Frank, I decided not to build my old Top Flite kit but I did build the Brodak. I will say that the wood quality in my Top Flite kit isn't as light as the Brodak version. The Brodak version also has a 2 piece leading edge. I personally didn't like this initially but it kind of grew on me. They give you little v shaped ply cuts to hold its shape while gluing. All in all I was able to straighten this during the building process which to this day gave me accurate results. I'm not sure how easy this would've been using ca adhesive but I use Titebond. I believe the Brodak version may have a few more ribs I will have to look again. It seemed as though they were a lot. I built the Brodak Lightning Streak which is equally the same size and shape which had fewer ribs. I fly my Flite Streak with a Big Mig .049 on 42' eyelet to eyelet and never had the need to lean it out for more power. Its quite aerobatic and a lot of fun. It has all the characteristics of the big stuff and is a real joy to fly. I've always wanted to opt for a TD for a powerplant on a Flite Streak. Going back some years ago, A fellow flyer had one with the TD. That was my first intro into real 1/2 a flying. I've always wanted to build one just like it. I was totally amazed at its speed and agility which always makes me think back on it when I'm doing a new build. I've had terrific success with every Brodak 1/2 A kit I've built. I like nostalgia so for now I will hold onto the Top Flite version. Ken

As I understand the history, the Brodak version is an accurate representation of George Aldrich's original design before it was cost reduced by Top Flite to fit their boxes and price point.  I have seen and flown both designs, and would definitely go for the Brodak.  There are, however, much better stunt 1/2A's available.  Starting with Brodak, since we are already there, is the baby Pathfinder.  It needs to be built very light, and .061 power is desirable.  From RSM are the Pinto and Hunter Stunter full fuselage, flapped models.  Also (he mentions modestly) my Sky Sport model which is a bit smaller, but includes the tank, bellcrank, wheels and all other hardware except the engine.  Minnesotamodeler has a variety of kits, including, I think, the 1/2A Snapper, a personal favorite of mine (built 3, and a couple of my own variants)  All of the above will do a competitive pattern in the above 400 point range.  (Unless you are Bart Klapinski, in which case, make that 500)