Here are photos of the American Boy kit I built at the AMA Convention while manning the Knights of the Round Circle booth.  Few tools needed, minimal fittin' and fiddlin'.  Looking good so far.

Without wheels or finish, it is 3.9 ounces.  The engine is the Space Bug, a "tanked" version of the Thermal Hopper.  It is noticeably lighter than the Golden Bee I originally planned to put on the model.  I hope to hit 4.5 ounces finished.

For those who were not around in the early ninteen fifties, here is the reason for the mounting comment: Space Bug, Space Bug Jr., and Thermal Hopper. There was a cage available for the Thermal Hopper for flush radial mounting (I don't have one).

I really like the wheels on this plane. Reminds me of the ones I used to use way back when. That said, larger (easier to roll!) and lighter is certainly an improvement for sure.

Back in the day, though I liked the perfect brand of wheels, I didn't like the fact that besides the engine, they were the heaviest part that was added to the airframe. I liked the streamline wheels because it seemed like less rubber and would be cleaner slipping through the air.

Robert