What is a good target weight for a kit built Strega (no engine). I am going to be careful and watchful of weight but not as experienced as the Ace builders.

Hi Gordan, 

65-67 oz. should be a good attainable goal.  It will fly fine at 70.  Kent Tysor won Advanced at the NATS a couple years ago and his at the time was 70-72 oz.  It just gets harder to hang on to the heavier it gets!

Bill <><

Is that with or without the engine? I was going to give it a go with a saito 72 just to see what the big block is all about.

Those weights were with the engine.

This is the kit version. Just a box full of lumber . I never paid much mind to weight in the past, I just figured they all turn out about the same if from the same kit. But I am seeing this ain't so as I am building more planes and paying closer attention now. It does make a difference.

I can't speak for the kit's wood. My ARC before any finish with a Saito .72 and all components was 68 oz.

OUCH!  What is the final weight?  Bobby "Champione" Lampione has been flying his Orange United at 84 oz. with a Big Jim ST 60.  Pretty much the same aerodynamics (Patternmaster) as the Strega.  It's a battle for him, though.  Especially in the wind!
Bill <><

We're finding that the ARCs and ARFs sometimes come in at very reasonable weights....one under 70 ounces, Brian's is 70 with a ROJett 76....others in the same ball park, although the guys that create 85 ounce planes from kits seem to get the ARCs to weigh that much, too....
The Saito 72 is a real anchor in the nose.....