One major issue with the inverted engine is getting to the booster once the engine starts. To do this you have to reach under the model which means some one has to pick it up. I dont want to depend on fellow modellers each time I start the thing and there are always chances of accidents when two people are on the same model.

While seting up the plane, I noticed that the tank outlet was inline with the crankshaft. But at full tank, the carb still drips fuel. I am going to get my instructor to review it. In any case, inverted engine inside cowl means I cannot get to the head to scrub it (with soap and toothbrush followed by full drying with hair drier) after flying ends for the day. Since I am using 20% castor, this means that the inverted head will gunk out quickly and overheat and hence I feel that it should be mounted atleast 90Deg.

The engine probably cutoff as it was too rich. We didnt actually run-in the engine much on the deck, we were still running-in it in the air, so it was very rich anyway. In the few rolls prior to the dead-stick, I did notice the RPM starting to drop (from the sound) so I resisted doing loops. I think this should resolve once at full power, first 4-5 flights will be heavily rich. In any case, being a 3d-capable plane, the Topstar flies slooooowly (you know what I mean) so can be flown and landed leisurely even in dead-stick.

As of now, I dont have my own vehicle. I take to the field by Cab and / or usually with someone who can give me a lift. To save weight, I dont have a foam stand and electric starter and I start by hand. Having started with CI engines my flicking technique is well developed and I have had hardly any knuckle raps in the year and half I am flying (that doesnt mean I am not cautious).

Ameyam