Big Dave,
Thanks for your input and I must admit I have a bit of OCD
when it comes to airplane engine in that I can't stand to see one sitting there and not burning glow fuel while bolted to a plane. So I have tried to find the best spots possible for my engines, with just one "odd man out", the Series 21 McCoy. I am now fully convinced that I need to buy a LA .46 for my Chipmunk and only fly it when I am skilled enough with the Focke-Wulf to not break it up.
Now for your questions/concerns:
1) JB weld on the prop thrust washer is needed because it is free spinning on the prop shaft, not keyed like most, and is infamous for coming lose when you bump the prop for ignition (what I found out AFTER I bought the engine LOL). I have not tried to start mine but noticed the prop free wheeling whenever I tried to rotate it. So after a lot of research on various forums, discovered that this is the last of the Testors engines, was referred to as "Series 21" and was infamous for props slipping loose no matter how tightly you torqued the prop nut. I only paid $25 for it including shipping, has very good compression but weighs A LOT. So one guy says he overcame the "prop slipping problem" by putting JB weld on the prop thrust washer (you have to scuff it up first), successfully adhering it to the crank shaft and no more prop slippage. So maybe I will find another vintage Sterling kit (or similar) to put it in one day, but will refrain from flying stunt with it.
For your point about building stout and adding weight, I do not disagree at all with your logic and I am fully aware that even though I am only 50, I like to do things the hard way, the old fashioned way with lots of carpenters wood glue, epoxy and sanding sealer/clear/colored dope, because I just think it makes me feel more satisfied. I also like passing down old time building techniques to my sons and wife, and basically anyone who is interested, because it is a part of our hobby history.
I don't doubt for a moment that there are better, easier, and stronger ways to do things with less time and less hassle (e.g., I did build R/C for several years in my 20s and used heat shrink Monokote), but I found out that I am a traditional man and a bit of a purist I guess. Yes, my planes are heavier than others, but they look really good and can take a ferocious beating.
Anyway, I have not covered in silk before but my uncle has spoken about it so much that I must do it...and will certainly be wary of warpage as you pointed out (found a couple youtube videos for learning how different it is to silk span).
I do hope that me explaining my MO is not perceived as being defensive, as I feel so welcomed by this site already with the responses I have received. I just wanted to share my own self awareness that I MIGHT do things that are NOT the most expedient or "logical" from a pure Xs and Os perspective, but that is just part of my charm trying to make something work when it was told it couldn't be done
But as I said, the votes are in and it is clear that this guy is buying an OS .46 LA for his prized Chipmunk