Hi All,
As of today, I am the proud new owner of a Black Magic VF3 in the bones with a full YS 170 dingo and Hatori header + Short Pipe. I am an expreinced pilot, but new to pattern and have admired the looks of this plane for a while now, so I jumped at the chance to buy one. It will take me a while to get to finishing it off, as I have 2 other projects ahead of it, but I would like to ask the group a few questions

1) Has anyone covered thier VF3's purley with covering rather than the paint route? - I have painted before (WWII scale), so it does not scare me. but I would still like to cover this plane rather than paint if possible. I am concerned about the "crunch" factor with covering only when the wing is picked up by someone not familliar with the fragility of this structure against crush - I would think covering would be
lighter as well - Any opinions here?

2) The ship has a DEPS setup using clear tubing and I am quite concerend about how stiff the setup is by hand. I was considering using two low profile servoes in the horizontal tail with short direct linkage, but am wondering if this is possible, given the significant distance the tail is behind the CG - anyone try this and get the CG OK ?( Keep in mind, powerplant will be the YS 170 and I may also use dual A123 lfight packs up front) - Otherwise, I am going to be stuck trying to figure out how to get the DEPS setup to be much smoother

3) I am also considering using 2 A123 packs for reiever power, as I have dual batteries, switches, and wiring to my reciver in all my planes tthat will take the setup - never had a problem with this setup and I trust it - I am wondering if I can use the A123's to help offset the possible dual elevator servo idea from #2 above

AS of now, I do not intend to compete for a season or two, and then it would only be in the lower classes. I bought this ship also to be a regualr flyer at the field, as I am getting tired of aimlessley boring hoels in the sky with YAKs, extras, etc. and have always admired how a pattern ship flies

I fly with and am an instructor with Skymasters RC club of Troy, MI. -any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated


THanks in advance

Joe F.