Ron,

I've had two of these over the years. Great airplanes. First one was initially powered by a Quadra 100. Wondered if it would have enough power, it was fine for scale-like flight. I say scale-like because even a Q100 is waaay overpower in HP/# compared to full scale .. but it would just barely loop from level flight. As far as I know you can't even come close to a loop from level flight with the full-scale .. unless it's got the 450 HP motor on it! Other than that, it flew well. I eventually replaced the Q-100 with a 3W-150, and it was a lot more fun.

Second one started with a 3W-120 which was more than enough power, eventually replaced with a RCS-250 radial, in my opinion the best motor for this plane.

If you want to use the 106, I would not worry about it. I have one on a 1/3 scale Pitts and it is a really powerful motor, much more so than the Q-100. Depends on how you want to fly.

Both were done with flying wires employing the standard Dubro ends, with 4-40 socket head screws and no locknuts. Remember unless you have a semi-trailer for transport you will be removing a lot of flying wires every time you fly. It takes a long time! The locknuts really are not needed.

What is required for this airplane is some innovation in how to assemble the flying wires to allow faster assembly at the field. Some of the Waco brotherhood guys are doing interesting things with keyhole slots and bike spokes (see RCU ID Stickbuilder), others have been using sister clips, if you have ideas here, it would be excellent.

On one of my two Stearmans, I left the top and bottom wings attached all the time and built a plywood spacer to hold the wing roots in correct orientation while off the plane, and then only had a few flying wires to attach .. but it did eat a lot of space in the trailer for the wing assemblies.

I am a little surprised about the nose weight .. neither of the ones I had took any nose weight. Did you put all the servos in the tail?

The stock gear can be a little fragile for the higher weights, mine were both over 50# and you have to land it really gently to avoid gear damage. A lot of guys use the replacement gear built by Darrell at Sierra Precision, so I am sure you will be happy with your custom gear.

Good luck with your Stearman, let us know what you come up with on flying wires.

Dave