Dave,

Specs in standard, converted from metric:

Length 61.02
Span 69.68
Weight 7lb 11oz to 8lb 9.5oz (I haven't weighed mine yet)

There is another thread on the engine as I am getting some good help from RC Universe on that too. It is an OS 61 RF with a pump and a Hatori #650 pipe. I have started my benchrunning and tuning and am currently getting 10,800 on an APC 12X11 with 15% Nitro 18% Sythetic/Castor blend powermaster fuel. I am in the middle of doing a little more tweaking there...the pipe is currently at 14 1/2 inches.

The name of the elevator pushrod escapes me right now, but it is the graphite type arrow shaft. Not the lightest but it is definitely stiff. I like your suggestion to run the elevator servo on its side. Since the fuse is pretty narrow, I may be able to stack the elevator on top of the pull/pull rudder servo...got to think that through.

I compared the specs on the futaba servo you suggested to a couple JR servos. There is a DS8417 with a metal gear: 82oz .10/60 degrees at 4.8 volts ; 98oz .08/60 degrees at 6 volts price is $114. They also have a DS8231 with nylon gears: 88oz .22/60 degrees at 4.8 volts ; 113oz .19/60 degrees at 6 volts $89. The ladder is what they recommend for pattern and jets and it is probably a little cheaper because of nylon gears. Both are in the ballpark of what you are indicating though and I should be able to work from there.

I'll try to get some pics of what this kit looks like. Thanks for your taking the time to help me out. I'm all ears if you got anything else!

Tom