Is it better to build up the wooden body to convert it to electric or buy the Fiberglass Monarch E body with the Chrysalis kit?

Which would be the lighter combo, do you give up strenght for weight in the glass fuse? Will the built up wings fit the glass fuse?

From : Don Stackhouse

Bill, the wing of the Chrysalis has more area than the Monarch, and the root chord is also greater. The airfoils are also different, although the wing saddle design on the Monarch 'E' could accomodate that. Because of the chord difference, though, it would be very difficult to fit the Chrysalis wing to that fuselage.

A bigger problem area is the tail. The greater area and mean aerodynamic chord of the Chrysalis wing means the tail design is quite a bit different, both in areas and in moment arms. This would require quite a bit of aerodynamic redesign and experimental tuning. The balance between static and dynamic stability would also be permanently altered. It may be possible to end up with an acceptable model after a lot of work and testing, but you're looking at a lot of work and risk.

Assuming you went ahead with altering the 'E' fuselage, the larger tail required would change the loads on the tailboom, which might open a whole new can of worms!

I think you've probably already figured out my recommendation, the 'E' and the Chrysalis are both good models, but mixing and matching parts from each is risky. I think your best bet is to alter the wood fuselage that comes with the Chrysalis kit. The glass fuselage from the 'E' would be lighter, but it is not suited to the Chrysalis wing. It would be better to build the wood fuselage, fly a lot, have some fun, and save your money to buy an electric version of the Monarch 'D' or Wizard ( the 'E' fuselage is available with either of those wing and tail combinations) when you're ready.

Don Stackhouse @ DJ Aerotech