A PZ T-28 is a sweet flying little plane. A guy at the club has one and it fly's great. I would consider that a "real" plane.
I have a 40 Super Tigre in my Escapade and it balanced out great. I would just set the CG EXACTLY how the book recommends and you will be fine. I think some of the guys that were having trouble with their Escapades stalling or coming in to fast may have had some set up issues. I can easily get 3 point landings with mine and if it stalls at all it just drops the nose.
Red.