The Kraft retracts (and I think that there are modern equivalents) just use Servo motors inside (1 in each retract) so they draw similar power. They plug in just like a servo too (an amplifier about the size of a micro servo plugs into your retract channel and 3 wires from it pluig into the retracts. I have never had one hang up in all the years (too many!) that I have used them.

I hear good things about the Spring Airs. ONly thing is I constantly hear "I cant use retracts I fly off grass" which leaves me to believe that some retracts are not that strong. I have always flown off grass with the Krafts and never had any issues.

My Curare is coming along. I was delighted to find that the 6S 500 battery from my Trex 600 fits in just fine under the canopy. I just have to make the decision - to glass or to monokote. I am leaning towards the latter for weight - but still have a hankering after that gleaming epoxy finish! Silly really - once they are 5 feet away you cant tell!

I am quite tempted by the Atlas that DOn mentions - it would be an ideal home for one of my Webra 61 Rear exhaust motors. Cant have too many pattern planes!

I would like to enter a BPA contest - but to do so it either means an long trip (I live in Maryland) or tryng to get a group together and create an event up here. Anyone reading this interested?

Anyway ... let us know how your build goes!