Minimize epoxy in low stress areas to keep flying weight under 11 lbs and you will have more fun flying. I used the Titanium struts from Central Hobbies, cheap/light/strong, rather than the standard metal wire struts to keep the weight down. I think gear doors look nice but a bit more hassle to maintain, did not bother with them on mine.