1/2 A Multi Engine Profile Scale P-38M Night Lightning

My youngest built this when he was 10 years old, I chose the Sterling kit as a basis for him to compete in the first Tucson MEPS Contest and we used a scale outline for the pod and booms.

I used the 36" Sterling wing and tail unmodified, cut out the pod and booms from 3/8th's balsa, square section motor mounts from rock maple, 1/8th" gear wire mounts for robust take off, landing and touch and go operational considerations and cut out a kit. He built the components, sheeting the wing with 1/32nd balsa, attached all together and  mounting NorVel 049's the first year, 061's the second year. The 061's are way more powerful, it easily uses 52 foot .012 three lines with plenty of line tension.
I wouldn't mount the engines towards the center again, the engines should be mounted with the exhausts pointed downwards for easiest starting, and fuel pick-up and tank mounting as well as carb pushrod simplicity.

I instructed him on how to build and finish on this ship and he was taking to it very well. We selected scale-like wheels and tires, spinners and details on the airframe from the 40 inch Guillows kit, as well as the decals. He put together a good Scale Documentation booklet and we were off to the contest.

He was top Jr. each time, second time he was 12 and much more competitive finishing third in the Unlimited class against Keith Trostle and Charlie Reeves four engined Bear and twin engined Vought Flying Flap Jack respective enteries.

Chris...