here's my SkyWriter's latest configuration, trying to pare a little weight off the tail and kill two birds with one stone (lose a little weight; move the CG forward a little).

First, the hollowed fuselage:  Basically 1/4" thick balsa with cutouts and diagonal bracing; sheeted with 1/32" balsa aft and 1/32" plywood forward.  It did come out lighter, and as an added bonus, stiffer!

Here's the complete bones (disregard the pins aligning the rudder, it wasn't dry yet)...with engine/tank, it weighs right at 6 oz. as is.  Figure 1 - 1 1/2 oz. covering and finishing, and I've managed to lose an ounce or a little more from the original prototype.  210 sq. in. carrying a little more than 7 oz., well, I'm satisfied with that. Original, at 8 1/2 oz. or so, flies very well with a Norvel .049. 

Point of interest:  I was looking at some plans online and noticed landing gear wire bent so that the wheel is against a 90 d. angle.  I copied it, see in last pic below.  Prevents the wheel from riding up on a shallow angle and jamming. I like the look besides!

Tank canister is in backwards to make use of the angle caused by the larger-diameter lid.  Puts the fuel pickup outboardmost, if that's a word.  It ought to feed better at the end of the run, and quit more cleanly. 

Engine outthrust accomplished with pieces of spring-clothespin handle--the perfect taper, and nice dense wood besides.

Looks great when are you going to kit it and make the big bucks$$$$$$$$$$

No seriously I would imagine it will fly great.

Look for it next Spring...

...and it does.

--Ray

Got it, John.  Thanks!

--Ray