Folks, I've just noticed a problem that I had not checked on before. As I hold the model in my hand, it feels heavier than it should. Now, I know I'm a bit heavy-handed when it comes to some of my building projects,
but I've never noticed it as overtly on other models as it is with Andromeda. I also took a look at the balance point for the simulated design, and found the CG should be right at the front tip of the main fins. When I hold the actual model, the balance point is a good 3.5" south of that location.
The model has the paper-laminate-skin on the fins, and this may be the culprit. I would not have thought the CG would be pulled that far back, though, just from doing this.
Now, according to RockSim this is still north of the CP, but this is in the empty mode -- no motor inserted. I may wind up having to add some nose weight to get the model to fly, and that's going to degrade the performance even more.
This means a second prototype will absolutely have to be built, and the weights will have to be monitored closely. I'm going to balance this model at the "dry" location prior to first flight. That will at least remove one issue from the stack...