HI Swlarcham and Handglider
First off, thank you both for posting and your suggestions. I will look in more detail on the DEPS ( I am new to DEPS, not having done one before - usually dual elevator servose in the back, or a single pushrod going to a u connector )

As I said, compared to my Heli tail pushrod setups, there is just too much friction there for my liking. I think the last owner actually tried already to replace, as ther are two cutouts in the rear that have been sheeted over again - I think he still did not get it right. I wish I had a macro lens for my camera, I would take a few photos. I am reading the asembly manual tonight ( just bought the ship today and can harldy beleive I got a to notch pattern ship!) and will see what it says about the DEPS - I am new to pattern and am trusting the voices (such as both of you) to guide me here. Looks like a good setup, I will look for sources of friction and report back this weekend as I poke around a bit more

I am in the middle of getting a scale ship ready to finish, then the workbench gets cleared for the Black Magic

BTW, have you guys got any opinions on painting vs. covering? - I have painted a few scale ships already, so I am not afraid of it, but I would think Ultracote would be considerablt lighter at the risk of not protecting the delicate lightweight balsa on the wings and fuse

I appreciate all your help - I will be asking frequently when I get her on the bench!

Thanks again,

Joe F.