Update for those interested. The plane is now flight ready but hasn't gone to the field.

The saito 1.8 with spinner and prop came out right at 9#'s total weight. I had to add about 14 oz to the nose to balance. The CG is just behing the 4" recommended but less than the "advanced" range so it is in the ok to fly range. Total weight now is 9#14oz just under the box target weight. No fuel of course which will add 16 oz for flying.

The engine is almost totall in the cowl exclusive of the valve cover tops. I used the stock muffler vs pitts and a 1/2" copper tube to extend the exhaust to the left lower side of the cowl. I cut air exits for the engine in the cowl and they don't show from the sides or top. Hopefully they are large enough.

Hardware,, I had 1 clevis that was bent and I could not use it and 2 screws that attach the wing were missing but promptly sent when I called.

The plane looks like a hot dogger just setting on the bench. I probably will later (after test flying) add wing attachment bolts from the inside the fuse vs. under the wing bottom.

I managed to chip a 1/8"x1/4" spot on the black paint which touched up easily

The rec. was mounted on the left side of the fuse (2.4) so there would be no wires to be close to the antenna.

The throttle servo was mounted on the right side of the fuse in front of the cg.

Both (dual 6V) were installed forward of the fuse on the sides of the fuse in front of the wing tube mounted in foam.

I mounted the on/off switch internally with wire pull on/off through the side of the fuse.

One of the cross ply (1/8") supports were broken in the fuse when I opened the box. The really don't do much so I cut it out clean.

I used a fuel filler in the cowl for fueling. Just didn't want the ugly duckling tubes hanging out like I normally do.

Wheels are light foam, don't know how they will hold up on our grass bumpy field but we will find out.

Control throws are set very close to the manual. I will fly low rates with no mix for the first flight.

98 today so too hot to play with engine. It should be ok as it was removed from my Stinson and it preformed well there.

Prop is 16x8 classic series. Ok,, better probs but no local hobby shop and it bites to pay the postage for 1 prop.

Next week I will hit a hobby shop but by then I will know how it flies. The current prop turns 9650 rpm when set properly so that isn't too bad for a 10# plane.

Fingers crossed,, flight testing possibly tomorrow. Guaranteed at least 1 take off and 1 landing.

More to come. Pics before flight of course