Keitha
Feb 17, 2003, 01:00 AM
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="50%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center" colspan=2><br><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic1.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic1_t.jpg" border="2"></a><br><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Wingspan</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">48 inches (121.9 cm) </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Length</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">31.5 inches (80.01 cm)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Weight</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">17 to 19 ounces for the 48 inch EPP version (528.8 to 591 grams)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Airfoil</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">S6061</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Servos</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">Two micro servos for the wing (HS-81's or similar) / a micro servo or regular size servo for the elevator</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Battery</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">500 or 270 mAh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Receiver</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">Used Berg 5-DSP/ Receiver should be 1.25 inches wide or less (fuselage is 1.5 inches wide)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Construction</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">Foam and strapping tape with colored packing tape or low temperature covering material, with Coroplast V-tail</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Available from</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left"><a href="http://www.ackermanaircraft.com/index.html">Ackerman Aircraft</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>Ackerman Aircraft and the Persuasion were unknown to me at the time I was asked to do this review for the Lift-Zone. Incidentally, I went into this project with absolutely no biased expectations for this slope plane. My first introduction to the plane was through the Ackerman Aircraft web site. Per the description on the site, "The Persuasion is a fast and nimble high-performance V-tail sloper designed for speed and aerobatics." The Persuasion, an EPP V-Tail with Flaperons/Spoilerons, is definitely a departure from the combat type foam planes that I am most experienced with, and for that reason, I was excited to build and fly this plane.</blockquote>
<p><big>The 48" Epp Persuasion Kit And Building</p></big>
<blockquote>The Persuasion is an all EPP kit made with 1.9lb EPP for the fuselage and 1.3lb EPP for the wing. The kit also comes with Coroplast stock for the V-Tail, longerons, wing spars, wire pushrods, wing bolts, and control horns. One thing that I noticed is that the wings looked quite thin, with a very narrow cord. I read the instructions before I started building and found them a little sparse of details. If you have never built a foam plane before, then I would recommend reading about or seeking assistance with foam building techniques before starting.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>The wings were cut nicely and fit together well. I first used Goop to glue the top and bottom wood wing spars as well as the wood sub-trailing edges in place. You can build the wings with straight cut tips or round them on each end. I chose to sand my wings so that they have a rounded tip. The instructions also mention that you can shape some washout into the wings if you desire. I did not attempt to do this. The wings are joined with two plywood dihedral braces that are glued in front and behind the spars at the root. This design results in a stiff wing connection. Next, I cut through the wing and installed the servos. The Persuasion used one micro servo on each wing half, so that if you have a computer radio, you can set it up with flaperons/spoilerons. The ailerons are made shaped balsa and require that you bevel the leading edge of each one so that they hinge well with tape hinges.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic3.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic3_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center">Dihedral brace with installed servo</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>The fuselage was pre-shaped; however, it did require sanding if you wanted to round off the edges. The 1.9lb EPP is stiffer and sands a lot easier than the 1.3lb foam. The next step on the fuselage is to glue in the wood longerons with Goop. As with the wings, the grooves are pre-cut so that the longerons fit in snugly. The next step is to cut out the radio equipment housing. You cut a hatch in front of the wing saddle, and then mark and cut an area for the receiver and elevator servo. I found that this step did take some forethought to fit everything in a semi-organized and functional manner.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic4.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic4_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>The battery location is in the nose, ahead of the equipment housing. Again, you need to cut an opening for your battery pack and fit it in. I found that a square pack fits best in the nose. I used a large 1700mha NiMH pack, but found later that it was a bit too heavy. After installing the radio equipment, it is time to install the taped/threaded wing hold-down plates, cut a path for and install the elevator pushrod, and use the supplied template to cut a "V" grove in the rear for the V-tail feathers. The fuselage goes together quickly and the instructions for the section are fairly well written.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Prior to covering the wing and fuselage, you should use a high quality strapping tape to wrap the pieces. This adds strength, stiffness, and impact absorption to the plane. On the wing, I placed the tape over the upper and lower wing spars, along the leading and trailing edges, a few pieces cord-wise, and then completely cord-wise around the root and servos. On the fuselage, I placed the tape lengthwise over the longerons, the top, the bottom, and over the edges. I then wrapped pieces around the fuselage, adding a thick layer around the wing saddle and nose.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic8.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic8_t.jpg" border="2"></a> <a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic9.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic9_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p><big>Covering The Wing And Fuselage</p></big>
<blockquote>The Persuasion is covered, just as any foamie plane is covered, using colored packing tape or UltraCote. (I chose to use UltraCote.) First, the section that is being worked on is given a misting of 3M-77 spray adhesive. Each piece of UltraCote is applied, using a covering iron on a low setting just to activate the adhesive, and then the covering is trimmed to fit. Once you have all the sections covered and tacked on, the iron can be turned up to medium-High setting in order to shrink the covering tight. The most challenging part of the covering is the nose of the fuselage, since you have to deal with compound curves.</blockquote>
<blockquote>The wing is attached to the fuselage with two nylon bolts that are included. The front bolt goes through a wood disk that is attached to the wing. This disk gives it a firm surface for the bolt. The rear bolt is just placed through a hole that is drill through the foam wing. On one of my first flights, I realized that the rear bolt head was pulling through the foam, so I pushed a metal blind-nut (a fender washer would work) through the wing for support.</blockquote>
<p><big>Installing The "V-Tail" And Control Rods</p></big>
<blockquote>The kit comes with a sheet of Coroplast material and templates to trace and cut out the V-tail assembly. The key to success here is to use a very sharp blade when cutting through the Coroplast. I used Goop to glue each half of the V-tail into the "V" groove that was cut out of the rear of the fuselage. You also cut the elevators out of the Coroplast and use strapping tape for the hinges.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic6.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic6_t.jpg" border="2"></a> <a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic7.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic7_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center">Coroplast v-tail </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>The control rod installations are fairly straightforward. On the ailerons, I had to solder on the clevises and then bend the linkage so that there was enough clearance between the rod and the wing through the full range of aileron throw. (See the photo above.) For the elevators, I used a single push rod and soldered on a "Y-adaptor" right before the V-Tail.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic10.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic10_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center">Note: Bend the aileron pushrod so that it clears the bottom of the wing.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p><big>Pre-Flight Check And Test Throws</p></big>
<blockquote>Once I had all the control surfaces hooked up, I plugged the servos into my Berg 5-DSP receiver and programmed my radio. One nice feature on this Berg receiver is that the channels are numbered 1 to 4, and 6. This makes it easy to program a dual-servo aileron set-up as most radios use channel 6 for flaperons/spoilerons.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Once the radio was set-up, I checked the CG and it was OK (or so I thought), and took the Persuasion to my local park and gave it a good throw. The elevators required a bit of trim adjustment, but other than that, it glided well and was ready for the slope.</blockquote>
<p><big>Flight Performance</p></big>
<blockquote>The first thing I learned about the Persuasion is that it does require stronger lift than my Raider Wing. The first time I took it to the slope, it just would not stay in the air. The second time I took it to the slope, the conditions were much better. I threw the plane out, trimmed it so that it flew straight and level, and did some mellow figure-8 turns. The Persuasion flew well, but a little sluggish and slower than I expected. The next few times that I flew the Persuasion, I had the same reaction; it was fun to fly and to experiment with the flaperon/spoileron set-up, but the performance was lackluster.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic11.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic11_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>I found the magic to this plane was getting the CG further back. In an attempt to tune the plane, I used small lead weights and set the CG far enough back to where I could barely control the plane. Next, I brought the CG forward until the control was manageable, and then the Persuasion really came alive. With the CG set further back, the plane was much faster and much more maneuverable. (The Persuasion makes a great sound at speed.) Rolls were very quick and axial and loops are much rounder than they were before I got the CG right. The EPP Persuasion is also quite durable, as I really learned during my CG experiments.</blockquote>
<p><big>Conclusion</p></big>
<blockquote>The Ackerman Aircraft 48" Persuasion turned out to be a fun plane. The build is quick and straightforward, with only minor challenges to fit the gear in the narrow fuselage. The design results in a stiff wing and fuselage that is easy to disassemble for storage and travel. My enthusiasm and enjoyment with this plane quickly escalated once I got the center of gravity set right. It still amazes my how drastically the performance improved once tuned and trimmed right. I would not call this a light lift floater, as it really comes alive in moderate winds. The Persuasion would make a great foamy racer and the EPP makes for a forgiving structure for those "not so perfect" or unplanned landings. There is also a 60" version of the Persuasion available now, which would be more appropriate for racing. As an all EPP V-tail, this slope glider is unique, and as such, attracts some attention to itself. The Persuasion is durable, affordable, easy to build, fast, and most importantly, fun to fly.</blockquote>
<table border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="50%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center" colspan=2><br><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic1.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic1_t.jpg" border="2"></a><br><br></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Wingspan</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">48 inches (121.9 cm) </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Length</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">31.5 inches (80.01 cm)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Weight</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">17 to 19 ounces for the 48 inch EPP version (528.8 to 591 grams)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Airfoil</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">S6061</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Servos</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">Two micro servos for the wing (HS-81's or similar) / a micro servo or regular size servo for the elevator</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Battery</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">500 or 270 mAh</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Receiver</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">Used Berg 5-DSP/ Receiver should be 1.25 inches wide or less (fuselage is 1.5 inches wide)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Construction</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left">Foam and strapping tape with colored packing tape or low temperature covering material, with Coroplast V-tail</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="30%" align="left"><strong>Available from</strong></td>
<td width="70%" align="left"><a href="http://www.ackermanaircraft.com/index.html">Ackerman Aircraft</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>Ackerman Aircraft and the Persuasion were unknown to me at the time I was asked to do this review for the Lift-Zone. Incidentally, I went into this project with absolutely no biased expectations for this slope plane. My first introduction to the plane was through the Ackerman Aircraft web site. Per the description on the site, "The Persuasion is a fast and nimble high-performance V-tail sloper designed for speed and aerobatics." The Persuasion, an EPP V-Tail with Flaperons/Spoilerons, is definitely a departure from the combat type foam planes that I am most experienced with, and for that reason, I was excited to build and fly this plane.</blockquote>
<p><big>The 48" Epp Persuasion Kit And Building</p></big>
<blockquote>The Persuasion is an all EPP kit made with 1.9lb EPP for the fuselage and 1.3lb EPP for the wing. The kit also comes with Coroplast stock for the V-Tail, longerons, wing spars, wire pushrods, wing bolts, and control horns. One thing that I noticed is that the wings looked quite thin, with a very narrow cord. I read the instructions before I started building and found them a little sparse of details. If you have never built a foam plane before, then I would recommend reading about or seeking assistance with foam building techniques before starting.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>The wings were cut nicely and fit together well. I first used Goop to glue the top and bottom wood wing spars as well as the wood sub-trailing edges in place. You can build the wings with straight cut tips or round them on each end. I chose to sand my wings so that they have a rounded tip. The instructions also mention that you can shape some washout into the wings if you desire. I did not attempt to do this. The wings are joined with two plywood dihedral braces that are glued in front and behind the spars at the root. This design results in a stiff wing connection. Next, I cut through the wing and installed the servos. The Persuasion used one micro servo on each wing half, so that if you have a computer radio, you can set it up with flaperons/spoilerons. The ailerons are made shaped balsa and require that you bevel the leading edge of each one so that they hinge well with tape hinges.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic3.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic3_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center">Dihedral brace with installed servo</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>The fuselage was pre-shaped; however, it did require sanding if you wanted to round off the edges. The 1.9lb EPP is stiffer and sands a lot easier than the 1.3lb foam. The next step on the fuselage is to glue in the wood longerons with Goop. As with the wings, the grooves are pre-cut so that the longerons fit in snugly. The next step is to cut out the radio equipment housing. You cut a hatch in front of the wing saddle, and then mark and cut an area for the receiver and elevator servo. I found that this step did take some forethought to fit everything in a semi-organized and functional manner.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic4.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic4_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>The battery location is in the nose, ahead of the equipment housing. Again, you need to cut an opening for your battery pack and fit it in. I found that a square pack fits best in the nose. I used a large 1700mha NiMH pack, but found later that it was a bit too heavy. After installing the radio equipment, it is time to install the taped/threaded wing hold-down plates, cut a path for and install the elevator pushrod, and use the supplied template to cut a "V" grove in the rear for the V-tail feathers. The fuselage goes together quickly and the instructions for the section are fairly well written.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Prior to covering the wing and fuselage, you should use a high quality strapping tape to wrap the pieces. This adds strength, stiffness, and impact absorption to the plane. On the wing, I placed the tape over the upper and lower wing spars, along the leading and trailing edges, a few pieces cord-wise, and then completely cord-wise around the root and servos. On the fuselage, I placed the tape lengthwise over the longerons, the top, the bottom, and over the edges. I then wrapped pieces around the fuselage, adding a thick layer around the wing saddle and nose.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic8.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic8_t.jpg" border="2"></a> <a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic9.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic9_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p><big>Covering The Wing And Fuselage</p></big>
<blockquote>The Persuasion is covered, just as any foamie plane is covered, using colored packing tape or UltraCote. (I chose to use UltraCote.) First, the section that is being worked on is given a misting of 3M-77 spray adhesive. Each piece of UltraCote is applied, using a covering iron on a low setting just to activate the adhesive, and then the covering is trimmed to fit. Once you have all the sections covered and tacked on, the iron can be turned up to medium-High setting in order to shrink the covering tight. The most challenging part of the covering is the nose of the fuselage, since you have to deal with compound curves.</blockquote>
<blockquote>The wing is attached to the fuselage with two nylon bolts that are included. The front bolt goes through a wood disk that is attached to the wing. This disk gives it a firm surface for the bolt. The rear bolt is just placed through a hole that is drill through the foam wing. On one of my first flights, I realized that the rear bolt head was pulling through the foam, so I pushed a metal blind-nut (a fender washer would work) through the wing for support.</blockquote>
<p><big>Installing The "V-Tail" And Control Rods</p></big>
<blockquote>The kit comes with a sheet of Coroplast material and templates to trace and cut out the V-tail assembly. The key to success here is to use a very sharp blade when cutting through the Coroplast. I used Goop to glue each half of the V-tail into the "V" groove that was cut out of the rear of the fuselage. You also cut the elevators out of the Coroplast and use strapping tape for the hinges.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic6.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic6_t.jpg" border="2"></a> <a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic7.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic7_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center">Coroplast v-tail </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>The control rod installations are fairly straightforward. On the ailerons, I had to solder on the clevises and then bend the linkage so that there was enough clearance between the rod and the wing through the full range of aileron throw. (See the photo above.) For the elevators, I used a single push rod and soldered on a "Y-adaptor" right before the V-Tail.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic10.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic10_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center">Note: Bend the aileron pushrod so that it clears the bottom of the wing.</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<p><big>Pre-Flight Check And Test Throws</p></big>
<blockquote>Once I had all the control surfaces hooked up, I plugged the servos into my Berg 5-DSP receiver and programmed my radio. One nice feature on this Berg receiver is that the channels are numbered 1 to 4, and 6. This makes it easy to program a dual-servo aileron set-up as most radios use channel 6 for flaperons/spoilerons.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Once the radio was set-up, I checked the CG and it was OK (or so I thought), and took the Persuasion to my local park and gave it a good throw. The elevators required a bit of trim adjustment, but other than that, it glided well and was ready for the slope.</blockquote>
<p><big>Flight Performance</p></big>
<blockquote>The first thing I learned about the Persuasion is that it does require stronger lift than my Raider Wing. The first time I took it to the slope, it just would not stay in the air. The second time I took it to the slope, the conditions were much better. I threw the plane out, trimmed it so that it flew straight and level, and did some mellow figure-8 turns. The Persuasion flew well, but a little sluggish and slower than I expected. The next few times that I flew the Persuasion, I had the same reaction; it was fun to fly and to experiment with the flaperon/spoileron set-up, but the performance was lackluster.</blockquote>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpaddin="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<tr>
<td width="100%" align="center"><a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic11.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/feb/persuasion/pic11_t.jpg" border="2"></a> </td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<blockquote>I found the magic to this plane was getting the CG further back. In an attempt to tune the plane, I used small lead weights and set the CG far enough back to where I could barely control the plane. Next, I brought the CG forward until the control was manageable, and then the Persuasion really came alive. With the CG set further back, the plane was much faster and much more maneuverable. (The Persuasion makes a great sound at speed.) Rolls were very quick and axial and loops are much rounder than they were before I got the CG right. The EPP Persuasion is also quite durable, as I really learned during my CG experiments.</blockquote>
<p><big>Conclusion</p></big>
<blockquote>The Ackerman Aircraft 48" Persuasion turned out to be a fun plane. The build is quick and straightforward, with only minor challenges to fit the gear in the narrow fuselage. The design results in a stiff wing and fuselage that is easy to disassemble for storage and travel. My enthusiasm and enjoyment with this plane quickly escalated once I got the center of gravity set right. It still amazes my how drastically the performance improved once tuned and trimmed right. I would not call this a light lift floater, as it really comes alive in moderate winds. The Persuasion would make a great foamy racer and the EPP makes for a forgiving structure for those "not so perfect" or unplanned landings. There is also a 60" version of the Persuasion available now, which would be more appropriate for racing. As an all EPP V-tail, this slope glider is unique, and as such, attracts some attention to itself. The Persuasion is durable, affordable, easy to build, fast, and most importantly, fun to fly.</blockquote>