Doug,

PM replied to.

Your approach to the 1/2" fin/rudder sounds like a good one. That approach might also work for the fuse top and bottom by using lightening holes in a sub-sheets and then covering with a thinner sheet for glassing purposes. In fact this could be done on the sides too. I also built up the bellypan with crossgrain balsa in two layers which made it stronger and lighter.

I do feel that a 5-10% widening of the fuse would facilitate overall gear installation. How much remains to be determined particularly by a standard 61 size engine mount.

David.