The final and most time consuming step is canopy installation.

Over the years, I have tried different glues on canopy. From R/C-56, to slow cured epoxy. Unfortunately, none of them works for me, until my friend Alex Lau recommended this super glue from Japan. This thing is a one part glue that dries completely in 24 hours. After it's dried, the only way the canopy will come lose again is by cutting it open physically.

I know different installer uses different method to install canopies, but I've always used my own and have had good luck with it. I first use low stick 3M painter masking tape to mask the contour area right below the canopy to prevent glue from over-spilling during application. Then, lightly roughen the two contact area before applying glue. After canopy set in place for a few minutes, I placed work towels over it, and wrap it around tightly with masking tape and let it dry for 24 hours.

The final weight came out to 4.95 kg:-

Fuse - 3,870 g
Wing - 1,080 g

As mentioned before, I'm using the wider canard type gear, which is 30 g heavier than the supplied one. In addition, I can further reduce weight by using lipo. However, I'm not going to change anything until after I've trim out the plane.

Since I have had no prior experience on the cdi, I took the plane to the field yesterday to get used to operating on the engine. Initially, I was having some trouble getting the engine to run. Right after it's started, it would quit within seconds, it didn't matter whether I open or close the needle. Then, I remember Alex told me one of the area I should always pay attention to is to make sure the spark plug cable is firmly connected to the plug.

As soon as I took off the bellypan, I could tell the cable is lose. After I've reconnected the cable, and tap it firmly onto the plug, the engine started right a way. I ran the engine for a few minutes on 18.5x12 wpn, 30% heli with regular oil, it settled on 1,700 idle and 7,500 on full throttle. First impression was initial throttle response is slightly slower than regular 170, but I'm using a special Akiba throttle curve. Therefore, may have to readjust it a little. Otherwise, it runs very smoothly.

List of equipment used:-

Engine - YS 170 with YS mount & cdi
Prop - APC 18.5x12 wpn
Fuel - Coolpower 30% heli
Header & pipe - Hatori # 822 & # 821
Rx - R6008HS
Ail - S9154 x 2
Rud - S9156
Ele - S9650 x 2
Thr - S9650
Battery - 4.8v, 2,000 mAh niMh

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate this weekend for test flight.