Very nice looking model Larry. My only change would be to extend the firewall gusset to beyond the leading edge of the wing. This would strenghten the front end and minimize a potential fuselage weak point behind the FW gusset and the LE of the wing.  I remember the old Carl Goldberg designs being designed something like this. The Sterling 1/2a's weren't and every one I built had its nose break off in a crash.

     When we pulled the plug on the Christmas Special, the kit with a model kit with engine, prop, tank, handle and lines, there was a lot of interest in the kit. We decided to offer a the same kit with a new plane in it. The new plane will be either called an Army Scout or a War Hawk. The complete set will be called the American Flier Set.
Larry

"The complete set will be called the American Flier Set."

Say... I got a bunch of electric toy trains by that name!
AND.......
Lionel
Marx
and...
and...

When it's nice out....
I fly planes!
When it's not...
I run trains!

Very nice looking plane too!
Looks like plenty of wing area to "fly" and reward the beginner with SUCCESS!
Well done!

"Tight Lines!"

Wes

Larry--The way this ship looks, I've got a suggestion. Give the tailfeathers and fuselage a slight re-design and go onward with a profile F4F Wildcat.

Hope you can do something about the nose around the engine.  To me it looks too boxy.  I liked the rest of it tho and like the idea of making it look military.