I am redoing one of these for maximum aerobatic capability.
Basically, that means lightening it as much as possible and and adding maximum power.
14 lbs is the goal.
I am using a ZDZ40 with a tuned exhaust -fitted into the fuselage- which of course will be re designed internally.
The rest of the model will be quite stock.
As long as the model can be kept flying at a low angle of attack- it should go through all the IMAC sequences pretty well. This is why I am going to use as much prop and power as possible.
Increased speed will not be an objective.
Just plenty of speed recovery.
Anybody else looking at the same approach?
Please let me know
The model looks to be plenty strong and well layed out for this type flying.
3D stuff is not an objective in my case.

I think it would be a better idea to buy a kit of similar size so you can build it as light as possible and reinforce areas that might be of the weak side. It would also make fitting the exhaust much easier since you're building from the inside out.

That is another approach-but where would you get a "kit" with everything else all done and just the right size.
I have been at this for a long time and these nifty new ARFS are perfect for a guy who wants to quickly get a model in the air - even with an extensive redo - it will be much faster than scratch building or rehashing a kit.
Frankly I have not seen a kit this size of this model, I would want.

The Lanier 1/4 Talorcraft is almost exactly this size and from the little bit I know seems a pretty good as a kit.

I do agree though that there *is* a fair bit of lattitude to modifying an ARF. As long you don't go nuts, it is still faster than building from kit.

Hi Dick!

Let me know how it comes out... I'm going to go off of what you say to decide between a ZDZ-40 and BME-50.