Hiya,
I built one of these and powered with an Astro 05 FAI, 2.38-1 gearbox. Flies nice, and built out at 3lbs RTF.
Went ahead and cut new tail parts from the plans. Mine were throughly die-smashed as well.
HS-81's work great.
Won't take off from our grass field with wheelpants, but that's to be expected (I took 'em off).
It's a sharp little plane.
Too bad I bought a boat and now I'm selling (see elecs for sale).
Whodathunk a 30HP marine diesel engine costs $8000... snif!