Well,
Good health and humor to all! It finally is at the stage of touch-ups. Here are the mechanical results:
From many suggestions, I made the ailerons and elevator fully adjustable (slider). Bought a right and left turn rod ends on the elev. pushrod so it acts as a turnbuckle when adjusted. Got left and right turn HD ball links. Brett laminated bellcrank with leadouts attached at BC end. Offset control horns. 2/3 flap-elevator mix. I may change it, but I am used to an elevator response. Did not built it as a take apart. Added 3/4 in. to elevator total span. Shortened flaps. Added a little rudder for insurance. Widened the rib cap strips. Used rib webbing to the tips.

I did not have much time to build as I am busy with two places of employment. Most of the spare time, I spend with my family. I felt running out of patience at many times and walked away. I am not used to the long process of building a masterpiece as many of you do. I do not think I will ever have such craft-manship. The aircrafts created by many of you, are a work of art. So, I built the Stiletto in hopes that I could see if I have what it takes. I do not. The time needed to dedicate to such a feat, is beyond my realm. I know that the next one will be 10X much better, but it takes a while to throw big bucks into a few pieces of balsa wood. I posted the photo so everyone knows that it was built and it is not BS.

Now, I was shocked with the Brodack's Aviastar 61. I could not resist the Stiletto sitting and waiting for the final clear coat. I blew it away and started the engine. It had the typical burbs when a new engine is started for the first time. Would not kick in for any extended run. I used my started for a few seconds ( NOT like the R/C guys...) at a time and it came alive with a thunder! It was very rich so the needle was tweak a little. No change. The needle for the Aviastar 61 has a very fine thread. One can really dial in the mixture! What a change from those Foxes Combat Specials...

A few tweaks and it ran consistently. The plug was disconnected from the battery and it still was active. Pointed the nose up on its right side and immediately went on a strong two!!! WOW!
Lowered to level on its side and the engine went to a rich 4 and it quit. I experienced the same several times while adjusting the needle. Finally, It would go lean on the up nose, that was that. I was using  my KB-1L that I use for 95% of my engines. I changed to a OS 4-CY that I use for the 4 cycles. It went lean on the up. I FORGOT TO CHANGE THE SETTING BACK.

I topped the fuel and started the engine. AMAZING!!! .
The engine would go to a nice 4 c when level and as soon as i pointed the Stiletto to a 45, it would go to a strong 2C-sputtering 4C stroke. I WAS IN AWE.  Never had an engine do that. Maybe the more expensive have that capability. I do not know how it will behave in flight, but I am ecstatic.

Will report back this weekend when it has its maiden flight...
I apologize for not giving the Stiletto its proper looks. I did some paneling but I lost the patience. It has big wheels because we fly off of a tall grass soccer field . the hole on the side is the flap adjustment and it is covered with a removable round tack used on car rugs, etc.

Prop is 13-5... That is another reason for the big wheels. What would be a good 3 bladed so I can gain more clearance? The Stiletto came in at a whooping 66 oz...

Hi Rafael,

That looks super nice!  Nothing there to be apologizing for.  I hope the first flights went well!  Just take your time and get into trimming and you should be very pleased.

Big Bear

Flew the Stiletto 660 with the Avistar 60. Not good.  See the post on the engine set up tips thread. Did some up and down legs(reverse wing overs) engine would transition nice b/t 4 and 2 but would shake/vibrate the lines on the up side for about 5-10 ft. Prop balanced but it may be too much (13-5 zinger). Is that typical of a stunt ship? Level flight and inverted smooth and same controls. At full elevator plane turns ~6ft radius but loss of speed is apparent. No stall. I know too heavy... Have installed the Evo that I won here. It is a shoe in! Just shorter nose (~1/8 to 3/16) did not measure, just added a washer behind the spinner temporarily.

Will try and fly this week with the new engine. Most of my props are for sport, R/C 3D or combat. Will go to the LHS and try an APC 12-5, Zinger 12-5 and an APC 13-5.

Any other suggestions? I am also considering a 3 bladed to give me more clearance... What?

Will get back....

Great looking birds.  The Stiletto has always been one of my favorite designs.  I love the way you guys stayed real close to the original paint schemes.

Rick

Hi Rafael. Well I have finished my 660 and it came out right at 60.3 oz.  Ouch. A a tad heavy, but I feel the ST .51 will carry it. It has a top Flite 12x5 prop.  I will not be able to test fly it until after the 12th of Sept.  Going to Colorado, then to Memphis. Maybe it will lose another ounce while gassing.  Yeah, right, I wish.  

I know. I can't imagine how they come up so light on others. I put the Evo 60 that I won here on it. The AVISTAR blew up on a vertical down line and almost lost the plane. It would have been catastrophic if it was on the upside. This was the second AVISTAR from Brodacks. The first one I sent back with a written letter explaining the procedure and my experience. See my AVISTAR comments way back a few months on the thread( Engine tunning) Got another and bench run it as required by the instructions. It was flying fine for 4 flights (2-4, etc.). On the 2nd inside square it made that peculiar sound that puts a knot on your stomach. I lost many a crankshaft on the old FOXcombat specials until I replaced them with the more beefier cranks. JUST LIKE THAT THE AVIASTAR SOUNDED!
I took it home (Stiletto 660 safe and sound, managed to have enough to pull it out by going back and whipping)and took it apart. I knew what it was without taking it apart. The rod disintegrated!
I have some photos if anyone is interested. The AVIASTAR engine has a rod that is bushed but there is minimal material to hold the bottom end from braking away. It is a heavy piston and needs a heavier bottom on the rod. If this was a speed engine or super RPM I could understand. But this is a low rpm engine. Had an APC 12x5 turning 9730. So it was well within their range. In no way is this a reflection on Brodack's quality on kits and customer service as it was above excellent. But, I am gathering the photos and send them as soon as I find the time. I will never replace any parts on this engine as I will never install it on anything! If I buy the parts, the will be the same and might be tempted to put it on an aircraft.
In essence, the engine was the same as the first one:
Too tight a fit at the piston and the rod started clunking. I did not open the engine and I kept running it as some in here were suggesting not to tinker with the engine. BULL! I know my limits and a stunt or combat engine do not exceed it. Perhaps the speed, team racers are another story. Will report on the EVO.

Not knowing your skill level,  one you have a prop that works don't worry about going to carbon props.   Glad to hear the setup is working.   Just don't push it until the real flying weather gets here.   I too used to go out when the temps were low.   Now I shudder then the thermometer shows a high of 50F.