I can't believe it! Top Flight discontinued this kit about 6 years and replaced it with a BARF. Now they are bringing it back, could this be a new trend? Its strange they had the TF Robart AT-6 retracts on sale for $55 a couple months ago, but now are back to the regular price of $75. Glad I picked up a set on sale.
IMHO, this is one of the best flying Gold Edition kits (I've built 5 of their warbirds). The T-6 I fly now is about 10 years old and still going strong. Have another on built and ready for covering "just in case".
Hints: CG shown on plans is to far forward, best to fly it at the aft CG location otherwise its difficult to flair on landing. Beef up the landing gear blocks and ribs. (I replaced the ply landing gear blocks with hardwood)
DON'T overpower this kit with a 120. It becomes a missile and a lead sled all at the same time. Seen this combination with a 10 lb+ ready to fly wieght. Then the pilot complains about tip stalls and bad landings. Wonder why.
Kit can be built at 8 1/2 lbs with a 90 4C and retracts. And probably less with a smaller engine but you may have to add nose weight.
I've flown this kit with and without flaps and I don't think they are worth the extra wieght. I do use flaps on other warbirds.
Didn't mean to make this a kit review, just happy TF is bring back a kit and not a new BARF