ORIGINAL: Bigshark
You are correct sir! The bottom is solid balsa sheet. I was incorrect on my "not sheeted at all" comment. The structure is not stick built then sheeted, it is more of a soft balsa box with lightening holes cut into it on the top and sides.
Regardless, the structure needs beefing up in my opinion. How did yours fair over time? What engine were you using? My tail shook so bady that the elevator was a blur after one season of flying.
So far so good, I agree that the ARF is prone to the "Shakes". I recovered it because the Yellow self paper went away. I did add some tri stock in the rear end to beef it up when it was naked. I also increased the rudder and added a flutes nose gear along with a bunch of other "junk" that I didn't need.
I like the kit better and I think it flys better. I've used several engines in mine. (Edson Mount) Old Red Head HB.61, Old OS 90 rear rocker, OS AX .75, K&B Sportster .65 and a OS Max H-80 rear carburetor.
In my opinion, I've found that over powering them does little for the model and there are better "Utillity" models for camera/bomb drop like the Flying King.
When my ARF goes away I'll stick to the kit built Telemasters.