The G-202 came packaged very well, except for the canopy which had some crazing marks on it from where it had been rubbing on cardboard during shipment. Midwest replaced the canopy with no questions asked. The inventory was complete with no parts missing.

The airframe was constructed according to the the plans, with a few modifications. The wing built easily and true. The fuselage also builds quickly and has interlocking parts for accurate alignment.

The fuselage was modified to move the landing gear forward approximately one inch. This plane is flown off a dirt runway and it was felt that it would be less susceptible to nosing over when running into some soft dirt. The two piece aluminum landing gear provided was unacceptable. This was replaced with a composite unit from R/C America. Although claimed to be lighter and stronger than the original, this landing gear proved to be totally unacceptable. The stock tail wheel assembly was replaced with one made by Ohio Super Star Products on the belief that the assembly provided with the kit was not strong enough for this size airplane.

A cockpit floor was added which provided a more finished look to the model's interior. A fuel tank support structure was installed to contain the 20 oz. tank in the rather large interior of the fuselage. This allows the tank to be located over the CG. However, continual problems with the fuel delivery system required that the tank be moved back to a conventional position behind the firewall and that muffler pressure be used. The ABS cowling and wheel pants were replaced with fiberglass parts from Fiberglass Specialties. These parts prepped up very well and provide the strength for hundreds of flights without cracking, unlike the ABS parts.

The entire tail group was replaced with foam/balsa parts because some people had complained about weakness with the built-up parts. One of the best adhesives for laminating the balsa covering to the foam is Elmers ProBond Urethane. This one-part adhesive penetrates both the foam and balsa during curing due to a foaming action. Great Planes CA hinges were used for all control surfaces.

A Moki 1.20 with a Bisson G-202 muffler and a Zinger 16 x 8 prop was chosen power the G-202. Later, a Menz Ultra prop would be substituted after the engine was broken in. The engine fit perfectly in the cowl with no modifications. B&B standoffs designed for the Zenoah G-23 were used to properly position the engine. To provide ample cooling for the hot Arizona summers, a cowl duct was fabricated to direct airflow over the cylinder. The air exit openings are per the plans.

A Cline regulator was installed first, but the Moki was starving for fuel. Others modelers have also had this problem with the Cline on the larger engines. Next, a Perry VP-30 pump was installed to provide consistent fuel pressure. Continual problems with fuel delivery system required tha the tank be moved forward and only muffler pressure be used. The VP-30 may be a usable system once the bugs are worked out but at the moment, it seems better to keep the fuel system simple.

An 1100 mah battery pack was used with two leads and two switch harnesses. A JR 649S SPCM receiver was used. The servos used were Hitec 545s for ailerons and elevators, a miniature Hitec HS-60 for throttle, and a JR 4721 for rudder. The antenna was routed inside the fuselage through a length of plastic tubing, keeping the antenna wire on the opposite side of the fuselage from the servo extension wires. Cermark 22 awg servo extensions were used throughout. A YNT Design BC-6 Flight Monitor was also installed under the cockpit to monitor the flight pack condition. The LEDs from the BC-6 are visible through a slot in the cockpit floor just ahead of the main instrument panel.

The G-202 was finished with Ultracoat and Ultrapaint in Midnight Blue, White, and Bright Yellow, with red pin striping. The striping was cut using the Monokote trim cutting machine which worked very well. Model Graphics decals were applied according to the directions. These proved to be a worthy addition and really provides a finishing touch. The Ultrapaint went on well with no tendencies to run and had good cover properties. The color match left something to be desired. Goldberg Models was contacted regarding the color match problem, but no response was received. Unfortunately, a small amount of glow fuel was spilled on the blue paint, and it immediately started dissolving the paint making it sticky and dull in appearance. This paint is supposed to be fuel proof to 15%, yet with only 5% nitro and having let it dry for over a week, it failed the fuel proof test. A topcoat of clear polyurethane was applied over all the paint to protect if from the fuel.

A Hangar 9 quarter-scale civilian pilot figure was installed. This figure was too large to fit in the cockpit so it was modified by removing the lower two thirds of the body, fitting a piece of 1/16" balsa and attaching it with Elmer's Probond urethane adhesive. Once cured, cotton batting was stuffed back in to hold the pilot's shape. The optional Midwest instrument panels were also installed. Canopy was attached by applying a 1/4" strip of matching Ultracote around the perimeter.

The Giles balanced per the plans without having to add weight. The 5-cell battery pack was mounted directly behind the firewall box to get it to balance. The final weight was 12 1/2 pounds. An effort was made to build it as light as possible, but no specific modifications were made to lighten the airframe.

Many people have crashed the G-202s due to excessive elevator throws and subsequent high-speed stalls or snaps. Soft pulls are required on the elevator until experience is gained with this plane. This is not particular to the G-202 but applies to all high-performance aircraft. All throws were set per Midwest's suggestions for low and high rate.

The G-202 flew right off the board with only minor trim adjustments. The first flight was cut short when the engine would not provide full power. It was decided to not further risk the plane until the engine problems were corrected. The second and third flights went well. The plane tracks well and has a high roll rate. The aileron travel was reduced for easier handling.

The R/C America Super Gear proved to be totally unacceptable. On landing after the third flight, the gear delaminated. This high priced replacement composite landing gear proved to be too weak for this application. It has "built-in" camber and toe-in which gives it a very unrealistic look. It is not appreciably lighter and definitely not as strong as aluminum gear. This product should be taken off the market.