Andy,

I'm sure the JR 285's are nice servo's but I suspect more in the range of the HS-55 class rather than the HS-65 class. The HS-55's are, as far as I'm concerned, 1/2A or foamie servos (25-30 oz max AUW aircraft) so I don't plan on using them on control surfaces. It seems like where things become interesting is with the JR Sport MC35's and the MN48's. The 48's are better suited to a 45-48" span models - they are largish. The 35's might be an interesting option. The specs off Horizon's site and those of the HS-65 for comparison are posted below in a JPG.

It appears that the Hitec's are the smallest, lightest and fastest. They compare favorably in price and torque with the MC35's. I think I'll stick with 65's for this size of aircraft and probably use 35's and 48's on 20 size models. BTW, the 65's come in a digital MG version too at about $45 [:-].

There are however, some very nice Hobbico (Tower) digitals for $30: the CS-110 (TS-110) and 115's. On paper, these appear to be very nice - similar in specs to the 48's but digital. For rudder one can use 115's for strength and on elevator and ailerons, 110's for speed. I actually plan to use these on two 20 size Tiporare builds when I'm done on the D10. I started a thread here:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8070218/tm.htm

On bench testing they appeared really fast and strong for their size.

The Midwest CF tubing looks good! It seems like there are other rod OD options too. I imagine the GP pushrods are similar although wider in diameter (0.3" - 7mm) and presumably thinner. I'll compare them to the Dave Brown shafts when I receive them.

Maybe swapping out your pushrods on the GS will help.

David.