Just finished going to the field with my Nexstar and a just completed SlowPoke Sport. Was gonna fly trainer first cause its been a while. That didn't work as the motor mount was vibrating in the fire wall. I had not intended on flying the SP after arriving due to gusty winds but thought "Well, I gotta do it now".
Some observations from a rookie.
1. Ground check. You know, I reversed the rudder servo during assembly as I was looking at it upside down. Thank goodness I always do ground checks. That rudder going the wrong way was really un-nerving. I was using a new 7CAP for the first time as well. Remember to take your radio manual with you unitl you know what all the channel numbers do with your servos.
2. Practice for the unexpected. I had done some hands-on with the radio, going through switch positions without looking. Saved my butt. See next.
3. Look at servo settings on radio screen or levers for non-comp type. I take off and immediately the plane goes nose up attitude. The first thing I could think of was " I know I balanced the darn thing". Well, I got her on the ground after a rough landing. Then realized I had set the elevator full up trim while tuning motor to keep the tail down in the blocks. Confirmed as I looked at radio. Kicked myself hard in the ***** for that.
4. Break-in doesn't mean tuned for good. I was spoiled with my Nexstar w/0s 46. Came broke in and tuned. My Tower 46 was a little different. Had done a good (so I thought ) break-in at the house. Took a little more tweaking at the field. I still have to work transition problems. But the motor screams when it gets up there.
5. Take a breath, and relax when things are not exactly right. Relieves the headaches.
So, that is it. The plane eventually flew. I think I was a little brave to put her up first time on a windy day but I really wanted to put something in the air. The Slowpoke is a joy to fly. She balloons a little bit in stiff, gusty winds but is quite manageable. The landings are a little difficult as the plane just doesn't seem to want to touch down. But all-in-all, a really fun bird to toss around. Loops like a fiend but rolls a little slow. Now, I think it might be time to strip the Nexstar, and get this Sky Raider M II working.

Glad you learned some good stuff that didn't cost you an airplane. Luck is always a nice thing to have, but unfortunately you can't always count on it, and you sure can't buy it!

Andy

I suggest sealing the backplate and carb on the Tower engine with some silicone. Tower engines, while extremely powerful, have been plagued with air leaks (backplate, carb and front bearing) and transition problems.

I suggest never ever using trim on flight surfaces in such a manner again. Set them for proper flight and leave them alone.

I'd agree with a65l. We all start RC flying with a bucketful of luck, and it sounds like you used quite a bit of your's.
Dennis-

isn't the slowpoke the one with the big front and the back that gradually gets smaller?

Luck bucket full, experience bucket empty. Trick is to fill one before you empty the other.....


Andy