The lightened metering diaphragm cover (Walbro's term - I was wondering what they actually call it) won't reduce the weight more than 3-4 grams perhaps, but as I learned from doing this model "the right way" - trying to keep it light at every step - every gram counts. It occurred to me that the standard Tygon tube I routed inside the fuse is heavier and longer than necessary, so I have already come up with a lighter alternative, reducing the weight by yet another few grams.

My tail gear is far more robust - and therefore several grams heavier - than most, but that is by choice because of my experience flying off rough grass fields. This thing really absorbs a lot of shock and complements the main gear to reduce stress on the airframe. I make my own tail gear (sometimes using the stock bracket) from 5/64" piano and one of those cheapo wire bending tools I got from Tower. Better than any straight commercial tail gear I have used yet. My model's weight is still comfortably under 5 kg, so it is a small weight penalty I can afford.

At some point, there has to be a balance between light weight and durability.