Magnum!! Mike Pratt needs to type in here, as all the credit goes to him for producing this competitive and accessible Pro Stunt Model. At the time this was about the best off the shelf option to progress past a Super Chipmunk and the like. Mike even published a workup of Magnum "Hop-Ups" that included control system discussion and tips on foam wing construction.
As a matter of competition, The Magnum won Advanced at the Nats three years in a row. Mike in 1989, John Davis in 1990, and my first Magnum Opus in 1991. Mike and John were flying basically box stock models, John powered his with a ST 60. Mine had an Aerosmith Foam Core (Scott Smith from NY) sheeted D Tube style, a longer tail moment with a Fancher Imitation style built up Stab/Elev. And a lowly out of the box OS 46SF-S.
The second version Opus had another Aerosmith Triple core foam wing. Famously over cored in an effort to reduce weight and remove foam, it slowly collapsed as the tissue shrank over time resulting in the unique "Caved In" airfoil. Pollywog aside, this model was an even farther departure from the Magnum. Fast forward to Magnum Opus V, begun in the fall of 2003 after the Balsa Explosion that Brett related. It only took.... Mmmmm… 15+ yrs to complete. And to that end, the only thing left of the Magnum kit is the name.
Having said all that, I can whole heartedly agree that a kit Magnum is a solid PA model. With a few modern upgrades in the control system etc, and a reasonable powerplant, the Magnum is really a great model. Thank you, Mike.