hi Phil
i remember your write up very well...
loosing a tail can definitely alter your perspective .....
i,d like to try it again (one day) so it,s definitely on the "things to try" list ...i have one eBay bike motor that might be a candidate ...and some extra props ..
copying a basic Proven layout (as you suggested i recall ) ....would be an interesting jump off point ....(the coning furling bit ) ...erm.. ....another downwind problem to think about ....maybe in a small machine electronic braking might work a bit ...ish ..very ish
the alt could be on a drive shaft then ...with a "bruiser" size hub bearing dealing with the prop ....interesting to think about ....
the "wish list" just got a bit longer