ORIGINAL: silver.kiwi
Thanks to all for your imput. I have one on order as we speak and your comments have been very helpful in making the decision. Da rock, if that is a recent photo, then I have little to worry about with the covering. I'm still hoping my chosen engine (Saito FA-80) is going to give me as good performance as this plane deserves. At 7.5 lbs. max weight it should, but it still looks like most of you are using stronger engines so I have some doubts.
The original was a kit that built heavier than today's ARF by way more than a pound. And most people back then flew them with 60s. They flew so good the design is still around. So don't let the doubts bother you too much.
Your plane will be more than a pound lighter and your engine will be equal in power. It'll fly better than the one that started the legend.
The pictures with the 2bladed prop were taken back in 06. It's been flying since Fall with the 3blade, so if the picture shows a 3blade, it's how it looks now. Monokote and Ultracote keep their looks for years.