Duke,
One thing when converting from IC to EL you need to adjust the old tank compartment to allow the battery to be moved (mostly rearward) to get the CG right. Many times people just stick the battery were the old tin tank went and wonder why the ship is so nose heavy and then have to add significant tail weight. What has worked for me in my electric Stuka was to remove the top part of the rear firewall to give access to move the battery back over the wing. I have found that most of the time you need to be able to put up to 1/3 ish of the length of the pack back over the leading edge of the wing to get the CG at the 12% - 16% point (common for the classic era ships). I use a strip of Velcro on the bottom of the battery to hold it fore and aft and two Velcro straps around it to keep it down. Make sure you allow about 1/8" for clearance around the battery to allow for the pack to swell a bit. In my Stuka I didn't do this and can only use really new packs, once the swell (after about 50 flights) I can't use them even thought they are good packs the additional depth won't fit inside the fuse. Good luck keep us posted on the setup you use and how it works out.

Best,      DennisT

In the List your Set-ups thread there are at least 2 1/2A Pathfinders (Andy Borgogna's & mine) with power systems that would be outstanding in the Pinto.  I used the PF to prove-out the Brodak EPS-10 power package, Andy took a similar starting point and added a KR timer.  I am also using this system on a Wee Duper Zilch OTS (251 sq in) and it is great there too.

As Dennis T said, you should be able to put the battery where the tank would have gone.  On the WDZ I use a top hatch, with the ESC exposed on the bottom of the fuse.  Had to notch out the wing LE because of the short nose but the balance is good.  I would use a top hatch on the Pinto too; its very convenient.

BTW, if Pinto doesn't have one already, make sure you modify it for a 3" bellcrank. 

Thanks guys! This is helping a lot.  I don't know if I'm interested in a profile version, one of the reasons I'm building this is to better my building skills to build another bucket list plane, the Yates Dragon. And I'm thinking of putting it in beginner stunt next year against my oldest son's Oriental.  I might even paint it the same color scheme.  So I need to look for a set up that fits in the fuse? Is this going to be hard to find?

If it can't be done with the 1/2A size, I'll just put a glow engine in it.  Has anyone converted the stock fuse to electric?