I just received an ARF Cardinal I bought off eBay. Looks like a nice kit but I do plan on some upgrades based on threads I have read in different Forums.
I will change the control system since I have read that most use metal bellcranks and upgrade to adjustable CF push rods. The monocote wing looks okay but the covering on the fuselage wasn't done well, so I will remove it and probably paint with Rustoleum. There are also lightening holes in the fuselage just aft of the wing, so I will cover over them with some 1/64 plywood to stiffen things up.
I'm not sure if I will recover the wing...the gold monokote really looks good. But if I tear into the wing to replace the bellcrank maybe I should. I have never worked with monocote type covering before. All my planes of years ago were covered with silk. Silk seemed to work better considering the abuse I put a plane through.
I was a bit confused about which tank to use. The plans call for a regular tank (non-uniflow). I bought a tank like Tom Perry suggests in this thread and could use it but I think I found a profile uniflow tank by Brodak. I could use this metal tank with the adjustable brass mounting tabs soldered to it. I will buy one and see how it works.
Since I have not flown in years, I plan to start out with a Brodak 40. If it is a bit tail heavy then I will try an OS46 LA. The engine mounting system on the cardinal makes it easy to change engines.
I think I have a reasonable plan of attack for this plane but I'm always open to your ideas and input.
Thomas