I fly the VQ Macchi with a 70 4 stroke. I had to replace the retracts when one of them broke. It is a pretty easy plane to fly. Take-offs are straight forward, just make sure it has plenty of speed before you break ground. Landings are nice. Except for the covering, I would recommend it as a first warbird. I use standard servos throughout. I also fly from a grass field, so increase the size of your wheels. There is a good thread here on the VQ Macchi.