Is it ok to position engine, battery & servos, etc prior to fuel proofing and covering?

I balance the plane laterally (wingtip to wingtip) with all gear installed before covering. Then add any weight inside the very last rib bay on the light wing. I tried to balance front to back once and that didn't work out too well. There is a surprising amount of covering weight behind the CG it seems. I ended up having to counter the weight I added to the tail before covering (the weight was now buried in the tail with epoxy).

I would do a preliminary balance check before you mount all the servoa and cover. This gives you an idea of which way you need to be shifting things. Keep in mind the covering will move the Cg back somewhat. The last thing I do is mount the battery. None of my planes have any added weight.

Tom

I like to have all of the cutting and glueing done before I cover. So it is mandatory to get the control system and engine in. Then I take everything back out and cover. I can account for any slight shifts in CG from the covering by moving the reciever and/or battery pack around. I NEVER add weight. Light models always fly better.

I do it like Greenboot and Ksechler.

Install all gear and engine with preliminary balance, remove and covere, then compensate with battery pack.
Dennis-

Thanks guys. Appreciate the wisdom.