Vertical stabilizer sheeting had been crushed in slightly on both sides due to handling, I guess. Could have probably stiffened it up enough by wicking in thin CA, but at this point.....

Final shaping done. Much stronger now.

Added thin sheet balsa in steps and sanded to make a smooth taper away from the gear and into the rest of the fuselage bottom, as opposed to leaving a step. I will also add a tri-stock lip in front of the tunnel opening to help draw out air.

Added the tri-stock.

So, I got a bit of encouragement last night. I stopped and weighed everything of the plane I possibly could - airframe parts, gear with wheels, servos, linkages, cowling, canister and header, tail wheel, engine, spinner, everything. The only thing I didn’t weigh was the 4000mah Spektrum LiFe pack but I went on the website, got the weight and added that too. Everything added up to 16.25 lbs. I was quite pleased. All the info I can find online says the design weight was intended to be 16-17 lbs. Despite the cowling repair and all my gluing, etc. it looks like I may come out with a great weight. That got me pumped. I was expecting a very heavy plane. I was pleasantly surprised. So, onward we go....

Painted the canister tunnel and added a little bling prior to covering.

Bottom covering on. Started by covering the tri-stock. The rest went pretty well.

More fuse covering.

More.....

More covering....

I knew this SBach swayback turtle deck was going to be a PITA to cover. And it didn’t disappoint. I just decided as opposed to trying to be a hero and doing it all perfect in one piece, I’d make it easier and patch what I needed to in the end.

Looking good!

Thank you!!...

More....

Going back together.

Rudder covered. Just need trim....